
Procurement and facilities management: Strategic tools for institutional efficiency
Al Masrouri, who has led transformative initiatives in facilities and procurement operations, argues that a new mindset is urgently needed: 'Facilities management is the invisible hand that keeps institutions functioning. Procurement, meanwhile, is the economic artery that ensures continuity and value.' According to him, when both functions are aligned and managed strategically, institutions unlock real, measurable performance gains.
He pointed out that despite growing awareness, key challenges persist. Among them: outdated perceptions of the role of support services, fragmented processes between operations and procurement units, a lag in digital integration, and a shortage of professionally trained local talent. 'Too often, these departments are seen as administrative overheads,' he noted, 'when in fact they are central to long-term institutional sustainability.'
Al Masrouri emphasised that Oman is equipped with the infrastructure and ambition to modernise these domains — but success depends on shifting organisational cultures. 'Digital tools like CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) and ERP systems are only effective when embedded within a forward-looking governance model that empowers decision-makers on the ground.'
On the procurement front, he outlined three essential priorities for modernisation:
• Full automation of workflows to ensure transparency and reduce delays,
• Clear policies for fair competition and value-for-money contracting,
• A national supplier database that tracks performance and supports strategic sourcing.
He also stressed the need for performance-based contracts and cost–benefit analyses to become standard practices in both public and private entities. 'The system should reward results, not just compliance,' he added.
As for Omani talent, Al Masrouri is confident in the capabilities of the next generation but called for more applied training, international certification pathways (such as CIPS and IFMA), and clear professional tracks for career progression. 'This is a sector where hands-on problem-solving is just as important as academic qualifications.'
He concluded with a call to action: 'Leaders in both government and private institutions must revisit how they perceive these functions. Investing in procurement and facilities management is not an expense — it is an investment in operational resilience, public value, and national development.'
As Oman advances its Vision 2040 priorities, institutional effectiveness and sustainability will remain high on the national agenda. And as experts like Al Masrouri remind us, strategic efficiency often begins with the functions we least see — but most depend on.

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


Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
First coffee farm opens in Jabal ShamsFirst coffee farm opens in Jabal Shams
MUSCAT: In a strategic move to develop high — altitude agriculture and expand Oman's specialty crop portfolio, Coffee Farm Company, led by founder and CEO Said al Wardi, has launched a commercial coffee cultivation project in Jabal Shams. The initiative aims to plant 6,000 coffee seedlings by 2027, positioning Oman as a potential producer of high-quality Arabica coffee. The project began with the planting of 300 seedlings of the Yemeni Udaini variety, one of the world's oldest and most prized Arabica strains. The number is expected to rise to 5,000 seedlings in 2026 and reach 6,000 the following year. The crop is being cultivated at elevations considered critical for specialty-grade coffee, with Jabal Shams offering the right combination of altitude, temperature and humidity. 'The climate in Oman's highlands is more suitable for coffee than many people realise', said Al Wardi. 'This isn't about hobby farming, it's a serious agricultural and economic opportunity aligned with national goals'. The project is among the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman. While coffee is not native to Oman, the country's mountainous regions, especially in Al Dakhiliyah and Dhofar — have shown promising results in experimental cultivation. One of the early challenges faced by the company was acquiring viable coffee seedlings. 'Most countries classify coffee as a strategic crop and restrict seed exports', Al Wardi explained. 'We overcame this by propagating seedlings locally in Salalah and Bahla'. To ensure sustainable expansion, the company has partnered with Nakheel Oman Development Company and the Agricultural Research Centre in Qummah, which are supporting the development of tissue-cultured plants to scale the operation. In parallel, Coffee Farm Company is investing in agri-tourism infrastructure. Plans are underway to establish a coffee visitor experience site in Jabal Shams, where tourists will be able to tour the plantations, participate in harvest activities and visit a Coffee Museum located near the popular viewpoint Shurfat Al Nakhr. 'This initiative is not just about agriculture. It's about integrating farming, tourism and heritage into one value chain', Al Wardi said. The company will market its coffee under the name Bunn Al Madar, inspired by the traditional clay dallah used for brewing coffee in Oman. The brand already produces roasted beans and capsules; and aims to build a strong 'Made in Oman' identity. The project supports Oman Vision 2040 objectives, which prioritise agricultural innovation, economic diversification and the development of non-oil sectors, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. 'This is just the beginning', Al Wardi said. 'With the right support and continued experimentation, Omani coffee can become a recognised name in the regional and global market'.


Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
SafaQat secures investment to scale digital procurement
MUSCAT: The Omani digital procurement platform SafaQat — meaning 'Deals' — has successfully closed a funding round with Future Fund Oman and Idrak Group, signalling growing investor confidence in homegrown tech ventures that support the Sultanate of Oman's digital economy goals. Supervised by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada), SafaQat is a pioneering venture launched by four brothers — Majed, Sulaiman, Ibrahim and Al Moatasem al Saifi — from the Wilayat of Nizwa. The idea for the platform was born during the Covid-19 lockdowns, initially inspired by the simple act of exchanging quotations through messaging apps, which revealed market readiness for a streamlined digital solution. The brothers used their combined expertise, particularly in tendering, to develop a comprehensive and competitive digital platform. Each of them managed a core function based on their respective specialisations, contributing to the project's structured growth. According to co-founder Al Moatasem, SafaQat faced several early-stage hurdles, notably in building market trust and shifting user behaviour. However, the team tackled these through adaptive development, user feedback and by demonstrating the platform's flexibility and value to institutions. Al Moatasem described the investment from Future Fund Oman and Idrak Group as a strategic milestone, saying the support goes beyond financial backing. 'These partners believe in the vision of investing in Oman's future economy and in empowering Omani youth', he said. The new capital will be used to enhance SafaQat's technical infrastructure, improve the user experience, recruit local talent, expand services to the public sector and support regional and international expansion. To date, SafaQat has recorded 2,486 users, 1,260 tenders and procurement opportunities; and 2,784 registered suppliers and companies, reflecting its fast-growing presence in Oman's digital procurement landscape. The platform has earned multiple accolades, including second place in the Omani Startup Accelerator's live pitch, recognition as the Best Growing Company and top rankings among Omani e-commerce stores. It also won in the Jadarah 2024 initiative. SafaQat has represented Oman at major regional and global events such as Comex 2024, Biban 24 in Riyadh, the Web Summit in Doha; and LEAP 25 in Saudi Arabia, further reinforcing its position as a key national tech player. Built with smart tools such as real-time dashboards, bidding algorithms and automated alerts, the platform is currently working on AI-based bid analysis and price forecasting tools, aligning with Oman's digital transformation objectives. Beyond business, SafaQat has launched social initiatives to train jobseekers as sales representatives through online practical courses, helping create self-employment pathways. It also offers free registration, technical support and awareness programmes for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contributing to a more inclusive digital economy. — ONA


Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
TES eyes electric natural gas production in OmanTES eyes electric natural gas production in Oman
MUSCAT: Global clean energy specialist Tree Energy Solutions (TES) is actively exploring investment opportunities in large-scale production of renewable natural gas — also known as electric natural gas (e-NG) — in Oman. The initiative aims to support the country's energy transition while also creating an export platform for carbon-neutral fuels targeting international markets. TES CEO and Co-founder Marco Alverà recently visited Oman for high-level discussions with senior executives from key energy stakeholders engaged in advancing the Sultanate of Oman's green hydrogen ambitions and broader decarbonisation strategies. The visit marks the latest in a series of engagements between TES and Omani entities, viewed as potential long-term partners in the company's efforts to expand its global footprint into the Middle East. Headquartered in the Netherlands, TES is a pioneer in the production of e-NG — a synthetic methane derived by combining green hydrogen with biogenic or recycled CO₂. This carbon-neutral gas can be transported using existing natural gas infrastructure from pipelines to LNG vessels, offering a scalable clean-energy alternative to fossil natural gas. 'We had productive discussions on how e-NG can support both Oman's domestic decarbonisation goals and its ambitions to export clean fuels—especially to Europe and Asia, where demand is growing', said Marco Alverà. 'Oman has a very ambitious green fuels strategy supported by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, OQ Group (eg OQAE, OQGN) and Energy Development Oman (EDO) through Hydrom. At TES, we view Oman as a uniquely positioned country to lead in the global green gas trade, thanks to its world-class solar and wind resources and robust gas infrastructure', he noted. In mid-2024, TES signed a Joint Study Agreement with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) — the clean energy arm of OQ Group — to assess the feasibility of establishing an e-NG facility in Oman. 