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Muscat - Muriya partnered with the Public Authority for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (Riyada) to organise the workshop "Partnership Opportunities in the Tourism Sector", showcasing new business prospects for local suppliers at Muriya's destination, Salalah Beach. Hosted at the Fanar Hotel and Residences, the event was attended by entrepreneurs representing 25 local SMEs who were given a first-hand look into the supply chain opportunities available at Salalah Beach in a multitude of sectors. The workshop also provided participants with insights into effective tendering, methods of matching the competition and ways to boost efficiencies to achieve sustainable growth. In addition to representation from Muriya and Riyada, attending the workshop was Marhoon Al Amri, General Manager in the Directorate General of Tourism, Governorate of Dhofar.
"SMEs are playing an increasingly significant role in the growth of our national economy and job creation," said Khalifa bin Said Al Abri, CEO of Riyada. "As an organisation devoted to nurturing small businesses, we are glad to join hands with Muriya to highlight prospects and share the know-how that will enable these novices to achieve their aspirations. The main objective of our assembly is to provide the entrepreneurial community with a window of opportunity into Oman's hospitality industry and potentially serve as the starting point for successful and sustainable businesses."
Issam Al Barwani, Muriya Vice President of Government Affairs, said, "Since its inception, Muriya has been committed to spearheading the growth of the hospitality industry with investments and development plans that are fully aligned with the vision of the Omani Government. Our collaboration with Riyada reflects our dedication to support local businesses, help them identify new business prospects and create long-term value in the Governorate of Dhofar's tourism, real estate, and leisure sectors. From the outset, Muriya has recognised the importance of empowering the local community with unique business opportunities; as a result, we have developed local supply chains in produce, handicrafts, recreational activities and F&B that have created over a 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. Today's event showcases our commitment to seeing more SMEs join us in Salalah Beach."
Riyada is Oman's arm for the development of small and medium enterprises and the entity responsible for strengthening their contribution to the local economy through a wide range of business advisory services and training programs. Riyada conducts various programs and events aimed to support and develop small & medium enterprises through support, consultancy, technical training courses, workshops, field visits and mentorship programs, as well as organising events that are aimed at promoting and marketing SME products and services.
Muriya has gained a reputation over the years for supporting Omani talent by providing them with business opportunities at its destinations, Salalah Beach and Jebel Sifah. Inspired by its CSR pillar, 'Maharati', Muriya has consistently explored ways to empower local communities through training and capacity building programs. The company's dedication to supporting the growth of a sustainable hospitality industry in the Sultanate has gone hand-in-hand with its efforts to boost local employment. Offering 700 rooms as part of three hotels in Salalah Beach, Muriya is planning to expand its Fanar Hotel and Residences by 84 rooms to meet future growth of tourist arrivals and offering more business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
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About Muriya
Muriya is a joint venture between Orascom Development Holdings (70%), a leading developer of integrated destinations and Omran (30%), the tourism development arm of the Omani Government. The company was created in 2007 to stimulate external leisure investment in Oman and showcase the history, culture and natural beauty of the country, in which time it has grown into Oman's leading tourism developer. Muriya currently has four development projects in Sifah, Salalah, As Sodah Island and Al Seeb Muscat.
Jebel Sifah, located 20 minutes from Bandar Khayran, is spread over 6.2 million sqm and is designed to include six world-class hotels, of which the Sifawy Boutique Hotel is operational. It also houses freehold residences, an 84-berth marina, marina town, complete with cafes, restaurants and nightlife, while construction on the 18-hole PGA Harradine signature golf course is underway, with the first 9 holes due to launch in Q4 2016.
Muriya's flagship destination is located in the tropical city of Salalah in the far southeast of Oman, with an area of 13.6 million sqm and will house a total of seven hotels, of which Salalah Rotana Hotel and Juweira Boutique Hotel are operational. The third hotel that joined the destination in February 2016 was the 218-room Fanar Hotel & Residences, totalling the available luxury hotel rooms to 700. The destination is home to a 171 berth marina, freehold residences, retail venues, restaurants and cafes. As Sodah Island is placed off the coast of Dhofar, located in the Indian Ocean and the commercial complex in Al Seeb located in the heart of the capital Muscat.
About Muriya Corporate Social Responsibility
Since inception in 2007, Muriya has been committed to empowering local communities with unique economic and social opportunities. To that effect, the company designed its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to instil a positive impact on society and includes three main initiatives, 'Maharati', 'Mahali' and 'Musharakati'. 'Maharati' focuses on building local capacities through training and skills' development in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors. 'Mahali' celebrates local produce, improves local-made products and opens new markets to maximise sales. 'Musharakati' prioritises community engagement in relation to social activities, environmental conservation and community partnerships.
For press inquiries and images, please contact:
Shaza Taher
TRACCS Public Relations
Telephone: +968 24 649-099
Fax: +968 24 649-088
Email: shaza.taher@traccs.net
© Press Release 2016
