Latest news with #FutureFundOman
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Omani startup secures $100K to drive smart growth and cut food waste
MUSCAT: Omani startup ZabonEx has closed a $100,000 pre-seed investment round, led by Future Fund Oman and ITHCA Group, marking a major milestone in its journey to transform the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry. The investment will fuel the company's growth as it expands its smart predictive analytics platform designed to reduce food waste and improve distribution efficiency. Founded by Hatim Moosa and Almuhannad al Balushi, ZabonEx offers a B2B SaaS platform tailored to the needs of F&B producers, distributors, and retailers. The platform delivers granular, real-time demand forecasts, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions on inventory management, production, and logistics. 'This round is a major step forward for us,' said Hatim Moosa. 'It will allow us to accelerate both business development and product enhancement within Oman's F&B ecosystem. We are committed to building a strong local foundation before expanding to regional markets.' Co-founder Almuhannad al Balushi echoed the mission. 'F&B businesses are under pressure to stay profitable while meeting sustainability expectations. ZabonEx was born from this challenge. We empower them to make better decisions by forecasting demand at a granular level, improving not just margins but also their environmental footprint.' The new funding will support further development of ZabonEx's core predictive engine and expansion of its technology team. The startup also plans to establish strategic partnerships with local producers and retailers and roll out tailored onboarding and analytics tools to meet the unique needs of Oman's F&B landscape. With strong investor backing and a scalable product, ZabonEx is positioning itself as the intelligence backbone of the region's data-driven food supply chain. The company's vision is clear: smarter sales, less waste, and a more sustainable future for the food industry.
Times of Oman
09-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman's first energy transition fund launched
Muscat: Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has announced the launch of the Sultanate of Oman's first investment fund dedicated to the energy transition, established through a strategic partnership between the 'Future Fund Oman (FFO)' and Templewater, a leading alternative asset management company based in the People's Republic of China. The joint fund aims to accelerate the pace of energy transition in the Sultanate of Oman and support efforts to diversify income sources in line with Oman Vision 2040, by investing in innovative projects that advance net-zero goals and open new horizons for sustainable economic growth. This 50:50 joint fund—starting with a total capital commitment of RO 77 million (USD 200 million), equally contributed by FFO and Templewater—represents a pioneering initiative in clean energy and the shift towards a low-carbon economy. The initial capital base serves as a catalyst to unlock further capital and attract high-quality, scalable investment opportunities aligned with Oman Vision 2040. All investment opportunities will be located within the Sultanate of Oman, reinforcing its ambition to become a regional hub for renewable energy innovation. The Fund aims to invest in vital sectors and strategic projects, including clean molecules, green data centers, energy storage, smart mobility, and all forms of renewable energy, such as solar and wind. It will also prioritize the development of innovative solutions and technologies in energy efficiency and industrial innovation, tailored to meet the needs of the Omani and regional markets. Built as a platform to mobilize further investment, the Fund seeks to co-develop commercially viable energy transition projects in collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders. It also aims to attract additional institutional investments—locally and globally—to expand the scale and impact of its future programs and projects. Abdulsalam Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of OIA, affirmed that this partnership represents a key strategic step in positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a regional and global hub for clean and renewable energy solutions. 'OIA seeks to attract expertise and global best practices to support Oman's ambition to become a leading exporter of clean molecules and renewable energy solutions,' he said. On his turn, Cliff Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Templewater, stated: 'This Fund reflects our commitment to investing in solutions that not only deliver measurable climate benefits and robust returns but also enhance energy security and investor confidence. The Sultanate of Oman's supportive regulatory environment and progressive investment outlook make it a standout destination for advanced energy transition manufacturing and broader economic diversification.' Templewater will leverage its global partner network and technical expertise to localize scalable, innovative solutions within the Sultanate of Oman—fully aligned with FFO's mandate to stimulate the national economy, foster strategic investment partnerships, and unlock economic value for the Sultanate of Oman and investors. The fund is expected to attract strategic partners and investors from around the world, including major global players in the renewable energy and clean technology sectors, positioning it as an integrated platform that supports innovation, sustainability, and startup empowerment. This collaboration marks another major step in a series of initiatives launched by FFO since its establishment in early 2024, with a total capital of USD 5.2 billion. FFO allocates 90% of its capital to strategic local projects and 10% to support SMEs and startups. The fund underscores OIA's commitment to directing capital toward projects that enhance economic diversification, maximize in-country value (ICV), and support digital and technological transformation. In addition to financial investment, the fund will foster effective partnerships with both public and private institutions, creating opportunities for training and capacity building in the renewable energy sector. It will also contribute to research and development and the transfer of best international practices, strengthening the Sultanate of Oman's innovation ecosystem and ensuring both economic and environmental sustainability. This announcement comes amid growing regional and international momentum to address climate change and promote clean energy alternatives. The Sultanate of Oman aspires to lead in the production and export of clean molecules, while creating an investment-friendly environment that supports its Paris Agreement commitments and its journey to net zero by 2050.