How innovation and entrepreneurship propel this young Omani to business success
Published: 04:05 PM,May 27,2024 | EDITED : 08:05 PM,May 27,2024
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In 2011, young Omani entrepreneur Shatha al Jabri embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. During a time when job opportunities were limited in the Omani community, Shatha was one of the many individuals who sought alternative solutions and began developing new ideas and projects.
With determination and a vision for innovation, she launched her first venture: the production of Omani dates and sweets. This project, which acquired intellectual property rights, is a pioneering initiative in Oman and the Gulf countries, offering dates with a unique and distinctive character.
What began as a modest home-based endeavour soon blossomed into a thriving enterprise, transforming the perception of traditional Omani dates. Within four years, Shatha expanded her business to include a café registered under the “Mashan” brand, serving a variety of dishes and pastries made from dates. With growing demand, the project ventured into the catering industry, offering innovative Omani cuisine and sweets to an expanding customer base. By 2019, Meshan's daily production capacity had surpassed 2,500 servings, demonstrating its increasing popularity and success.
Young business owners in Oman face several significant challenges as they navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
The small domestic market in Oman leads to high competition among local businesses, making it challenging for new entrepreneurs to establish a customer base and achieve significant market share. They often find themselves competing with well-established players who have better resources and brand recognition.
Additionally, there is a noticeable skills and knowledge gap, with many young business owners lacking access to quality business education and mentorship programs that provide essential entrepreneurial skills and market knowledge.
Despite challenges including gaining customer confidence and navigating government regulations, Shatha persevered and steered her venture to success. The road was fraught with obstacles, but her unwavering resolve and strategic approach enabled her to overcome them, emerging stronger and more determined than ever.
Shatha shared, 'With striving, trust, determination, and patience, all projects see the light and progress steadily. Meshan began its journey and expanded thoughtfully in the market, as we adopted a policy of building a customer base before fully entering the market.'
By forging strategic partnerships, conducting thorough market research, and prioritizing innovation, Shatha significantly expanded her business. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction propelled Meshan to greater heights, culminating in the opening of a restaurant in Nizwa in November 2021. This move solidified Meshan's reputation as a sought-after tourist destination known for its distinct offerings and warm ambience.
Today, Meshan Restaurant is renowned as a tourist destination, attracting both Omanis and foreigners with its unique location, exceptional meals, and dedicated hospitality staff.
Because Meghan specializes in hospitality, Shatha was able to sign an agreement to operate a resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar called 'Damask.' This resort will be the first in Oman managed by Omani women, offering a new and unique experience in Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
Shatha received prestigious accolades, including the 2014 Best Entrepreneur Award from Bank Muscat and the 2021 Youth Excellence Award, acknowledging her exceptional entrepreneurial prowess. Meshan has won many awards, including the Riyada Award for Best Small Business in the Commercial Category in 2014.
Reflecting on her journey, Shatha imparts valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the significance of perseverance, confidence, and effective delegation within their teams.
“Success is not merely achieved overnight, but through steadfastness and dedication,” she shared.
She added, 'The work must be followed up directly, and the tasks must be distributed among the employees, motivating them and paying attention to them as they are the pillar on which the project is based. Giving your full time to the project is one of the reasons for its success, especially in the founding stages.'
Shatha also said, 'Oman is a fertile land for innovative and renewable projects and has many resources that can be exploited. We hope that the government will facilitate procedures and laws to facilitate self-employment for those wishing to enter entrepreneurship.'
Shatha's story not only highlights the resilience and ingenuity of Omani entrepreneurs but also underscores the transformative potential of economic empowerment and innovation in the face of adversity. As Oman continues to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurial endeavours, Shatha’s journey exemplifies how entrepreneurship can drive economic growth and prosperity.
Empowering individuals to tackle job scarcity by starting from the grassroots and striving for significant achievements through entrepreneurship is a viable path to success.
With determination and a vision for innovation, she launched her first venture: the production of Omani dates and sweets. This project, which acquired intellectual property rights, is a pioneering initiative in Oman and the Gulf countries, offering dates with a unique and distinctive character.
What began as a modest home-based endeavour soon blossomed into a thriving enterprise, transforming the perception of traditional Omani dates. Within four years, Shatha expanded her business to include a café registered under the “Mashan” brand, serving a variety of dishes and pastries made from dates. With growing demand, the project ventured into the catering industry, offering innovative Omani cuisine and sweets to an expanding customer base. By 2019, Meshan's daily production capacity had surpassed 2,500 servings, demonstrating its increasing popularity and success.
Young business owners in Oman face several significant challenges as they navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
The small domestic market in Oman leads to high competition among local businesses, making it challenging for new entrepreneurs to establish a customer base and achieve significant market share. They often find themselves competing with well-established players who have better resources and brand recognition.
Additionally, there is a noticeable skills and knowledge gap, with many young business owners lacking access to quality business education and mentorship programs that provide essential entrepreneurial skills and market knowledge.
Despite challenges including gaining customer confidence and navigating government regulations, Shatha persevered and steered her venture to success. The road was fraught with obstacles, but her unwavering resolve and strategic approach enabled her to overcome them, emerging stronger and more determined than ever.
Shatha shared, 'With striving, trust, determination, and patience, all projects see the light and progress steadily. Meshan began its journey and expanded thoughtfully in the market, as we adopted a policy of building a customer base before fully entering the market.'
By forging strategic partnerships, conducting thorough market research, and prioritizing innovation, Shatha significantly expanded her business. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction propelled Meshan to greater heights, culminating in the opening of a restaurant in Nizwa in November 2021. This move solidified Meshan's reputation as a sought-after tourist destination known for its distinct offerings and warm ambience.
Today, Meshan Restaurant is renowned as a tourist destination, attracting both Omanis and foreigners with its unique location, exceptional meals, and dedicated hospitality staff.
Because Meghan specializes in hospitality, Shatha was able to sign an agreement to operate a resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar called 'Damask.' This resort will be the first in Oman managed by Omani women, offering a new and unique experience in Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
Shatha received prestigious accolades, including the 2014 Best Entrepreneur Award from Bank Muscat and the 2021 Youth Excellence Award, acknowledging her exceptional entrepreneurial prowess. Meshan has won many awards, including the Riyada Award for Best Small Business in the Commercial Category in 2014.
Reflecting on her journey, Shatha imparts valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the significance of perseverance, confidence, and effective delegation within their teams.
“Success is not merely achieved overnight, but through steadfastness and dedication,” she shared.
She added, 'The work must be followed up directly, and the tasks must be distributed among the employees, motivating them and paying attention to them as they are the pillar on which the project is based. Giving your full time to the project is one of the reasons for its success, especially in the founding stages.'
Shatha also said, 'Oman is a fertile land for innovative and renewable projects and has many resources that can be exploited. We hope that the government will facilitate procedures and laws to facilitate self-employment for those wishing to enter entrepreneurship.'
Shatha's story not only highlights the resilience and ingenuity of Omani entrepreneurs but also underscores the transformative potential of economic empowerment and innovation in the face of adversity. As Oman continues to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurial endeavours, Shatha’s journey exemplifies how entrepreneurship can drive economic growth and prosperity.
Empowering individuals to tackle job scarcity by starting from the grassroots and striving for significant achievements through entrepreneurship is a viable path to success.