Latest news with #HamoudbinSalemalSaadi


Observer
16-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Forum highlights strategic foresight amid global changes
MUSCAT: The "Future Foresight Forum" opened at the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) to explore how strategic foresight can guide institutions through ongoing economic and technological transformation. Organised by the International Development Academy for Training and the Reference Academy for Consulting and Management Development, the three-day forum is held in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and OCCI. Eng Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of OCCI and Chairman of its South Al Batinah Branch, inaugurated the event, which brings together experts from eight countries. Discussions focused on how organisations can adopt proactive, data-driven strategies to respond to rapid change, empower national talent, and improve institutional agility. Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saidi, CEO of Tatweer International Training Academy, emphasised the importance of shifting from reactive responses to anticipatory planning based on analysis and innovation. Dr Abdulsalam al Yahya, economic expert at OCCI, addressed the forum on adapting to economic and geopolitical volatility. He stressed the need for a long-term strategic vision and policy flexibility to navigate ongoing challenges. Day one covered topics including artificial intelligence in forecasting, corporate governance, and the digital economy. The forum will later delve into technology-driven innovation, visionary leadership, and the role of Oman Vision 2040 in shaping long-term foresight. The final day will feature sessions on building the digital economy, leadership dialogue, and IT governance strategies. — ONA


Muscat Daily
02-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani businesses expand franchise footprint in Iraq
Muscat – Six Omani brands signed franchise and marketing agreements in Iraq during the second edition of Iraq Franchise Exhibition held in Baghdad from May 30 to June 2. The Omani delegation was led by Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and Chairman of its Franchise Programme. The participation was supported by OCCI through its Franchise Centre. Among the deals signed, Brothers of Silver, owned by Mohammed Qasim al Maamari, granted a franchise to Ibrahim Abdulhussein Yassin in Karbala. Seven Fries, owned by Issa bin Salih al Aghbari, signed with Mohammed Yawuz Mohammed in Kirkuk. Impasti, owned by Hajid bin Sulaiman al Khinjari, granted a franchise to Moamen Mohammed Al Khiayat in Mosul. Burger Gelato, owned by Haitham bin Saif al Habsi, signed two agreements – one with Saeed Tareq al Tai in Mosul and the other with Laith Sahib in Najaf. Thor & Forno, owned by Ammar bin Mahmood al Dhahli, signed with Abdulghafour al Abdali in Baghdad. Additionally, Abdullah bin Hamuod al Mahrouqi, owner of Chain, signed a marketing agreement in Oman for Iraqi brand Pizza Station with Samer al Hassami. Saadi said the agreements reflect continued efforts to expand Omani brands into regional markets, with Iraq seen as a promising destination. 'We are proud of what our brands have achieved and their readiness to grow regionally in line with international franchise standards.' He added that the expansion aligns with OCCI and its Franchise Centre's strategy to empower entrepreneurs, promote investment and facilitate market access. 'These agreements reflect increasing confidence in the quality of Omani products,' he said, affirming continued support for the franchise programme as part of national efforts to strengthen the economy and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040.


Muscat Daily
28-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani brand Seven Fries expands globally with first outlet in Iraq
Muscat – The Omani fast-food brand Seven Fries has marked a major milestone in its growth journey with the inauguration of its first international branch in Erbil, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The outlet was officially opened on Wednesday by Eng Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and Chairman of the Commercial Excellence Center Committee. The launch marks a significant achievement under OCCI's Commercial Excellence Programme, which supports the regional and international expansion of Omani businesses. Speaking at the event, Saadi emphasised the role of the OCCI's Franchise Programme in empowering Omani brands to compete beyond national borders. 'The programme has successfully enabled several companies to sign franchise agreements, boosting their competitiveness and facilitating expansion both locally and internationally,' he said. He added that the establishment of the Franchise Center under OCCI is a strategic step to ensure the programme's sustainability, providing specialised support to businesses and entrepreneurs and strengthening the overall franchising ecosystem in Oman. Issa bin Saleh al Aghbari, founder of Seven Fries, expressed pride in the brand's growing international footprint. Launched in 2021 in Seeb in Muscat, Seven Fries has quickly emerged as a flagship Omani brand in the franchising space. 'From the beginning, Seven Fries has been focused on delivering premium-quality fresh potato products. Our franchise model is designed to share this success with partners around the world,' Aghbari said. 'We are now preparing to enter new markets, particularly in the North Africa region and the United States.' The brand had already secured franchise agreements in Iraq, Pakistan, and an exclusive contract in India. Aghbari revealed ambitious expansion plans, including the launch of up to 300 branches in India. He also highlighted increasing interest from investors in the United States and other global markets, positioning Seven Fries as a new ambassador for Omani entrepreneurship on the world stage.