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Future Fund Oman and Templewater launch the Sultanate's first energy transition fund
First dedicated energy transition fund launched in Oman to advance Vision 2040 and Net Zero 2050 goals and develop the next phase of advanced energy transition projects OIA partners with Templewater to attract globally proven energy solutions to support Oman's energy transition and economic diversification The Fund aims to offer investors healthy and sustainable financial returns while contributing to combating climate change Hong Kong / Muscat – Future Fund Oman (FFO), an Oman Investment Authority (OIA) Fund and Templewater, a leading pan-Asia alternative asset manager announced today the launch of the Energy Transition Fund ('the Fund'). This marks the first dedicated fund of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman, designed to accelerate investment in energy transition and advanced manufacturing in the country, delivering healthy financial returns and further the Sultanate's long-term economic diversification efforts under Oman Vision 2040. The Fund, managed by Templewater, launches with an initial capital base of US$200 million, anchored by a US$100 million commitment from FFO, and matched with a US$100 million commitment from Templewater. This initial capital base serves as a catalyst to unlock further capital and attract high-quality, scalable investment opportunities aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The partnership has capacity within its extended network to support larger deal sizes, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to the most compelling opportunities. The Fund also reinforces OIA's strategic role in embedding national economic priorities within international investments, while leveraging global partnerships to attract foreign direct investment, advanced expertise, and technology into key sectors of the Omani economy. The Fund will focus on high-impact sectors including clean molecules, energy storage, e-fuels, smart mobility, renewables, and green data centers. Templewater will leverage its global partner network and technical expertise to localise scalable, innovative solutions within Oman – aligned with FFO's mandate to stimulate the national economy, foster strategic investment partnerships, and unlock economic value for the Sultanate and investors. This initiative reflects OIA's value as a long-term investment partner, adding strategic insight, de-risking capabilities, and deep regional access to unlock institutional-grade opportunities. The Fund also contributes to Oman's ambition to position itself as a clean energy hub and a destination for future-focused global capital. The Fund has been structured to generate healthy and sustainable financial returns while contributing to positive climate impact. Built as a platform to mobilize further investment, the Fund aims to co-develop commercially viable energy transition projects. With a long-term growth trajectory, it will scale as it identifies projects aligned with the Sultanate's climate targets and industrial development goals. His Excellency Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, President of OIA, affirmed that this partnership represents a key strategic step in positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a regional and global hub for clean and renewable energy solutions. 'OIA seeks to attract expertise and global best practices to support Oman's ambition to become a leading exporter of clean molecules and renewable energy solutions,' he said. Cliff Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Templewater, said: 'We are honored to partner with FFO to co-develop flagship energy transition projects and localize cutting-edge technologies. This Fund reflects not only our commitment to investing in solutions that deliver financial returns and climate benefits, but also our confidence in Oman's supportive forward-looking environment. Templewater will establish a local presence in Muscat to work closely with our partners at FFO and OIA, setting an example for others across the region.' Oman has emerged as a frontrunner in global energy transition and as a strategic hub for clean energy and advanced manufacturing, underpinned by landmark export deals with major international players. With a stable investment climate, pro-business regulatory framework, and a strategic location at the crossroads of global trade, the Sultanate offers strong fundamentals for long term partnerships and capital deployment. This launch builds on Templewater's successful track record in energy transition and decarbonization. As a specialist investor driving the future of energy and industry across Asia, Templewater draws on its strong heritage in green technology and manufacturing, integrating deep industrial know-how with global financial, professional services, and technical expertise. The Fund provides a governance-ready, de-risked platform for investors seeking exposure to Oman's energy transition. Templewater and FFO will continue to identify and co-develop high-growth commercial opportunities aligned with the Sultanate's national vision and net-zero roadmap. