Latest news with #AlHinai
Observer
14-07-2025
- General
- Observer
Takaful programme a commitment to youth empowerment
Suhar, July 14 More than 50 well-trained volunteers from the Takaful Sohar Charity Team have conducted the sixth edition of the community-based youth programme in Suhar. The initiative, which runs for three weeks, reflects the team's commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable community development. This year's programme brings together about 64 participants, engaging them in a carefully designed schedule that nurtures personal growth, entrepreneurial thinking and career exploration. Each week of the programme focuses on a specific theme. The first week, under the title 'Rakeeza', was dedicated to personality development and confidence building. The second week, titled 'Challenge of Wealth', was introducing youth to entrepreneurship and financial planning. The third week, titled "Majors and Future Aspirations', focused on helping participants discover their academic and career interests. According to Ma'an al Hinai, the programme supervisor, all volunteers underwent a series of nine specialised workshops before the programme began. These sessions covered key skills and knowledge areas, ensuring that every volunteer was fully prepared to guide and support the youth throughout the programme. 'This preparation is essential,' said Al Hinai. 'We believe that investing in our volunteers is the first step to creating a meaningful and impactful experience for the participants.' The broader goal of the programme is to reshape how youth spend their free time by providing them with interactive, skill-building experiences that help shape their future. At the same time, the initiative reflects the team's larger mission of delivering sustainable development projects that contribute to a more productive, generous and happy society. Amal al Maqbali, a mother of one of the participants, commented, 'This programme has a positive impact on our children where they realised that their mission is to support and lead the change in the community. In fact, the programme helps to widen their horizons and prepare them for future careers with responsible personalities.' Through the dedication of its volunteers and its focus on real-world skills, Summer of Takaful was a good model of community-driven youth engagement and empowerment and that can be easily seen through the large participation from the community individuals.
Observer
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Al Hinai Coding Initiative powers digital future
MUSCAT: The Al Hinai Coding Initiative, spearheaded by tech educator Mohammed al Hinai, is igniting a passion for programming among children across Oman. With more than 5,000 trainees and an inclusive approach that reaches even the remotest corners of the country, the initiative is fast becoming a national model for creative and impactful tech education. A pioneering developer of educational programmes since 2006, Al Hinai was inspired by the BBC micro:bit initiative launched in 2015, which aimed to introduce coding to over one million children globally. Building on this vision, he crafted an entirely homegrown curriculum tailored to Oman's youth — an approach that emphasises learning through real-world challenges and hands-on application. 'What makes this initiative truly special,' says Al Hinai, 'is that it's built entirely from the ground up. The curriculum, activities and learning paths are all designed to make programming fun, accessible and deeply impactful. Programming becomes a form of expression, not just a technical skill.' What sets the Al Hinai Coding Initiative apart is its custom-designed educational framework, incorporating original programmes, structured learning activities and a progressive methodology that ensures children not only understand coding concepts, but also apply them creatively. These workshops are offered free of charge through Al Hinai's mobile coding lab, a travelling classroom that has reached students from Musandam to Salalah. Feedback from teachers and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the initiative's ability to keep children engaged in meaningful learning and laying a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits in science and technology. Al Hinai has also taken on the BBC's advanced 28-station programming challenge, placing him among the few Arab educators globally to tackle this prestigious benchmark. His educational contributions have even earned global recognition — the official BBC micro:bit website featured his original explanation of dice programming, showcasing his credibility and innovative teaching approach to a global audience. 'As we move into the summer,' Al Hinai adds, 'we're expanding our reach with intensive workshops across new regions. Advanced sessions are also planned for returning students to deepen their skills and foster a long-term relationship with technology.' The Al Hinai Coding Initiative is not just teaching children how to code — it's preparing them to lead Oman's digital future.
Observer
22-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
‘Muharrik' platform to drive digital education
MUSCAT: The 'Muharrik' platform represents an entrepreneurial initiative that leverages augmented reality (AR) technologies for digital learning, offering innovative educational solutions based on interactive 3D models that have significantly improved students' academic performance. Ziyad bin Salim al Hinai said that the idea for the platform emerged during his studies in the United States, where he faced several academic and personal challenges. However, these challenges helped refine his entrepreneurial skills and avoid future mistakes. He noted that the platform originated from a personal desire to enhance digital learning tools and provide an engaging educational environment. He added that this challenge motivated him to seek innovative educational solutions, ultimately leading to the adoption of augmented reality technology. AR enables the transformation of abstract information into interactive 3D models, simplifying comprehension and stimulating learning. Al Hinai explained that AR technology allows complex concepts to be presented in a visual, three-dimensional format, accelerating understanding and retention. The platform has expanded its use of AR into other fields, such as museums, engineering and healthcare, collaborating with international companies to train medical personnel. He pointed out that the platform's trials have demonstrated a tangible impact on improving education. An experiment involving early-grade students using fourth-grade tailored content showed a 54-per cent improvement in academic achievement, confirming the technology's effectiveness in simplifying scientific concepts and making them more engaging. Al Hinai emphasised that the support provided by Oman Technology Fund was pivotal, not only financially but also through training workshops and knowledge mentoring, which enhanced the team's entrepreneurial capabilities and helped turn the idea into a viable and sustainable project. He added that 'Muharrik' is currently finalising a direct partnership with the Ministry of Education to promote the use of AR technology in schools. The platform also aims to expand into Arab and global markets by exporting digital educational content rather than importing it. Notably, the platform has received international awards and recognition from the Unicef and the Generation Unlimited initiative, marking a turning point in the company's trajectory and boosting the team's confidence to grow further. This recognition also helped attract its first investor, the Oman Technology Fund. - ONA
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
No plans to phase out subsidies by year-end: APSR
Muscat: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has confirmed that what has been circulated about its plan to completely lift subsidies before the end of 2025 is false. Speaking on the 'Economic Forum' programme on Oman Radio, Dr Mansoor bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman of the authority, reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining current support mechanisms while simultaneously working to enhance sector efficiency. 'There is no intention to fully remove subsidies until the end of 2025,' Al Hinai confirmed. According to the APSR Chairman, the authority is currently working within regulatory frameworks alongside all licensed companies to reduce costs, improve system efficiency, and introduce alternative energy sources. Al Hinai said that efforts are underway, and focus has been made on boosting service quality and cost-effectiveness. Through service-level assurance standards, we will guarantee a consistent level of service for every electricity subscriber. We have already begun trial phases in the water sector, in coordination with licensed operators,' he added. In his statement, al Hinai said companies that failed to meet the service-level assurance standards will be entitled to pay compensation directly to its customers. "The Authority announced last year that electricity firms are directly responsible for granting compensation to their customers if they failed to meet the service-level requirements set by the Authority", he pointed out. Al Hinai said compensations paid last year stood at around RO 60,00 following failure by some companies to provide the service-level required.
