University of Nizwa’s Center for Entrepreneurship Honored by SMEs Development Authority

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority in Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate has recognized the Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Nizwa for its exceptional contributions to promoting entrepreneurship and supporting student-led projects. The ceremony highlighted the Center’s active engagement in a range of programs and initiatives organized by the Authority.

The honour was bestowed after Global Entrepreneurship Week, an international event hosted locally at the Oman Across Ages Museum. The event underscored the Authority’s dedication to fostering innovation and an entrepreneurial culture in the Sultanate.

The University of Nizwa’s Center for Entrepreneurship was celebrated for its significant achievements, including its support for numerous student entrepreneurial ventures through its business incubators. Additionally, the Center has been instrumental in aiding small and medium enterprises via specialized programs, exhibitions, and seminars.

A key highlight of the Center’s efforts is its role in preparing Oman’s annual national report for the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). This year’s fifth edition of the report further emphasized the Center’s commitment to enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape in Oman.

Shabeeb bin Abdullah Al-Shikaili, Head of the Handicrafts Section at the Authority, noted: “Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated annually in November across many countries to foster a culture of innovation and support for entrepreneurs. To mark this occasion, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority in Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate organised the Global Entrepreneurship Week Caravan, featuring diverse events, workshops, and activities.”

The Caravan’s workshops focused on marketing, financing, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills development for managing small and medium enterprises. A presentation during the event showcased the Authority’s accomplishments for the year.

The ceremony also featured a success story by Abdullah Zahran Al-Busaidi, founder of International Energy and Investment. Al-Busaidi shared his professional journey, highlighting his company’s contributions to Omanization, training initiatives, and its plans to expand across the Sultanate.

In addition to the University of Nizwa’s Center for Entrepreneurship, several other institutions were honoured for their support and sponsorship of the Authority’s efforts in entrepreneurship. These recognitions reflect the collaborative efforts fueling Oman’s entrepreneurial development.

The event celebrated innovation and partnership, affirming the importance of institutions like the Center for Entrepreneurship in cultivating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Oman.