Bank Muscat, Oman’s leading financial institution, has announced the opening of applications for the second phase of its Al Wathbah Academy training program. The initiative, run in collaboration with the SME Development Fund (Sharakah), is designed to provide foundational business training for entrepreneurs and owners of emerging startups in the Sultanate.
Quick Facts
- Program: Foundational training for early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Applications: Open from April 23-30, 2026.
- Timeline: The program runs from June to December 2026.
Building on Initial Success
The launch of this new cohort follows the successful completion of the program’s first phase, which provided intensive training to 15 owners of established businesses, helping them enhance their management skills and growth strategies. This second phase specifically targets entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey, aiming to equip them with the necessary tools to navigate the market.
Ibrahim bin Khamis Al Balushi, Assistant General Manager of SMEs at Bank Muscat, commented on the new phase. “Following the positive results of the first stage, we are launching this second phase specifically for entrepreneurs and startup owners. We believe in the importance of supporting business ideas from their initial stages to enable them to enter the market with confidence,” he stated.
Al Balushi also highlighted that the program offers an integrated training environment, enabling participants to gain practical skills and advanced knowledge in management, strategic planning, and business development.
What the Foundational Program Covers
The curriculum is structured to provide participants with practical knowledge to develop their businesses and capitalize on market opportunities. Core topics include project development planning, marketing principles, communication skills, and digital transformation.
In addition to group sessions, the program will feature individual advisory and mentoring sessions. These one-on-one meetings are designed to help founders set the right strategic direction for their ventures, identify opportunities, and mitigate potential risks.
A Decade of Supporting Omani Entrepreneurship
The Al Wathbah Academy is a key component of Bank Muscat’s social responsibility strategy focused on empowering Omani SMEs. Since its inception in 2014, the academy has provided high-quality training and specialized workshops to over 250 Omani entrepreneurs. The initiative’s goals are aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to diversify income sources, stimulate innovation, and achieve sustainable development.
About Al Wathbah Academy
Launched by Bank Muscat in 2014, the Al Wathbah Academy is an initiative dedicated to training and qualifying Omani entrepreneurs. Through high-quality training programs and specialized workshops in business management and finance, the academy aims to equip founders with the practical and professional skills needed to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth for their businesses.
Source: Wejhatt
