Latest news with #Riyami
Muscat Daily
16-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Tanuf grape farm boosts Oman's food security, eyes export
Nizwa – Grape cultivation in the village of Tanuf in Dakhliyah is emerging as a promising model for food security and agricultural innovation in Oman. With increasing support from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), grape farming is showing notable growth both in yield and ambition. Launched on a 1.5 acre plot, the vineyard began with 1,000 grape seedlings. This season, it produced three tonnes of fruit, with output expected to rise in the next harvest as more vines mature. The farm benefits from technical supervision and regular agricultural consultations provided by MAFWR. Farmer Issa bin Saif al Riyami said the first phase of his vineyard cost more than RO16,000, included setting up the farm, installing modern irrigation systems, constructing trellises, building seedling nurseries and other operational expenses. To ensure quality and adaptability, grape seedlings were sourced from Syria, Lebanon, Italy, Spain and Finland. According to Riyami, the aim was to select varieties best suited for local climatic and soil conditions, with high production potential and strong resistance to pests. 'The soil in Tanuf offers ideal conditions for grape cultivation,' he said. 'The area's fertile environment and moderate climate make it a key location for this crop in Oman.' Riyami's focus, however, goes beyond farming. He views the vineyard as part of a broader strategy to enhance national food security through high-value, sustainable agricultural ventures. His farm also aims to support employment and modernise traditional farming practices by adopting best agricultural techniques. MAFWR has overseen the vineyard since its early stages, monitoring its development and offering guidance. The grapes are now sold in local markets at RO2/kg. Looking ahead, Riyami plans to double the vineyard's size and introduce improved grape varieties. He also intends to establish sorting and packaging units to enhance quality control and presentation. Expansion into grape processing – such as juices, raisins and other byproducts – is under consideration.
Muscat Daily
01-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Nizwa vineyard venture boosts agriculture, tourism
Nizwa – Issa Saif al Riyami, a farmer in Nizwa, has turned a passion for farming into a successful commercial venture. This year, he cultivated four varieties of grapes – Halawani, Green Spanish, Red Italian and Finnish – on a one-and-a-half-acre farm. Riyami overcame early irrigation challenges by adopting drip irrigation, a move he described as essential for maintaining quality and conserving water. 'Using modern irrigation is crucial,' he said. 'It allows us to conserve water and maintain high-quality, consistent harvests.' Encouraged by this season's yield, Riyami plans to expand the vineyard, introduce new varieties of grapes, and focus on quality improvements to meet demands of local and regional markets. He also intends to promote Omani grapes through exhibitions and agricultural festivals, while building better market access for domestic produce. Issa Saif al Riyami at his grape farm in Nizwa In a first for Dakhliyah, Riyami has introduced agritourism on his farm, offering visitors the chance to participate in grape picking and learn about sustainable farming. This initiative, he believes, can raise public awareness and offer alternative income sources. 'Through agritourism, people forge a connection with their food's source and value the effort behind each harvest,' he said. 'It's a learning journey and a community builder.' Riyami urged the younger generation to see farming as a viable career. 'Agriculture is not just work; it's a passion and an opportunity for the future. It is a promising sector that can enhance our national economy.'
Muscat Daily
17-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman to nurture space tech startups with accelerator
Muscat – Oman is set to launch a new accelerator programme to support the growth of its emerging space sector, as part of efforts to develop a vibrant local space ecosystem. Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has introduced the 'Oman Space Accelerators' programme to fast-track the growth of Omani startups in space technologies and advanced sciences in collaboration with Ankaa Space and Technologies. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Mohammed Salim al Riyami, Co-founder of Ankaa Space and Technologies, said, 'We have signed a contract with MTCIT to implement the Oman Space Accelerators programme, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the space sector.' Mohammed Salim al Riyami He added that the programme will provide startups with specialised training, mentorship from international experts, and access to investors and markets in the region and beyond. 'The programme's objective is to empower ten Omani startups working in the space and advanced technology sectors. It will help stimulate the national space ecosystem and connect it with global investment and technology networks,' Riyami said. Set to launch in the third quarter of 2025, the programme will include a comprehensive training curriculum covering technical and commercial aspects aimed at enhancing the skills of local entrepreneurs. It seeks to attract investment, foster partnerships, and encourage the development of local products and solutions for the space sector. Oman's National Programme for the Digital Economy has identified the space sector as a strategic priority, guided by MTCIT's National Centre for Space, Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence. Over the next decade, the sultanate aims to develop ground-based space applications, stimulate private sector involvement, and attract international investment in space-related ventures.
Muscat Daily
21-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omantel partners with TeKnowledge to enhance employee skills
Omantel has announced a partnership with TeKnowledge, a global leader in AI, Customer Experience, and Cybersecurity solutions, to launch an advanced AI and data science skilling programme for its employees. This initiative aims to equip Omantel's workforce with advanced digital skills, supporting digital transformation, economic diversification, and future technology capabilities development. By investing in AI, data analytics, and digital skills training, Omantel continues to strengthen its position as the sultanate's leading technology and innovation company. The collaboration with TeKnowledge will accelerate AI and data science training across Omantel's technology, operations, and commercial divisions, enabling employees to tackle real-world challenges and explore new opportunities. The programme combines onsite training at Omantel's headquarters with virtual learning, ensuring an interactive and hands-on experience for all participants. Mohammed Ahmed al Riyami, General Manager of Talent Management at Omantel, emphasised the importance of this initiative. 'AI and data science are at the core of Omantel's strategy to lead in AI-driven solutions, foster innovation, and enable sustainable digital transformation. By equipping our teams with future-ready AI capabilities, we are not only enhancing customer experiences but also positioning Oman as a leading digital economy,' Riyami informed. 'This initiative reaffirms our commitment to building an AI-driven ecosystem that accelerates technological advancement and unlocks new opportunities for growth.' Ayman Majzoub, VP of Sales META at TeKnowledge, commented saying: 'This collaboration with Omantel demonstrates how digital skilling should be done – learning, innovating, and applying AI solutions to real-world business challenges. We appreciate Omantel's trust in TeKnowledge and share their commitment to driving sustainable innovation and economic growth.' As Oman accelerates its transition into a digital economy, Omantel is proactively upskilling its workforce, positioning itself as a regional leader in AI-powered services, while driving sustainable growth and innovation. As a global partner of Microsoft, TeKnowledge is dedicated to advancing AI and digital skills training in Oman alongside its comprehensive technology services. Through its global partnership with Microsoft, TeKnowledge delivers large-scale skilling programs, including national Copilot skilling initiatives, enabling businesses and government entities to leverage AI-driven digital transformation in the workplace. Founded in 2010, TeKnowledge provides expert technology services for AI, Customer Experience and Cyber Security that empower businesses and governments through technology. With a deep expertise, strong customer and people centric focus, and strategic partnerships, TeKnowledge has grown organically into a trusted partner for enterprises and governments worldwide across 19+ global hubs, supported by a team of 6000+ experts. Through its comprehensive services approach – spanning Advisory & Professional Services, Skilling & Adoption and Managed Services – TeKnowledge ensures seamless technology adoption and continuous progress for its customers.
