Muscat,   Reaffirming its commitment to empowering national talent and achieving sustainable growth, Sohar International, in collaboration with Sharakah, concluded the Sohar International Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (SWEPDP). The graduation ceremony was held at the Crowne Plaza Muscat, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Hassan Alawi Al Dheeb, Vice Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones. On behalf of the bank, the graduation ceremony was attended by Eng. Aisha Al Saifi, Head of Transformation Group, Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Chief Marketing Officer at Sohar International, and Abdul Qadir Al Somali, Chief Retail and Priority Banking Officer. The ceremony marked the culmination of a six-month transformational journey undertaken by ten Omani women entrepreneurs from across the Sultanate. The program was designed to enhance core business skills and open new horizons for future growth, with a focus on equipping participants with practical skills in financial planning, digital enablement, and strategic marketing.

The event kicked off with a welcoming speech by Faris Al Harthy, Assistant Director of SME Development at the Youth Projects Development Fund, who highlighted the importance of empowering female entrepreneurs in supporting the national economy and promoting economic diversification. This was followed by a speech by Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Head of Marketing at Sohar International, who highlighted the bank's role in supporting Omani women and enhancing their entrepreneurial capabilities. Several participants also shared their experiences and lessons learned from the program. The event concluded with the distribution of graduation certificates to the participants in recognition of their efforts and perseverance throughout the program.

In his remarks, Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, Chief Marketing Officer at Sohar International, said , “At Sohar International, we prioritize the empowerment of national talent as a long-term investment in national progress. This initiative embodies our commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy by providing Omani female entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to lead, innovate, and grow. By developing talent, we not only support individual success, but also contribute to the Sultanate’s strategic vision for sustainable economic development . Therefore, at Sohar International, we are proud to contribute to the development of female entrepreneurs, which aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 related to human capital development, enhancing private sector competitiveness, and supporting inclusive growth. This program is a platform for real and tangible change, which underscores our commitment to continue expanding such opportunities across the Sultanate.”

Launched in October 2024, the initiative is the fruit of a strategic partnership between Sohar International and Sharakah. The program includes a combination of interactive workshops and individual training sessions, where participants gained valuable practical insights into cash flow management, customer engagement, and the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance their business performance. The training was delivered in a collaborative, experience-sharing format, enabling direct application of concepts and fostering shared learning.

For his part, Ali Ahmed Muqbil, CEO of Sharaka, commented : “We are proud to partner with Sohar International on this exceptional program. The participants have demonstrated a clear commitment, and through this program, we have been keen to provide them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the digital economy. What we are witnessing today is the beginning of a new chapter for these entrepreneurs.”

The program also included business diagnostic sessions and field visits, designed to help participants develop their value propositions and expand their market presence, paving the way for solid foundations for sustainable growth and long-term scalability. At the conclusion of the event, the graduates received their certificates of completion, marking not the end of the journey, but rather the beginning of a new chapter as empowered entrepreneurs capable of creating real value within a dynamic and evolving business environment.

Through such initiatives, Sohar International continues to play a pivotal role in empowering Omani talent, promoting innovation, and building capacity among key segments of society, particularly youth and women. By aligning its efforts with national priorities, the bank effectively contributes to building an inclusive economy, powered by digital transformation and driven by the spirit of entrepreneurship, thus strengthening its position as a key driver of sustainable social and economic development.

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