Saturday 22 / August / 2026
Salalah: The second edition of the “Empowerment and Excellence” exhibition, organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), represented by its Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, opened in Dhofar Governorate and will run until August 30.
Held at the Al Gharif project, the exhibition features more than 50 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating across a wide range of activities, including perfumes and incense, contemporary and traditional fashion and textiles, Omani hospitality and food products, and traditional crafts and industries.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of the OCCI Board of Directors, who said the event reflects the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening economic activity across Oman’s governorates and highlighting their entrepreneurial potential and productive capabilities.
Al Rawas stressed that supporting SMEs is an important avenue for advancing economic diversification and increasing the private sector’s contribution to GDP, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and governorate development programmes.
He noted that investment in SMEs goes beyond supporting existing businesses, extending to developing a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of innovation, generating added value and creating employment opportunities.
He also called for greater coordination between government and private-sector institutions and organisations supporting SMEs to strengthen the sector’s ability to grow sustainably and create a more competitive business environment.
Expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs
Sheikh Ahmed bin Amer Al Musalhi, Chairman of OCCI’s Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, said the exhibition builds on the success of its first edition and demonstrates the Chamber’s continued efforts to strengthen the role of SMEs in the economic landscape of Oman’s governorates.
He said the Chamber is working to improve SMEs’ access to markets and business opportunities, while providing platforms that enable entrepreneurs to develop, sustain and expand their businesses.
Among the initiatives supporting this objective is the franchise programme adopted by OCCI’s Franchise Center. The programme has contributed to the registration of more than 40 trademarks across Oman, highlighting the role of franchising in helping businesses develop their models and expand.
The exhibition aims to help SMEs develop their businesses, broaden their market presence and access investment opportunities, while creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and contributing to Oman’s wider economic diversification efforts.
