The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Riyada) has opened its new Entrepreneurship Center in the Wilayat of Sohar, North Al Batinah Governorate. The center is a significant step in supporting entrepreneurs and enhancing the innovation ecosystem in the region, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
By the Numbers
The new center will serve a large and growing entrepreneurial community in the governorate:
- 22,250: The total number of enterprises registered with Riyada in North Al Batinah as of August 2025.
- 6.4 Million+ OMR: The total value of the 63 financing loans approved for SMEs in the governorate by July 2025.
- 957 Beneficiaries: The number of individuals who have benefited from Riyada’s training programs and specialized consultations in the region.
- 29 Centers: The total number of Riyada entrepreneurship centers now operating across the Sultanate.
A Hub for Innovation and Growth
The new center will provide an integrated set of services to empower SMEs and entrepreneurs. This includes co-working spaces, closed offices, mentorship and guidance, training and networking opportunities with investors and experts, as well as technical and administrative consulting and access to financing opportunities. The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, and in the presence of Her Excellency Halima bint Rashid Al Zari, Chairperson of Riyada.
Driving the National Economy
Suleiman bin Ali Al Balushi, Head of the SME Development Department in North Al Batinah, stated that the new center will be a qualitative addition to support entrepreneurial projects and innovation in the governorate. He emphasized that the center’s opening enhances the role of SMEs in driving the national economy and enables youth to turn their ideas into successful projects, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to build an economy based on knowledge and innovation.
Source: Oman News Agency
