Entrepreneurship Centre Opens in North Al Batinah to Boost SME Growth

Sohar: An entrepreneurship centre affiliated to the SMEs Development Authority (Riyada) was inaugurated in the Wilayat of Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate, today. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mohammed Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, and attended by Halima Rashid Al Zar'ee, Chairperson of Riyada, along with heads of government departments and private sector establishments in the governorate. According to Oman News Agency, the centre represents a significant step in supporting entrepreneurs and fostering an innovation system. It aims to offer a comprehensive set of services, including coworking spaces, offices, as well as guidance and training opportunities. The centre will also facilitate networking with investors and experts, and provide technical, administrative, and financing opportunities to enable SMEs to grow and expand in the market. Riyada, the authority overseeing the initiative, currently operates a total of 29 centres that serve 111 SMEs and provide employment for 259 Omanis. A notable feature of the Riyada centres is their ability to create a favourable business climate, initiate new employment opportunities, and contribute to economic diversification and sustainable development in the region.