Observer
25-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Omani brands seek growth at Iraqi franchise expo
MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), through its Commercial Franchise Centre, is set to participate in the second Iraqi Franchise Exhibition, beginning on Wednesday, May 28, in Iraq. Leading the Omani delegation is Eng Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of OCCI and Chairman of the Franchise Centre Committee. The participation aligns with the Chamber's strategic goals of expanding Omani business presence in regional and international markets — particularly in the fast-growing franchise sector in Iraq. More than 15 prominent Omani brands will be showcased at the exhibition, exploring franchise opportunities and potential entry into the Iraqi market. Al Saadi emphasised that the initiative supports Oman Vision 2040 by promoting economic diversification, foreign investment and the global expansion of Omani SMEs. He also highlighted the importance of registering Omani trademarks internationally to protect intellectual property and build investor confidence. The Iraqi Franchise Exhibition serves as a key platform connecting entrepreneurs, investors and franchise firms with international partners. It offers participants direct engagement with visitors, enhancing brand visibility and helping expand market reach. One standout participant is Seven Fries, Oman's first specialty French fries brand, which is set to open two new branches in Iraq — one in Baghdad and another in Erbil — as part of its international franchise rollout. — ONA


Observer
29-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman-Tanzania Business Forum highlights trade opportunities
MUSCAT: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) hosted the Oman-Tanzania Business Forum on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at its headquarters in Muscat. The event focused on strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries and witnessed the participation of senior officials and business representatives from both sides. The forum was attended by Eng Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Deputy Chairman of OCCI and Chairman of the Chamber's branch in Al Batinah South, and Dr Hashil Twaibu Abdallah, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the United Republic of Tanzania. Also present were Said bin Hilal al Ismaili, Omani representative in the Oman-Tanzania Business Council, and a number of Omani and Tanzanian businesspeople. In his opening remarks, Dr Abdallah highlighted the growing investment opportunities in Tanzania, noting the government's reforms to improve the business climate, including a single-window system for company registration and simplified investment procedures. 'We welcome all investors to explore the growing opportunities in Tanzania. This visit strengthens the historic relationship between Oman and Tanzania,' he said. The forum included discussions on key Tanzanian sectors open to Omani investment, including agriculture, construction, tourism, mining, ICT and healthcare. Officials emphasised the legal incentives and economic stability Tanzania offers investors and called for enhanced cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors. Eng Hamoud al Saadi stated that the relationship between Oman and Tanzania is built on deep-rooted trade and cultural ties, with Omani traders historically playing a significant role along the East African coast. 'We are focusing on vital and promising sectors that offer genuine opportunities for joint investment,' he said. He urged participants to leverage the roundtable meetings to initiate dialogue and develop strategic partnerships. Dr Abdallah reaffirmed Tanzania's readiness to welcome Omani investors. 'We are committed to facilitating Omani investment into vital sectors and building partnerships that advance joint development,' he said. Said al Ismaili noted the forum's role in building direct relationships between Omani and Tanzanian businesspeople. 'This is a valuable opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation and open new investment avenues,' he said, adding that the Joint Oman-Tanzania Business Council is fully committed to supporting this collaboration. Mohammed bin Ali al Gharbi from OCCI delivered a presentation titled, 'Explore the Omani Market', highlighting Oman's stable economy, investor-friendly environment and commitment to economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040. He noted that Oman's key exports include petroleum products, LNG, minerals, fish and petrochemicals. The forum concluded with a roundtable meeting where participants discussed trade and investment opportunities, shared insights, and explored practical mechanisms for overcoming challenges. The dialogue laid the groundwork for building productive partnerships and increasing Omani presence in Tanzanian markets.