Observer
16-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
CEO TALK: Transforming leadership: The power of cultural shift
MUSCAT: Cultural transformation is one of the most powerful drivers of business success, and Mohammed al Hinai, CEO of Marsh McLennan Oman, has made it a cornerstone of his leadership. Since taking the helm in 2021, he has led a fundamental shift from a complacent mindset to a proactive, client-focused culture—an approach that has fueled double-digit growth for three consecutive years. In an interview with Oman Observer, Al Hinai shared how this transformation, alongside strategic talent development and a commitment to continuous learning, has shaped both his leadership and the company's trajectory. Al Hinai's leadership journey is one marked by continuous learning and strategic reinvention. From investment analysis in the oil and gas sector to managing mega projects with Rio Tinto Alcan in Montreal, and later completing an Executive MBA at INSEAD, he has cultivated a broad perspective on leadership. His participation in the prestigious National CEO Programme further refined his approach, allowing him to collaborate with top Omani executives and gain global insights from London and Sweden. REBUILDING ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE Reflecting on his impact, Al Hinai identified the cultural transformation as a defining milestone. 'When I joined in 2021, I recognised that there was a sense of complacency that needed to be addressed. We had to shift the mindset towards proactive client service and continuous improvement,' he said. This cultural overhaul not only improved service delivery but also translated into sustained business growth. A key element of this transformation was prioritising a consultative approach over a purely transactional one. 'We moved beyond just providing insurance solutions—we embedded ourselves in our clients' journeys, ensuring that risk management became an integral part of their business strategy,' Al Hinai explained. A major focus was enhancing claims management, reinforcing the company's role as a trusted advisor rather than just a service provider. INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS Beyond client relations, Al Hinai's leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in talent development. Under his direction, Marsh McLennan Oman launched a Graduate Development Programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. 'Investing in young talent is one of the most impactful things we can do as leaders. We created an 18-month programme to bring in top graduates and equip them with the skills to drive our business forward,' he shared. This focus on talent development extends beyond his current role. During his time at OQ and Oman Oil, Al Hinai ensured that young analysts and fresh graduates were given leadership opportunities early in their careers. 'I made it a point to push young professionals into high-stakes environments—getting them to lead presentations and manage key projects. Today, many of them are running major departments, and that, to me, is a legacy worth building,' he said. OVERCOMING RESISTANCE TO CHANGE The journey of transformation, however, was not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was shifting entrenched mindsets resistant to change. 'There is always hesitation when you try to disrupt the status quo. But by promoting accountability, curiosity, and adaptability, we gradually built a culture where innovation and service excellence became the norm,' he noted. For aspiring CEOs, Al Hinai's advice is clear: embrace discomfort and seek diverse experiences. 'Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Take on roles that challenge you, work with teams that push your thinking, and never shy away from calculated risks,' he advised. He also underscored the importance of resilience. 'Every leader will face setbacks, but the key is to view them as learning opportunities rather than failures.' A VISION FOR THE FUTURE Looking ahead, Al Hinai envisions continued innovation and growth. As industries navigate increasing complexities—ranging from regulatory shifts to digital transformation—he believes risk advisory services will play an even more critical role. 'We want to be more than just a safety net for businesses; we want to be the strategic partner that empowers them to thrive in uncertain environments,' he said. Beyond corporate success, Al Hinai maintains a firm commitment to personal growth and balance. He prioritises continuous learning through reading, networking, and reflecting on experiences. Travel, he noted, has been a powerful tool for gaining fresh perspectives. 'Leadership isn't just about making decisions; it's about evolving as a person. Ensuring that I dedicate time to learning, to my family, and to new experiences helps me stay grounded,' he reflected. Ultimately, Al Hinai's leadership exemplifies the impact of cultural transformation. By fostering a mindset of innovation, accountability, and client-centricity, he has not only driven business success but also reshaped the company's future. As he succinctly put it: 'Great organisations aren't built on transactions; they're built on trust, and trust is built through consistency, engagement, and a relentless commitment to excellence.'
