The third edition of the Samail Economic Forum is creating a new trajectory for entrepreneurship and local economic development in Oman’s Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. According to Eng. Khalid Al Salmi, Director of the Planning and Investment Department, this year’s forum focuses on the theme “The Role of Local Content in Promoting Economic Development and Creating Job Opportunities,” aiming to transform local potential into tangible investment opportunities.
Nurturing Innovation Through Focused Competitions
A key highlight of the forum was the Samail Environmental Hackathon, which attracted over 260 participants from across the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The hackathon centered on two main pillars: environmental challenges and urban renewal.
Following an intense competition, six teams were selected to advance to specialized training workshops designed to refine their ideas and transform them into viable, scalable projects. This initiative provides a direct pipeline from ideation to development for local innovators.
The Investment Habta Connects Startups with Global Capital
The forum also introduced the “Investment Habta,” a modern pitching event inspired by the concept of a traditional Omani market. The event saw 120 startups compete for the attention of investors after undergoing a rigorous evaluation and product development workshops.
Eng. Al Salmi noted that this year’s edition successfully attracted significant investor interest, hosting 20 investment funds from outside Oman alongside several angel investors. The format provided a direct platform for startups to present their projects to capital providers, with early signs of success already emerging. One participating company has reportedly received an investment offer, achieving one of the forum’s primary objectives.
Fostering a Culture of Local Content
Dialogue sessions were a critical component of the forum, featuring participation from government bodies including the Oman Investment Authority. These sessions were described as instrumental in enriching the understanding of “local content” among attendees, particularly investors, and positioning it as a key economic driver for the future.
The forum’s outreach extended to school students, with concepts of local economic contribution being presented in simplified terms. This effort aims to instill a culture of local development and partnership in the next generation.
From Innovation to Incubation
The initiatives accompanying the forum, such as the hackathon and the Investment Habta, are designed to be self-sustaining innovation projects. Eng. Al Salmi confirmed that the next phase involves transitioning the top-performing startups into business incubators to facilitate their market entry.
Furthermore, work is underway to establish a regulatory framework for the “Tashbeek” (Networking) initiative. This program aims to create sustainable economic links by connecting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with major investors and government entities within the governorate.
About Samail Economic Forum
The Samail Economic Forum is a key event held in Oman’s Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Organized to bolster the regional economy, the forum focuses on strengthening local content, fostering innovation, and creating investment opportunities. It serves as a vital platform connecting startups, SMEs, government entities, and both local and international investors to drive sustainable economic growth.
Source: Al Wisal
