SOHAR Launches Ruwaj Entrepreneurship Programme

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 16, 2026

SOHAR Port and Freezone, in partnership with the Youth Centre, has launched the Ruwaj programme to support 100 young Omanis in Al Batinah North with training and market access to develop viable businesses. The initiative aims to boost local economic resilience and youth entrepreneurship by combining skills development with practical market experience, culminating in a showcase of top participant projects.

SOHAR Port and Freezone, in collaboration with the Youth Centre, has launched a new entrepreneurship development initiative called Ruwaj in Oman’s Al Batinah North Governorate. The programme aims to support 100 Omani nationals aged 20 to 34 in creating market-ready businesses and commercial products.

Ruwaj is designed to provide participants with comprehensive training, mentorship, product development support, and direct access to market opportunities. The combination of these elements is intended to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform their ideas into viable commercial ventures while gaining practical experience in the marketplace.

The programme focuses on equipping participants with a blend of commercial, technical, and soft skills to foster local enterprise creation and increase income-generating opportunities. This effort aligns with broader goals to enhance economic resilience within the Al Batinah North community.

Said al Balushi, Administration and Government Relation Manager at SOHAR Port and Freezone, emphasized the organization’s long-term dedication to community investment and youth development. He noted that Ruwaj integrates structured capacity building with market exposure to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, confidence, and experience necessary for business success. The partnership with the Youth Centre ensures that the programme addresses the specific needs of the region and contributes to strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A key feature of Ruwaj is a concluding mini exhibition showcasing the 30 most promising projects from participants. This event will offer a live platform for entrepreneurs to present their products, engage with customers, test sales and marketing approaches, and receive immediate feedback. This hands-on market engagement is a central component of the programme, intended to complement theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Ruwaj forms part of SOHAR’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and is aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasizes youth empowerment and economic diversification. By supporting youth-led micro-enterprises in navigating market challenges, the programme underscores SOHAR Port and Freezone’s role in promoting sustainable community development and fostering local economic growth.

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