SALALAH: Cafes in various locations in Salalah are offering exciting opportunities for young entrepreneurs who are keen to enter the food and beverage sector with innovative ideas and distinctive services tailored to the needs of an ever-growing market.
With the increasing demand for hot and cold beverages, as well as snacks at cafes across popular tourist spots during the Khareef season in Dhofar Governorate, café owners are competing to attract a diverse clientele of locals and tourists.
They are striving to offer creative menus, exceptional service, and attractive offers to build customer loyalty, gain trust, and establish a solid reputation that keeps patrons returning throughout the year.
Mohammed bin Abdullah Batmira, a café owner, highlighted the significance of the F&B sector, particularly in cafes that serve as essential stops for visitors and tourists. He emphasised the importance of high-quality service, attentive presentation, and the careful packaging of products. Batmira noted that these elements not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the growth of the sector during the season and beyond.
He also acknowledged the support provided by various entities, including the Ministry of Labour’s temporary permits initiative, which helps organise work, and Dhofar Municipality’s assistance to entrepreneurs by offering opportunities for mobile carts, designing 500 kiosks for restaurants and cafes, and launching a mobile food testing laboratory to ensure the safety and quality of products.
Addressing the challenges faced by café owners, Batmira mentioned the rising cost of ingredients and the increasing wages of skilled workers, both of which drive up operating expenses.
Another café owner, Haitham bin Mohammed Al Jaadi, echoed the sentiment that cafes are vital to both the economy and tourism in Dhofar, particularly during the Khareef season.
He pointed out that the sector faces competition due to the proliferation of similar businesses and the scarcity of local suppliers for necessary materials. However, Al Jaadi sees this as an opportunity for Omani youth to enter the logistics sector to meet the needs of cafes. His establishment offers light meals and a variety of drinks tailored to seasonal visitors' tastes.
Mazen bin Saeed Saeedan, another café proprietor, shared that his business focuses on offering Omani and international meals with a modern twist, along with fresh drinks and diverse coffee selections. He emphasised the role of cafes in introducing visitors to traditional Omani snacks presented in contemporary ways, aligning with the evolving standards of modern cafes.
Support from Dhofar Municipality and the Department of Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Dhofar has led to a surge in demand for cafes and mobile restaurants, especially during this year’s Khareef tourist season.
On the consumer side, Talib bin Ali Al Mahrouqi, a regular café-goer, underscored the economic and touristic value of cafés and restaurants. He points that many cafes are not only popular for their modern offerings but also for their rich history and traditional meals, making them appealing to tourists. Al Mahrouqi noted the growing number of Omani youth entering the sector, particularly during the Khareef season.
Karim bin Rashid Al Hudaifi, another customer, emphasised that cafes and restaurants are vital economic tourist destinations, offering a range of local and international snacks and drinks. He praised the creativity and innovation in traditional Omani cuisine, which merges flavours from the past with modern twists, creating unique dishes that reflect Oman’s cultural and historical richness.
Al Hudaifi agreed with the belief that cafes can be profitable ventures for young entrepreneurs if managed well, with a deep understanding of customer needs and a strategic approach to overcoming the challenges. - ONA
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