SALALAH: The Dhofar Annual Forum, now in its second edition, has emerged as a critical platform for discussing the economic development of the Dhofar Governorate, reflecting a concerted effort to align with Oman’s broader national strategies, including Oman Vision 2040.
Held at the Millennium Salalah Hotel, this year’s forum, organized by *Alam Al-Iqtisad* magazine, was inaugurated under the theme "Economic Development Prospects in Dhofar Governorate: A Phase of Integration and Partnership." The event was graced by the presence of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, alongside ministers, dignitaries, and business leaders, demonstrating the forum’s significance in shaping the region’s economic future.
The forum's agenda was meticulously crafted to emphasize the importance of strategic integration across various sectors, highlighting the need for multi-sector partnerships to enhance Dhofar’s competitiveness as a prime investment destination. The discussions were firmly rooted in the idea that Dhofar’s unique environment and climate are key assets that, if leveraged effectively, could significantly contribute to sustainable development and align with the ambitious goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Central to the forum’s discourse was the exploration of strategies and programs aimed at capitalizing on Dhofar’s comparative advantages. Participants agreed that achieving sustainable economic growth would require a concerted effort to foster integration across different sectors, with the private sector playing a pivotal role in supporting government initiatives. This collaboration is seen as essential for the successful implementation of national plans designed to elevate Dhofar’s economic status.
In his keynote speech, Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, presented a detailed overview of ongoing developmental projects in the governorate. His address underscored the significance of these initiatives in laying the groundwork for Dhofar’s future economic prosperity.
The forum featured a series of keynote addresses, working papers, and visual presentations that delved into various facets of economic development. A central panel discussion titled "The Importance of Partnership and Integration in Supporting Economic Development in Dhofar Governorate" provided a platform for experts to share insights on the roles of industrial cities, logistics, renewable energy, and the transition to an innovation-driven economy. The discussion also highlighted the importance of building national capacities to meet the demands of sustainable growth, with contributions from both public and private sector experts.
Prominent figures in the discussions included Eng Said al Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group; Dr Hilal al Dhamri, CEO of Raysut Cement Company; and Shaikh Khalil al Harthi, CEO of Credit Oman, among others.
One of the most significant contributions came from Abdullah bin Mohammed al Abri, Director General of the Partnership and Privatization Unit at the Ministry of Finance. In his working paper titled "Economic Development Prospects in Dhofar Governorate: A Phase of Integration and Partnership," Al-Abri emphasized the crucial role of strategic cooperation between the government, private sector, and civil society in driving economic growth.
The forum also featured contributions from other distinguished speakers, such as Ghazi bin Said Al-Humr, Director of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Dhofar Governorate Branch, and Eng Sumo bint Amer Tabouk, Founder and CEO of Sumo Design. Their insights further enriched the discussions, offering diverse perspectives on how to achieve economic integration and sustainable development in the governorate.
Ahmed bin Hamdan al-Farsi, Media Specialist at Credit Oman, delivered a visual presentation on Credit Oman's efforts to strengthen Oman's export system and the importance of credit insurance for Omani exporters to mitigate commercial risks. Credit insurance enables exporters to sell their products confidently and securely, without worrying about non-payment by buyers.
In a separate seminar during the forum, Dr Ahmed al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, addressed the critical issue of tourism development in the Dhofar Governorate. His presentation provided a comprehensive analysis of the tourism sector, focusing on the region’s unique environmental and seasonal diversity, which positions Dhofar as a prime destination for tourists year-round.
Looking ahead, Dr Al Ghassani proposed several forward-looking projects designed to foster greater integration across various sectors. He emphasized the importance of focusing on strategic partnerships that would drive the continued growth of tourism in Dhofar, ultimately solidifying its status as a premier destination for visitors.
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