UTAS–Al Mussanah Hosts “Empowering Rural Women” Exhibition to Support Community Development and Local Entrepreneurship

Oman Wednesday 13/May/2026 13:42 PM
By: Times News Service
UTAS–Al Mussanah Hosts “Empowering Rural Women” Exhibition to Support Community Development and Local Entrepreneurship

The University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Al Mussanah, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in South Al Batinah Governorate, organized the “Empowering Rural Women” Exhibition, with the participation of several government and private entities, productive families, and individuals interested in empowerment and community development initiatives.

The exhibition aimed to highlight the role of rural women in supporting economic and social development, promote a culture of local production and community empowerment, and showcase entrepreneurial projects and traditional crafts that contribute to supporting the national economy and preserving Omani identity.

The event was inaugurated under the patronage of Dr. Monia Mohammed Al Farsi, Deputy Assistant Vice Chancellor for Electronic Systems and Student Services at UTAS–Al Mussanah.

Badriya Saif Al Saidi, Academic at the Department of Economics and Business Administration at the Al Mussanah branch, stated that organizing the exhibition reflects the University’s commitment to strengthening community partnership, linking academia with development realities, and highlighting inspiring female models who transformed simple skills into productive projects contributing to economic and social development.

She added that the exhibition serves as a platform for empowerment, marketing, awareness, and support, opening broader opportunities for rural women toward growth and sustainability, while encouraging them to enhance their entrepreneurial, innovative, and production capabilities.

Khawla Salem Al Harasi, Head of the Rural Development Department at the Directorate General of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in South Al Batinah, explained that the participation of rural women reflects their vital role in supporting the local economy and preserving authentic Omani heritage. She noted that rural women have successfully presented inspiring models in production, innovation, and sustainable development through their projects and creativity.

The exhibition also featured a visual presentation highlighting key initiatives and programs supporting rural women, in addition to a traditional performance presented by students of Al Muladdah Basic Education School (1–8), showcasing aspects of Omani folk arts and cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the exhibition included booths for entrepreneurial projects, productive families, handicrafts, and local products, providing a platform to promote successful experiences and enhance marketing opportunities for small productive initiatives.