15-07-2025
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.'
