Latest news with #MohammedalHinai
Observer
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Oman wheelchair basketball team heads to Jordan
MUSCAT: The national wheelchair basketball team delegation departed Muscat on Monday morning, heading to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to participate in the 9th West Asia Wheelchair Basketball Club Championship. The tournament, organised by the Jordanian Paralympic Committee and hosted by the Ajyal Al Ghad Club in the capital, Amman, will be held from July 13 to 19. It features wide participation from West Asian teams and represents a key step in enhancing Oman's presence on the regional Paralympic stage. The Omani team is participating in the championship by official invitation from the organisers, as part of the Oman Paralympic Committee's ongoing preparations for upcoming events, most notably the hosting of the West Asia Championship for Persons with Disabilities scheduled for February 2026. This participation offers a valuable opportunity for the players to gain experience in real competitive settings, improve technical skills, foster team cohesion, and assess the team's readiness ahead of major future tournaments. The championship will see intense competition among ten teams representing nine countries: the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, two teams from Jordan, and Oman, reflecting the challenging nature of the tournament for the Omani side. Mohammed al Hinai, head of the delegation and Secretary-General of the Oman Paralympic Committee, explained that the team held a closed domestic training camp for one week at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The camp focused on improving the players' physical and technical readiness, boosting their mental preparedness, and enhancing team chemistry following the finalisation of the squad list. He added that upon arrival in Amman, the team will enter an external training camp in coordination with Ajyal Al Ghad Club. The camp includes five consecutive friendly matches, one per day, to test the players' abilities in real game scenarios, adapt to the coach's tactics, and identify strengths and weaknesses. The national team delegation includes: Mohammed al Hinai as head of the delegation, Hamoud al Amri as head coach, and Mousa al Siyabi as assistant coach. The squad features ten players: Zaher bin Khalfan al Atbi, Hafidh Awlad Ahmed, Younis al Toubi, Ali al Ghassani, Ahmed al Numani, Maktoum al Muqbali, Khamis al Masoudi, Ashraf al Khasibi, Amjad al Wahaibi, and Salem al Hishami. This participation aligns with the vision of the Oman Paralympic Committee to elevate the visibility of para sports both regionally and internationally, and to prepare the national team to compete at the highest levels, achieving results that reflect the strong support and attention provided by the Sultanate of Oman to this important group of athletes.
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
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Al Dakhiliyah boys excel in School Sports Days
MUSCAT: Following four days of thrilling actions, the Oman School Sports Association (OSSA) concluded the School Sports Days for boys on Wednesday and girls on Monday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The Directorate-General of Education in Al Dakhiliyah dominated as they managed to clinch the overall championship. Al Batinah North secured second place while Al Dhahirah took third spot. Al Dakhiliyah boys delivered an outstanding show in majority events including athletics and cross-country as they took first place demonstrating strong overall performance. Earlier in the girls' section, Al Dakhiliyah secured the top place. The School Sports Days event was a platform to showcase the sporting and mental capabilities of students from across Oman. The event's success will be reflected by having potential athletes who will join the national team in the coming future. In boys athletics, the junior athletes from different governorates excelled with a solid performance filled with excitement across all categories. Al Dakhiliyah boys secured first place in the overall athletics standings with 54 points. Al Batinah North followed with 46 points while Muscat came in third with 41 points. The potential athletes will add a positive value to the national athletics team by joining it in the near future. MUSCAT TOP IN BOWLING In the bowling competition, Muscat earned first place while Al Dakhiliyah came second and Al Dhahirah finished third. The table tennis title was won by Al Dhahirah, followed by Al Batinah North in second place and Muscat in third. In badminton, Khalid al Shibli from Al Batinah North secured first place. Mohammed al Hinai and Uday al Hinai, both from Al Dakhiliyah, came second and third respectively. In chess, Ammar bin Yasser Basic Education School from Al Dhahirah won first place, followed by Mohammed bin Jaafar al Azkawi School from Al Dakhiliyah in second, and al Mas'a Education School from Al Batinah North in third. The concluding ceremony of School Sports Days for boys ended with a vibrant show at the main hall of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. The event was attended by Mohsin bin Hani al Bahrani, CEO of the Automotive, Construction Equipment, and Renewable Energy Division at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC in presence of Hisham bin Salim al Adwani, Vice-Chairman of Oman School Sports Association and officials. At the end, the chief guest presented the medals to the winners of the top three positions in all the competitions.
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.'
