Latest news with #Estidama
Observer
15-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Workshop highlights incentives, start-up index
SUHAR, JULY 15 In a continued effort to enhance investment awareness and support the growth of high-potential businesses, Al Batinah North branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised an introductory workshop on the promotional campaign for the Incentive Programme and Promising Start-ups Index. This initiative was launched by the Muscat Stock Exchange in collaboration with the National Programme for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development 'Estidama'. The workshop provided an overview of the objectives of the Incentive Programme and the Promising Start-ups Index, as well as the incentives available to closed and family-owned companies. It also covered the regulatory and technical requirements for transitioning to companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange. The goal of this initiative is to promote integration among financial institutions, encourage small and medium enterprises to participate in capital markets, and foster the adoption of modern management and financing practices. This will help improve the business environment and drive sustainable economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman. The workshop brought together entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from the region and was graced by the presence of Eng Said bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Al Batinah North Governorate branch. The participants were introduced to the objectives and benefits of the incentive programme, with a focus on how it supports closed and family-owned companies in their transition to public listing on the Muscat Stock Exchange. A detailed presentation of the three key listing pathways available under the programme was a major highlight for entrepreneurs. The first path is the Public Joint-Stock Company Path, which is tailored for private and family-owned firms with a market value exceeding RO 10 million. This path allows these companies to access the main stock exchange and explore wider investment opportunities. The second path is the Promising Companies Market Path, which targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups with a market value above RO 500,000. This sub-market under the Muscat Stock Exchange serves as a platform for emerging companies to expand, gain visibility and attract investors. The third path focuses on transitioning to Closed Joint-Stock Companies, aimed at limited liability companies with a value above RO 500,000 and employing more than 20 Omanis. This pathway supports their evolution into more structured, scalable and investment-ready entities. Majida al Hinai, Project Manager of the Incentive Programme at Estidama, emphasised the national significance of the initiative, stating: 'Launching this promotional campaign underscores our commitment to engaging companies across all governorates. It is a strategic opportunity to empower businesses, enhance governance practices, and contribute to a more resilient and diversified national economy.' Al Mazyani, a local entrepreneur and owner of a growing manufacturing company in Saham, commended the initiative: 'This session was eye-opening. For companies like mine, the opportunity to access capital through the stock exchange could significantly accelerate our growth. The incentives, along with the clear guidance provided today, make the idea of listing more achievable and less intimidating.'
Times of Oman
14-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Workshop held to highlight Incentive Programme, Promising Startups Index in Sohar
Sohar: The North Al Batinah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) on Monday organised an introductory workshop on the promotional campaign for the Incentive Programme and Promising Startups Index, launched by Muscat Stock Exchange in cooperation with the National Programfor Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development "Estidama'. The workshop reviewed the objectives of the Incentive Programme and the Promising Startups Index, along with the incentives offered to closed and family-owned companies, as well as the regulatory and technical requirements for transitioning to companies listed on Muscat Stock Exchange. This initiative aims to enhance integration among financial institutions, stimulate participation of small and medium enterprises in capital markets, and encourage the adoption of modern management and financing models. This contributes to developing the business environment and promoting sustainable economic growth in the Sultanate of Oman.
Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Session showcases incentive programme for start-ups
IBRA: A specialised awareness session on the promotional campaign for the Incentive Programme and the Promising Start-ups Index was held on Tuesday in Ibra, Al Sharqiyah North Governorate. The event was organised by Muscat Stock Exchange and the National Programme for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development "Estidama" in collaboration with Al Sharqiyah North branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The session highlighted the objectives of the Incentive Programme and the Promising Start-ups Index, focusing on key incentives for closed and family-owned companies, along with regulatory and technical requirements. It also introduced the programme components designed to support businesses in transitioning to listed companies on Muscat Stock Exchange. - ONA
Times of Oman
08-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Session showcases Incentive Programme, Promising Startups Index in North Al Sharqiyah
Ibra: A specialised awareness session on the promotional campaign for the Incentive Programme and the Promising Startups Index was held on Tuesday in Ibra, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. The event was organised by Muscat Stock Exchange and the National Programme for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development "Estidama" in collaboration with the North Al Sharqiyah branch of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The session highlighted the objectives of the Incentive Programme and the Promising Startups Index, focusing on key incentives for closed and family-owned companies, along with regulatory and technical requirements. It also introduced the program components designed to support businesses in transitioning to listed companies on Muscat Stock Exchange. Furthermore, the session outlined the incentive programme's three main pathways: 'transformation to Public Joint Stock Companies'; 'Launch of the Promising Startups Index' and the 'Conversion to Closed Joint Stock Companies'. The awareness session aimed to enhance investment literacy among entrepreneurs and investors regarding the Promising Startups Index, foster integration between financial institutions, stimulate SME participation in capital markets, and encourage companies to adopt modern management and financing models.