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Templewater / Edelman Smithfield Dhanya Issac / Andreea Caraveteanu templewater@ Oman Investment Authority OIA Press Office Email: Media@ Website: About Future Fund Oman Established by Oman Investment Authority as per directives from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Fund comprises a capital totaling OMR 2 billion. The Fund offers an array of funding opportunities for selected investors and partners looking to play a role in enhancing and stimulating Oman's economic landscape. About Oman Investment Authority Oman Investment Authority (OIA) is the investment arm of the Sultanate of Oman. It is mandated with managing, investing, and growing the Sultanate's assets locally and internationally. Its investment funds geographically diverse, with investments on every continent, and cover a wide range of sectors, including food and fisheries, energy, logistics, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), public services, financial and investment services, tourism, mining, manufacturing, and aviation. It plays a key role in driving sustainable economic development and achieving Oman's vision of becoming a more attractive investment destination. About Templewater Templewater is an Asia based alternative asset manager founded in 2018. Templewater provides its investors, which include global institutions, family offices and high-net-worth individuals, with two (2) core pan-Asia focused investment strategies: (a) private equity focusing mid-market buyout, and (b) decarbonization and energy transition growth equity investments. Templewater's mission is to provide financial and human capital, operational expertise, corporate governance framework, and integrity to build leading businesses. To learn more about Templewater, please visit and follow Templewater on LinkedIn at
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman launches $200mln energy transition fund in partnership with China's Temple Water
Oman has launched its first investment fund dedicated to the energy transition, in a joint initiative between Future Fund Oman, managed by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), and China-based Temple Water. The new fund has an initial capital of 77 million Omani riyals ($200 million), with each party contributing equally, according to an Arabic language post by the state-owned Oman News Agency (ONA) on the social media platform 'X'. The fund will target strategic sectors aligned with Oman's decarbonisation and diversification goals, including green fuels, low-emission data centres, energy storage, smart mobility, and renewable energy, the post said. Hong Kong-headquartered Temple Water is an Asia-based private equity investor and alternative asset manager focussed on mid-market buyout and energy transition and decarbonisation growth equity, according to its website. (Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
OBG report highlights Oman's economic transformation
Muscat – A global research and consultancy firm together with Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has appreciated the sultanate's efforts to accelerate economic diversification through targeted investment in high-impact sectors. This analysis was done by Oxford Business Group (OBG), which publishes economic intelligence on the markets of the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Through its range of print and online products, OBG offers comprehensive and accurate analysis of macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including banking, capital markets, insurance, energy, transport, industry and telecoms. OBG together with OIA published an advisory report on the basis of their market analysis titled Oman's Strategic Vision: The Role of Future Fund Oman in Economic Transformation. The report explored how the sultanate leveraged strategic funding mechanisms and robust governance frameworks to spur economic diversification, foster sustainable growth and strengthen its appeal as a regional business and investment destination. It considered how collaborative partnerships are enhancing competitiveness and positioning Oman as a future-ready economy in line with the national development objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040. Key sectors identified in the report are green energy, tourism, ICT, manufacturing, ports and logistics, mining, fisheries and agriculture. The publication highlights the pivotal role being played by Future Fund Oman (FFO) in supporting economic transformation by backing projects that promote innovation, job creation, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and venture capital (VC) firms – which combine to underscore OIA's role as a strategic partner in unlocking the sultanate's potential. Abdulsalam al Murshidi, President of OIA, shared his insights on the country's investment priorities and the pivotal role of FFO. 'Oman's investment attractiveness has improved in recent years, driven by strategic initiatives under Oman Vision 2040 which aim to diversify the economy beyond oil and gas. Sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, mining, renewable energy and tourism have been prioritised to create a more resilient and sustainable economic landscape.' Dana Agarbicean, OBG's Country Director for Oman, said the report highlights the evolving role of targeted financing in supporting diversification efforts. 'The sultanate is taking steps to ensure that funding contributes to long-term competitiveness, particularly in high-potential sectors. FFO plays a key role in this process by supporting SMEs, VC firms and start-ups that are contributing to innovation and job creation,' she noted. Oman's Strategic Vision: The Role of Future Fund Oman in Economic Transformation includes relevant case studies and an exclusive interview with the President of OIA, offering further insight into FFO's objectives, investment strategy and role in advancing Oman Vision 2040. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
