bp Oman Unveils ‘Wa’ed’ to Boost Omani Tech Startups and Innovation

Editorial Team

Last updated 8-05-2025

3 min

Oman's "Wa’ed" programme empowers local startups in technology and innovation sectors.

Led by bp Oman, Outward Bound Oman, and the SME Development Authority, it aids 100 participants.

The three-stage training involves classroom and outdoor education, enhancing key entrepreneurial skills.

This initiative aligns with Oman's Vision 2040, fostering sustainable community and economic growth.

Supporting young innovators contributes to lasting job creation and regional betterment.

Omani entrepreneurs have something promising knocking on their doors, with energy giant bp Oman rolling out a brilliant new initiative called “Wa’ed” in collaboration with Outward Bound Oman and Oman’s SME Development Authority. This programme focuses on empowering Oman’s startup scene, especially in technology and innovation sectors.

From what I gathered so far, “Wa’ed” aims to give a serious leg-up to 100 young Omani startup founders and student entrepreneurs. The support comes in the form of a fully-fledged three-stage training scheme that mixes classroom education with hands-on activities both indoors and out. Participants will gain essential skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, innovation, and collaboration, with a good dose of environmental stewardship thrown in to boot.

Mohammed Al Zadjali, acting CEO of Outward Bound Oman, highlighted the significance of collaboration between public, private, and civil society sectors in driving entrepreneurship forward. According to him, initiatives like “Wa’ed” directly align with the sultanate’s pursuit of sustainable development goals.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Al Hinai, bp Oman’s social investment manager, commented that investing in local talent was a key pillar in their company’s strategy. He pointed out that encouraging Omani startups not only boosts economic growth but also helps in building a more resilient and sustainable community.

Qais Al Toubi, financial and investment vice-president of the SME Development Authority and supervisor of the “Oman Rising Startups” programme, remarked that “Wa’ed” is a perfect example of inter-sector collaboration strengthening the local entrepreneurial eco-system. He said the initiative fits neatly into Oman’s broader "Vision 2040," aiming to prepare promising young businesses for both local and global competition.

Honestly, I find the idea of learning important business skills outdoors a rather fresh twist. Oman has certainly raised the bar here. Imagine swapping dull classrooms for open-air lessons under blue skies—I, for one, envy these ambitious entrepreneurs. But on a serious note, it’s brilliant seeing such substantial efforts going into nurturing local talent and startups, something regular readers here at Arageek would appreciate.

Giving young innovators practical help and encouragement like this can genuinely transform careers and lives. Initiatives like “Wa’ed” aren’t just about business; they’re planting the seads of lasting economic growth, job creation, and community betterment in the heart of the region.

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