Friday 01 / November / 2024
Muscat: In a landmark event marking a new era of business leadership in Oman, the Times of Oman and Muscat Media Group hosted their annual Business Leadership Summit at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat, on Wednesday celebrating eighteen of the nation’s most impactful leaders and companies.
Held under the banner “Redefining Leadership for Business Excellence,” the summit convened top executives, government officials, and innovators who are propelling Oman toward its Vision 2040 goals.
The event honoured leaders and companies whose commitment to resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth is redefining excellence across industries, setting a high standard for Oman’s emerging generation of business minds.
Chief Guest, His Excellency Qais Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, gave away the coveted Times Business Leadership Awards.
Welcoming the attendees, Chairman of Muscat Media Group (MMG), Mohammed Issa Al Zadjali, opened the summit by emphasising the importance of a collective commitment to Oman’s Vision 2040.
“As we come together today,” Al Zadjali said, “we reflect on the guiding principles set by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. His vision inspires us to pursue innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, ensuring Oman’s competitiveness on a global stage.”
He called on leaders to help build resilient business models, develop local talent, and strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as pillars of economic growth.
The presence of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, as chief guest highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to achieve national goals.
Also in attendance at the glittering ceremony were Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali, the Chief Executive Officer of MMG and other leading dignitaries.
The keynote address was delivered by Mohammed bin Mahfoodh Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp and Chairman of the Muscat Stock Exchange.
Alardhi drew on his own journey from his childhood in Oman to leading a global investment firm, tracing a path shaped by resilience and adaptability.
“Leadership is a journey, and all journeys have a beginning,” he began, reminiscing about his early days in Oman, a time when the nation was just beginning to connect with the world.
As he reflected on the growth he witnessed -personally and professionally - Alardhi spoke of the profound influence of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, whose leadership values of responsibility, humility, and dedication shaped his own approach.
“True leadership is about staying the course when the path is uncertain, adapting to challenges, and inspiring others to do the same,” he emphasised, noting that Oman’s business leaders today must navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
Alardhi acknowledged the shifting geopolitical landscape that the Middle East faces, which requires agility and resilience, particularly for Gulf nations deeply invested in energy and infrastructure.
He urged leaders to face these realities head-on, identifying Oman’s commitment to economic diversification as a crucial buffer against global uncertainty.
Throughout his career, Alardhi’s experiences in the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO), where he rose to Air Vice Marshal, taught him critical lessons in discipline, focus, and teamwork.
He spoke of moments piloting fighter jets where calm under pressure and trust in his team were paramount.
“Whether in the cockpit or the boardroom, leadership requires you to be present, to listen, and to provide your people with the tools and space to grow and contribute to something greater than themselves,” said Alardhi, who was the youngest and the longest-serving air force chief of Oman.
These principles, he shared, have been fundamental to Investcorp’s resilience through economic shifts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and high-interest-rate environments.
Alardhi stressed the need to focus on innovation and adaptability. He said that Oman’s future leaders must embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to remain competitive, but emphasised that “technology is only as good as the people who use it.”
Leadership, he asserted, involves empowering people to think boldly and purposefully - qualities that Oman’s young entrepreneurs and professionals embody, fueling the nation’s economic and cultural growth.
The highlight of the summit was the recognition of eighteen leaders and institutions across diverse industries who were awarded for their outstanding contributions to Oman’s development.
Al Zadjali acknowledged their achievements, noting that “the values of excellence, integrity, and commitment displayed by these leaders and companies set the benchmark for all of us.”
The awardees represented fields ranging from technology and finance to healthcare and environmental sustainability, showcasing Oman’s progress and its leaders’ role in driving innovation, resilience, and community impact.
Expressing his gratitude, Al Zadjali concluded by thanking the summit’s sponsors, partners, and attendees whose support made the event possible.
“Today’s discussions,” he noted, “are a testament to our shared commitment to making Oman a liveable and lovable place for all.”
As a catalyst for progress, the Business Leadership Summit embodied the transformative role of leadership in Oman’s journey toward a prosperous and innovative future, inspiring current and emerging leaders to redefine excellence in their pursuit of national growth and global competitiveness.
Copies of Al Ardhi’s latest book, “Connecting to the Future”, which has become a bestseller in the US, and serves as a comprehensive guide to building a forward-thinking blueprint for dynamic company growth and large-scale success, was generously gifted to the attendees by the author.
The summit was managed by Manzana Events, a leading event management company based in Muscat.
A celebration of Oman’s business leaders and innovators
* The award for IPO of the Year went to OQEP, highlighting its successful public offering.
* National Biscuit Industries claimed the title of Company of the Year – Snacks Food Manufacturing, while Marafiq was named Company of the Year – Utilities for its role in advancing Oman’s utility infrastructure.
* In the Bottled Water Manufacturing category, Oman Oasis Water Company received accolades for its high standards of quality.
* In retail, Malabar Gold & Diamonds was celebrated as the Jewellery Retail Chain of the Year, recognising its contribution to luxury and craftsmanship.
* The National Detergent Company won Company of the Year – FMCG for its commitment to quality and innovation, while Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC (Jetour) took home Company of the Year – Automotive.
* The Company of the Year – Oil & Gas award was presented to Integrated Gas Company, acknowledging its contributions to the energy sector, while Bank Muscat received the Company of the Year – Banking award for its exceptional services and customer experience.
* In the category of SME of the Year, Othman Al Mandhari, Founder & CEO of InnoTech, was recognised for his outstanding achievements in innovation and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Abdullah Al Shaksy, Co-Founder & CEO of Phaze Ventures, celebrating his vision in advancing the industry.
* Leadership accolades were given to executives excelling in their fields: Eng. Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park, was named Business Leader of the Year – Digital Transformation for his pioneering work in technology; Miron Kibria, CFO Oman of Liva Insurance, received Business Leader of the Year – Insurance; Aisha Al Kharusi, Deputy Executive Chairperson of Modern College of Business and Science, was honoured as Business Leader of the Year – Education. Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, won Business Leader of the Year – Luxury Real Estate, while Haitham Salim Al Salmi, CEO of Muscat Stock Exchange, was named Business Leader of the Year – Capital Markets.
* Celebrating young talent, Mohsin Hani Bahrani, CEO of MHD ACERE, was awarded Young Business Leader of the Year for his leadership in a dynamic and competitive market.
* And the prestigious “Business Leader of the Year” award was presented to Mohammed Mahfoodh Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp, for his contributions to Oman’s business landscape and commitment to global investment leadership.
