Muscat marked Omani Youth Day with the second edition of the Young Entrepreneur Market at Al Mouj on October 23 and 24, drawing over 25,000 visitors. The event brought together 100 young Omanis, aged 11 to 18, who showcased their innovative products and gained practical experience in business under this year’s theme, “From Idea to Impact.”
The market, designed to encourage entrepreneurship among youth, received a significant increase in interest compared to its inaugural edition six months earlier. Organizers reported 160 applications this year—more than three times the number previously received—reflecting growing enthusiasm for turning creative ideas into viable enterprises.
Participants demonstrated a variety of ventures, including homemade bakery products and repurposed LEGO art and accessories. One young entrepreneur, Layan, shared that her passion for cooking began during her recovery from leg surgery, leading her to launch a bakery stall complete with a self-designed logo. Another participant, Firas, explained how his interest in LEGO bricks evolved into creating abstract art and accessories by repurposing broken pieces.
The event highlighted the digital savvy of the young entrepreneurs, many of whom used QR codes to provide product information and accepted online orders. Beyond the market stalls, participants engaged in mentorship sessions, interactive workshops, and activities aimed at enhancing business skills and building confidence.
Dr. Faten Hani, founder of the Young Entrepreneurs Programme, noted the rapid development displayed by the participants. “Between the first and second edition was just six months, yet the learning curve is remarkably high. This time around, they have truly mastered how to package, market, and sell their products effectively,” she said.
Ahmed al Massan, acting CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, emphasized the value of hands-on experience in youth development. “Entrepreneurship is about more than having a good idea; it is about having the means to put it into practice, learn from experience, and turn ambition into action,” he said. He added that providing young Omanis with real-world platforms supports the growth of ambition into enterprise, as well as contributing to the community’s broader economic development.
The Young Entrepreneurs Programme aims to cultivate a new generation of wealth creators in Oman, fostering financial literacy and innovation through events like this market, school initiatives, and plans to establish incubators and accelerators. Dr. Hani emphasized that even those who pursue traditional employment would benefit from the resilience and creativity gained through such entrepreneurial experiences.