
Forum discusses strategic foresight culture amid economic, technological transformations
Muscat: The "Future Foresight Forum" kicked off on Monday at Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), discussing strategic foresight culture in light of economic and technological transformations.
The three-day event is organised by the Global Development Academy for Training and the Al-Marji' Academy for Consultancy and Administrative Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and the OCCI.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Eng. Hamoud Salim Al-Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of the OCCI Board of Directors and Chairman of the Chamber's branch in South Al Batinah Governorate, with the participation of several specialists and speakers from eight countries.
The forum examined the role of institutions in developing effective strategies by fostering a culture of strategic foresight, empowering national competencies, and enhancing business readiness to address rapid economic and technological shifts. The event aims to strengthen the business environment, stimulate innovation, attract investments, and build effective public-private partnerships.
Abdullah Mohammed Al-Saidi, CEO of the Global Development Academy for Training, emphasised that rapid technological and economic developments require a shift from reactive to proactive approaches, adopting an institutional framework based on analysis, innovation, and strategic decision-making.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdulsalam Yahya, an economic expert at the OCCI discussed Oman's economic outlook amid global economic and geopolitical fluctuations. He highlighted that effectively navigating these changes demands long-term strategic vision and continuous updates to economic policies to ensure resilience and adaptability to regional and global developments.
The first day of the forum featured specialised panel discussions on key themes, including economic trends amid geopolitical shifts, artificial intelligence as a tool for future foresight, institutional governance, and the digital economy.
On its second day, the forum will explore leveraging technology to enhance institutional effectiveness and drive innovation, the role of foresight leadership in shaping economic development pathways, and Oman Vision 2040 in future foresight processes. The final day will address strategies for building a digital economy, foresight horizons and leadership dialogue.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Muscat Daily
5 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
OCCI panel flags energy costs as key threat to manufacturing
Muscat – The Industry Committee of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) held a meeting recently to discuss the impact of rising electricity and gas prices on manufacturing costs and competitiveness of Omani products. The meeting was chaired by Tawfiq al Lawati, Chairman of the committee, and attended by committee members and officials of relevant government bodies. Participants stressed that electricity and gas are among the most significant operational costs for factories. They cautioned that high tariffs drive up the final cost of products, reduce profit margins, and weaken the sector's ability to compete regionally and globally. 'The industrial sector is a key pillar of economic diversification. Any increase in electricity or gas prices directly affects its competitiveness and long-term sustainability,' Lawati said. The committee also warned that persistently high energy costs could undermine Oman's attractiveness as a destination for industrial investment, especially in energy-intensive sectors such as metals, petrochemicals and cement. Members called for greater support for renewable energy adoption, including financing mechanisms and tax incentives, which they said could help lower production costs and promote sustainability throughout the industrial value chain. The meeting reviewed the broader industrial landscape, including proposed reforms and incentives in special economic and free zones.


Muscat Daily
6 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman Air joins Oneworld alliance, expands reach and benefits
Muscat – In a strategic move set to boost inbound tourism, Oman Air has officially joined the Oneworld alliance, becoming its 15th full member. Its inclusion in one of the world's most prestigious airline networks positions Oman as a more connected and accessible destination than ever before, opening new travel corridors to and from over 900 destinations across 170 countries. This milestone follows more than two years of integration efforts and is expected to drive tourism, economic growth and global recognition for the sultanate. Speaking during a breakfast meeting at W Hotel on Monday, Con Korfiatis, CEO of the airline, said, 'Oman Air is honoured to be joining the Oneworld alliance. We are thrilled to welcome Oneworld customers to experience Oman's rich culture, mountain adventures, serene beaches and heartfelt hospitality. For Oman-based travellers, this opens up a world of seamless global journeys.' As a full member, Oman Air's top-tier guests will now enjoy access to nearly 700 business lounges worldwide, including newly opened Oneworld-branded lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol and Seoul Incheon. Guests will also benefit from priority check-in, boarding, mileage earning and redemption, and full status recognition across the alliance. Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air The move is set to attract more visitors from key long-haul markets such as the United States, Japan and Australia, offering them smoother travel to Oman through partner airlines. Welcoming the development, Nat Pieper, CEO of Oneworld, said, 'Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning service to our network. This partnership enhances our connectivity across the Gulf and South Asia, and strengthens our position as the alliance of choice for international travellers. With Oneworld membership, Oman Air not only enhances its service portfolio but also places the sultanate firmly on the global travel map as a must-visit destination.' The announcement comes as Oman Air expands its global footprint, with new direct flights from Muscat to Amsterdam launching on July 1, and a double daily Muscat–London service starting in October. Oman Air currently operates flights to 42 destinations in 22 countries, and this partnership significantly increases its reach.


Muscat Daily
7 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
OCCI's franchise programme to take 25 Omani brands global
Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has launched the fourth edition of its Franchise Programme aimed at assisting 25 Omani brands through training, consultancy and field support. The programme is part of the chamber's wider strategy to develop national brands and enhance their competitiveness in local and international markets. Speaking at the launch, Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, said the programme focuses on building sustainable business models based on global best practices. 'This programme underscores our commitment to enhancing the value of Omani products and creating a supportive environment for business growth and international competitiveness,' he stated. Rawas urged local business owners to take advantage of programme, which he described as a key opportunity for companies seeking to scale and enter the international franchise ecosystem. Humood bin Salim al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of OCCI and Head of Central Franchise Committee, said the programme responds to growing demand for scalable and innovative business models. He noted that selected brands will receive targeted guidance to support their transition into franchising. In a move to enhance regional collaboration, OCCI signed a memorandum of cooperation with Federation of Saudi Chambers during the launch event. As part of the agreement, the first Oman-Saudi Franchise Exhibition will be held from September 29 to October 2, 2025. The event aims to create a platform for investment, promote Omani and Saudi brands, and encourage cross-border partnerships. OCCI also signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE Association of Franchise & Trademarks (TAGMOA) for collaborations in exhibitions, conferences, training, marketing and knowledge exchange. The agreements are expected to strengthen Oman's franchise sector and expand the presence of Omani brands in regional and global markets.