What began in 2011 as a home-based business with a new take on Omani dates has grown into a multi-faceted food brand. Founded by entrepreneur Shatha Al Jabri, Mayshan is a registered Omani brand that has successfully expanded from its initial focus on modernizing traditional date products to operating cafes, offering catering services, and pioneering food tourism experiences in the Sultanate.
Quick Facts
- Founder: Shatha Al Jabri
- Founded: 2011, as a home-based business
- Business: Modernizes Omani dates, operates cafes, and food tourism
From Home Kitchen to Registered Cafe
Shatha Al Jabri started Mayshan in 2011 from her home, aiming to present Omani dates in a contemporary and innovative way. The idea gained traction, and by 2015, the business expanded significantly with the opening of its first registered Omani cafe. The establishment offered a menu of baked goods, desserts, and Omani coffee, all centered around the brand’s core date products. The project’s unique approach to combining heritage with modern appeal has also been recognized with intellectual property rights.
Expanding into Catering and Food Tourism
Building on its cafe’s success, Mayshan launched a buffet catering line in 2019, providing Omani cuisine with a modern twist. During this period, Al Jabri introduced children’s cooking classes during summer holidays, which saw remarkable interest. This encouraged her to extend the concept to tourists, establishing Mayshan as one of the first Omani companies to offer food tourism experiences in the country.
Overcoming Early Stage Hurdles
In the early years, Al Jabri faced several challenges common to entrepreneurs in the region at the time, including gaining market acceptance for a new business concept, securing financing, and building customer trust. She credits her persistence and active participation in local exhibitions as key factors in overcoming these obstacles, helping to build brand visibility and a loyal customer base.
Securing Key Funding and Recognition
Mayshan’s growth was supported by funding from the Al Rafd Fund and a grant from the Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC). Al Jabri also received a financial award from Sharakah after completing several entrepreneurship training programs.
The brand’s success has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Riyada Award in 2014, Bank Muscat’s Al Wathbah Award in 2014, and the Youth Excellence Award in 2020. Al Jabri has also represented the company at international exhibitions in Qatar, Singapore, Dubai, and Berlin, helping to explore new markets and build professional networks.
Looking ahead, Al Jabri plans to open new branches across Oman and internationally while continuing to develop the production and quality of Omani dates for both local and global markets.
About Mayshan
Founded by Shatha Al Jabri, Mayshan is an Omani brand specializing in modernizing and innovating Omani date products. Starting as a home business in 2011, it has expanded to include cafes, catering services, and food tourism experiences. The company focuses on blending Omani heritage with contemporary culinary trends.
Source: Oman Daily