Al Etihad
22-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Meet Emirati women making a green impact on urban innovation
22 June 2025 22:10 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Amid rapid development and evolving climate risks, Emirati women engineers are stepping up to advance the UAE's carbon neutrality goals. Putting sustainability at the core of urban innovation, they blend heritage design with climate science and cutting-edge the occasion of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), celebrated annually on June 23, Aletihad spoke to Emirati women engineers who are helping bring the UAE's sustainability vision to her role, Amna Saeed Alzaabi, Senior Analyst in Design Management, Sustainable Real Estate at Masdar City, contributes to aligning urban development with national climate goals.'My work involves managing the design of high-performance, low-carbon buildings that integrate sustainable technologies with traditional climate-responsive design,' she explained. Alzaabi ensures that every project adheres to Masdar City's stringent environmental standards, while also confirming to broader frameworks like Estidama, LEED, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy. 'I work closely with architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants to help shape developments that serve as replicable models for other urban centres in the region and globally,' she said. Alzaabi believes that 'true sustainability starts with climate-responsive design, not just high-tech solutions'.She noted that elements rooted in traditional Emirati architecture, such as natural ventilation, shading, and thick walls, inspired much of the engineering work at Masdar City. 'We use these concepts to reduce energy use by keeping buildings cool without relying heavily on air-conditioning,' Alzaabi said. 'By blending these age-old techniques with modern technology, we create sustainable buildings that respect our heritage while meeting today's environmental goals.'Combining smart technology with passive design can help reduce energy use in buildings to support sustainable urban growth, according to Alzaabi.'Things like advanced building materials, energy modelling, and adaptive shading can make buildings more comfortable and efficient,' she said.'At Masdar City, we're also working on improving cooling systems and creating buildings that produce more energy than they use. These ideas can change how cities are built in hot climates and serve as examples for others to follow.'Alzaabi advises aspiring Emirati women pursuing careers in sustainability engineering to say curious and believe in their ability to make an impact. 'These fields need diverse voices to shape resilient, future-ready cities. Seek out mentors to support you on your journey, embrace learning, and don't be afraid to lead. Sustainability isn't just a goal; it's a mindset, and your perspective is vital to building a better world,' she said. Turning Blueprints Green Aisha Alkindi, Sustainability Manager at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, works on embedding sustainability into the very blueprint of large-scale property developments. 'This starts at the blueprint stage, influencing everything from energy-efficient designs, indoor environment compliances, waste management and water conservation strategies to the selection of sustainable materials and the implementation of robust waste management programmes, ensuring that the implementations are being carried out and sharing the results to all our stakeholders,' she said. 'We're creating places where residents experience a tangible difference - healthier indoor environments, abundant green spaces, and lower utility bills thanks to smart design and technology - across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.' Balancing green goals with the fast pace of development in the UAE requires a strategic and integrated approach, according to Alkindi.'We achieve this by integrating sustainability directly into our business strategy. We began by conducting comprehensive baseline assessments through various sustainability audits, allowing us to tailor our strategies accordingly,' she said. 'This approach includes investing in advanced green building technologies, optimising designs for passive cooling and natural lighting, and exploring renewable energy solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and economically feasible.'Sustainable practices not only benefit the environment; they enhance property value, reduce operational costs, and align with the evolving expectations of customers and regulators, she noted. Alkindi believes that economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship. 'Seeing the remarkable growth and vision of the UAE, I felt a strong call to ensure this development is built on a foundation of responsibility and foresight,' she said. Sharing a reminder and a piece of advice to young Emirati women, Alkindi said: 'Your unique perspective is vital in shaping sustainable urban spaces. Champion green initiatives in your communities, advocate for eco-conscious policies, and inspire future generations to build cities that thrive in harmony with nature.'
