A CEO's bold vision for innovation across sectors
'Leadership, to me, has always been about purpose, not position,' says Hilal al Sinani, CEO and Founder of Sur International Investment Group, as he reflects on a journey that has seen him build one of Oman's most dynamic and diversified enterprises.
Al Sinani's philosophy is more than a slogan — it has shaped his company's growth across sectors as varied as marine services, electric vehicles (EVs), manufacturing and esports. From humble beginnings in marine technology to leading multi-sector innovation, his path has been defined by clarity of vision, resilience and a drive to empower others.
In an interview with Oman Observer, Al Sinani shared how his desire to solve real-world problems and create opportunities for Omanis inspired the launch of Sur International Investment Group.
'I started with a vision to bridge industry gaps — first in marine technology and then in sectors like EVs and digital gaming. I wanted to build something that created value across multiple fronts — economic, social and technological.'
One of the group's earliest milestones was the establishment of Marine Technology Co, which has grown into a trusted name in Oman's maritime sector.
The recent award of a three-year Single Point Mooring (SPM) maintenance contract marks a major achievement for the company. 'It's a strong endorsement of our operational capability and reliability,' Al Sinani noted.
Expanding into the electric vehicle space, Al Sinani has led the company in forging strategic partnerships with international firms in clean mobility.
'We are aligning ourselves with globally recognised names to introduce electric vehicle solutions that support Oman's energy transition,' he said.
'This isn't just about being in the EV business — it's about contributing to the nation's sustainability and industrial development.'
Most recently, Al Sinani launched Nova Esports, a new platform under the Sur International umbrella, aimed at developing local talent in the global gaming ecosystem.
'Esports is not just entertainment — it's a fast-growing digital industry,' he explained. 'With Nova, we're giving young Omanis a chance to compete globally and build careers in the digital economy.'
'These achievements represent more than business success — they reflect our ability to adapt, lead change and invest in the future,' he said.
But the path hasn't been without its trials.
'In the beginning, securing capital and winning trust in new industries was a real challenge,' Al Sinani recalled. 'We overcame this by being consistent, transparent and delivering results. Over time, trust followed.'
Managing growth without sacrificing quality has also been key.
'Fast expansion can stretch a business thin, but we tackled that through strong internal systems and by empowering our teams to take initiative and ownership,' he said.
Among his proudest moments, Al Sinani cites the group's move towards international marine certification and its high-level partnerships in the EV sector.
'But what truly matters to me is impact — when our platforms lead to job creation, skill-building and genuine opportunities for others, that's when I feel we've succeeded.'
Central to Sur International Investment Group's growth is a strong organisational culture built on trust and innovation.
'Culture starts at the top,' Al Sinani emphasised. 'I believe in leading by example, promoting integrity and supporting a team that's empowered to think big and act boldly.'
Looking ahead, Al Sinani sees Sur International Investment Group playing a transformative role in Oman and beyond.
'Whether in marine services, clean energy mobility, or digital platforms like esports, our ambition is to scale responsibly, build lasting partnerships and contribute to Oman Vision 2040 and youth development.'
To future leaders, his message is clear: 'Stay grounded, be driven by purpose and never stop learning. Relationships, resilience and integrity will always matter more than the title on your door.'
Despite overseeing a growing portfolio, Al Sinani is intentional about maintaining balance. 'It's a continuous process,' he said. 'I focus on wellness, time with family and trusting my leadership team. A well-balanced life makes for more effective leadership.'
From the docks to the digital realm, Hilal al Sinani's story is a testament to Omani ambition — purposeful, forward-looking and deeply rooted in impact.
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