'This is a fundamental approach in the way we assess our global opportunities. It is a necessary step that could pave the way for TES to invest in green e-NG production in Oman', said Alverà. 'By adding CO₂ to green hydrogen, you get a green product — e-NG — that behaves just like fossil natural gas but with a fraction of the emissions. What's more, it can be distributed through the current infrastructure with little or no modification, making the energy transition more cost-effective', he said. 'Launching a few e-NG projects here would be like unlocking new gas reserves — millions of barrels of oil equivalent'. TES' modular e-NG production approach combines electrolysers, methanisers and balance-of-plant systems, enabling efficient, scalable green gas generation which is being implemented across the most promising e-NG locations. TES is further supporting this in Germany, where it is developing a giga-scale import terminal at the Wilhelmshaven Green Energy Hub that will serve Germany and Europe with e-NG produced worldwide. TES is a founding member of the e-NG Coalition, alongside TotalEnergies, Engie, Sempra Infrastructure, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas and Toho Gas which aims to accelerate global e-NG adoption. Oman stands out as a priority destination. 'Beyond its transparent regulatory framework and existing infrastructure, Oman enjoys strong geopolitical positioning and is a trusted partner—qualities that matter immensely to markets like Japan', said Alverà. CONRAD PRABHU MUSCAT, JULY 23 Global clean energy specialist Tree Energy Solutions (TES) is actively exploring investment opportunities in large-scale production of renewable natural gas — also known as electric natural gas (e-NG) — in Oman. The initiative aims to support the country's energy transition while also creating an export platform for carbon-neutral fuels targeting international markets. TES CEO and Co-founder Marco Alverà recently visited Oman for high-level discussions with senior executives from key energy stakeholders engaged in advancing the Sultanate of Oman's green hydrogen ambitions and broader decarbonisation strategies. The visit marks the latest in a series of engagements between TES and Omani entities, viewed as potential long-term partners in the company's efforts to expand its global footprint into the Middle East. Headquartered in the Netherlands, TES is a pioneer in the production of e-NG — a synthetic methane derived by combining green hydrogen with biogenic or recycled CO₂. This carbon-neutral gas can be transported using existing natural gas infrastructure from pipelines to LNG vessels, offering a scalable clean-energy alternative to fossil natural gas. 'We had productive discussions on how e-NG can support both Oman's domestic decarbonisation goals and its ambitions to export clean fuels—especially to Europe and Asia, where demand is growing', said Marco Alverà. 'Oman has a very ambitious green fuels strategy supported by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, OQ Group (eg OQAE, OQGN) and Energy Development Oman (EDO) through Hydrom. At TES, we view Oman as a uniquely positioned country to lead in the global green gas trade, thanks to its world-class solar and wind resources and robust gas infrastructure', he noted. In mid-2024, TES signed a Joint Study Agreement with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) — the clean energy arm of OQ Group — to assess the feasibility of establishing an e-NG facility in Oman. 'This is a fundamental approach in the way we assess our global opportunities. It is a necessary step that could pave the way for TES to invest in green e-NG production in Oman', said Alverà. 'By adding CO₂ to green hydrogen, you get a green product — e-NG — that behaves just like fossil natural gas but with a fraction of the emissions. What's more, it can be distributed through the current infrastructure with little or no modification, making the energy transition more cost-effective', he said. 'Launching a few e-NG projects here would be like unlocking new gas reserves — millions of barrels of oil equivalent'. TES' modular e-NG production approach combines electrolysers, methanisers and balance-of-plant systems, enabling efficient, scalable green gas generation which is being implemented across the most promising e-NG locations. TES is further supporting this in Germany, where it is developing a giga-scale import terminal at the Wilhelmshaven Green Energy Hub that will serve Germany and Europe with e-NG produced worldwide. TES is a founding member of the e-NG Coalition, alongside TotalEnergies, Engie, Sempra Infrastructure, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas and Toho Gas which aims to accelerate global e-NG adoption. Oman stands out as a priority destination. 'Beyond its transparent regulatory framework and existing infrastructure, Oman enjoys strong geopolitical positioning and is a trusted partner—qualities that matter immensely to markets like Japan', said Alverà.