Muscat : Sohar International, in partnership with Visa and in collaboration with Laha Oman, successfully hosted the closing event of the " She's Next " program in the Sultanate of Oman. A total of OMR 38,000 in cash prizes were awarded to support the growth of businesses owned by Omani women entrepreneurs. This initiative aligns with the bank's efforts to empower Omani women entrepreneurs and support national initiatives aimed at building a more diversified and resilient economy, in line with Oman Vision 2040. The prizes were distributed across three categories: the grand prize of OMR 21,000, the second-place prize of OMR 11,500, and the Audience Choice Award of OMR 5,500, emphasizing the importance of public participation in the evaluation process.

The grand prize was won by Baladi Baby , owned by Ahlam Al-Khabouria, while Luvashk , owned by Laila Fadel, won second place, and Ypyap Param, owned by Ahed Al-Shibli, won the audience choice award .

The event was held at the Seef building in Qurum Beach, and brought together a select group of entrepreneurs. The event included presentations by five finalists who showcased their projects and growth and expansion plans before a judging panel that included representatives from Sohar International, Visa, and "Her Oman." The program provided an integrated platform combining guidance and skills development with financial support, enhancing the growth of women's projects and enabling them to expand.

Commenting on this, Abdulwahed bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, CEO of Sohar International, said: “Empowering Omani women entrepreneurs is a strategic investment in the future of the national economy, given the proven ability of Omani women to lead, innovate, and actively contribute to supporting sustainable development across various sectors. Through the “ She’s Next ” initiative, we seek to support a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders and transform their ambitions into tangible economic value that contributes to building a diversified, competitive, and advanced economy, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Our commitment to empowering women is part of our strategy to support inclusive growth and enhance the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as we continue to provide carefully designed financial services through products such as “Anti Zahia” and “Zahia Plus,” which support women’s presence in the economic landscape.”

The judging panel, comprised of members from Sohar International, included Eng. Aisha Al-Saifi, Head of the Transformation Group; Dr. Mazen bin Mahmoud Al-Raisi, Head of the Marketing Group; and Dr. Siham Al-Harthi. The finalists delivered well-organized presentations and engaged in enriching discussions, showcasing all aspects of their projects, including innovation, scalability, market viability, and their impact across various sectors.

Commenting on the initiative, Maha Nizam, Head of Marketing for the GCC at Visa, said : “ The She’s Next program was launched based on the simple belief that providing the right support at the right time can be a game-changer for any project. The female entrepreneurs participating in this program have proven that Omani women have the ideas, ambition, and ability to scale and grow. At Visa , we believe that inclusive economies are stronger economies, and empowering women-led businesses is essential to achieving this. Our role, in partnership with Sohar International, is to ensure that ambitions are not hindered by limited access to resources. This is the true meaning of sustainable progress.”

As part of the program's development journey, participants will benefit from personalized mentorship from Dr. Siham bint Ahmed Al Harthy, aimed at supporting them in developing their business strategies and enhancing their readiness for growth. This capacity-building approach has been strengthened through collaboration with the Lahonna Initiative, a leading organization dedicated to advancing women's roles in business, to ensure participants receive systematic guidance that supports long-term sustainability .

For her part, Shatha bint Salem Al Maskari, founder of the “Lahunna” initiative in Oman, said: “At Lahunna Oman, we played a strategic role in the She’s Next program, where we contributed to formulating the eligibility criteria, designing the application form, and evaluating more than 270 applicants, in addition to guiding the finalists in preparing their presentations . Participating in a program that amplifies the voice of Omani women and highlights their potential is an invaluable experience. This is how we make a real impact: by highlighting their contributions, recognizing them, and supporting them through funding that contributes to shaping Oman’s economic and social future.”

During the program, participants will benefit from specialized mentorship provided by Dr. Siham Al-Harthi to support the finalists and assist them in formulating and developing their project plans. "Laha Oman," an independent initiative that aims to highlight the pivotal role of Omani women in the family and society, also played an active role in developing the finalists' entrepreneurial skills by providing structured guidance to ensure the success and sustainability of their projects.

By supporting pioneering initiatives like " She's Next ," Sohar International continues to empower entrepreneurship, support national priorities, and enhance the inclusiveness of the Sultanate's economic base. The bank reinforces its commitment to contributing to a more innovative, competitive, and sustainable future for the nation by providing women entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and banking solutions tailored to their specific needs.

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About Sohar International :

Sohar International is one of the fastest-growing banks in the Sultanate of Oman, guided by an ambitious vision to become a leading Omani service institution with a global reach, empowering customers, communities, and individuals to thrive. Driven by this vision, the bank focuses on supporting individuals to achieve success by providing banking services that meet their needs in a constantly evolving world. It offers innovative solutions in commercial and investment banking, wealth management, Islamic banking, and other areas. The bank continues to strengthen its presence through an ambitious strategy centered on digital innovation and strategic regional expansion, including its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is committed to delivering sustainable value through effective partnerships and providing an exceptional banking experience for its customers.

For more information, please visit: www.SIB.om

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