The Omani Women’s Academy’s Ra’edat incubator, the first specialized program for female entrepreneurs in Oman and the wider Arab world, is scaling its efforts to transform local business ideas into sustainable ventures. Launched in April 2024, the initiative provides an integrated system of training, mentorship, and economic support for Omani women entering the startup ecosystem.
Quick Facts
- First specialized women-only incubator in Oman.
- Graduated 260 entrepreneurs across its first three cohorts.
- Provides a comprehensive six-month incubation program.
- Announced plans for “Wahaj,” an incubator for women with disabilities.
Fatima Al Balushi, President of the Omani Women’s Academy, stated that the program was designed to go beyond traditional training. The goal, she explained, is to create a practical platform for turning entrepreneurial ideas into viable, growth-ready startups that contribute to the national economy.
The incubator has seen rapid growth since its inception. The first cohort graduated 50 women who successfully established their own businesses. The following year, this number grew to 90 entrepreneurs with startups in tech, crafts, and fashion, including one specializing in video game development. The third cohort in 2025 expanded further to 120 founders, showing a distinct focus on tech, particularly in the fintech and energy sectors, aligning with Oman’s Vision 2040 goals.
Tackling Founder Challenges
Al Balushi highlighted that the program has shed light on common challenges facing female founders. A primary obstacle is the initial fear of taking the entrepreneurial leap, often perceived as a high-risk path. Founders also require more support in developing feasibility studies, financial plans, and essential management skills.
Access to funding remains a significant hurdle. While some participants have secured financing through institutions like the Oman Development Bank, the standard one-year grace period before loan repayments begin is often insufficient for early-stage startups to achieve stable cash flow.
To address this, the Omani Women’s Academy is actively exploring alternative financing models better suited to startups. Discussions are underway with the Oman Investment Authority and the Oman Future Fund, a OMR 2 billion fund focused on supporting SMEs and startups in strategic sectors like ICT, green energy, and tourism.
A System of Strategic Support
The Ra’edat incubator has established clear criteria for success, requiring each entrepreneur to have a valid commercial registration for her project before graduating. This ensures that graduates are not just completing a program but are officially entering the market.
“The relationship with the incubatees does not end with the incubation period,” Al Balushi added. The academy provides continuous follow-up, connects graduates with partners and support entities, and facilitates participation in exhibitions and networking events.
Strategic partnerships are central to the incubator’s model. A key alliance with Oman’s SME Development Authority integrates the startups into the national support framework. The program also receives backing from the Ministry of Economy, which recognizes the role of women-led startups in driving economic diversification and innovation.
Future Plans: “Wahaj” and the 2026 Cohort
Looking ahead, the Omani Women’s Academy announced plans to launch “Wahaj,” which will be the first Omani incubator dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs with disabilities. This initiative aims to create a fully inclusive environment for them to develop and launch competitive businesses.
The next cohort for the main Ra’edat program is scheduled to launch on October 18, 2026, coinciding with Omani Women’s Day. The program will accept 90 entrepreneurs split into three categories: 30 employees from the public and private sectors, 30 job seekers, and 30 founders of existing projects facing challenges who seek to restructure their businesses. The six-month program will be offered completely free of charge.
About Ra’edat Incubator
Ra’edat is a pioneering initiative by the Omani Women’s Academy, established as the first incubator in Oman and the Arab world exclusively for female entrepreneurs. It aims to empower Omani women economically by providing a structured pathway from idea conception to a sustainable business. The program offers specialized training, expert mentorship, and access to a network of strategic partners to foster the growth of women-led startups aligned with Oman’s national economic goals.
Source: Oman Daily
