Omantel and Sohar International Bring Women Entrepreneurs Together for Aamali Talks

Fourth edition celebrates Omani Women’s Day with a discussion on mentorship, collaboration and business growth

Muscat : Omantel, in partnership with Sohar International, hosted the fourth edition of Aamali Talks at Al Bait Al Sharqi in Muttrah, bringing together Omani women entrepreneurs and business leaders to share experiences, discuss common challenges and explore opportunities to support one another in business.

Held in celebration of Omani Women’s Day under the theme “Women Supporting Women in Business,” the session explored how mentorship, strategic networks and knowledge exchange can accelerate the growth of women-led enterprises and multiply opportunities across Oman’s business community. This edition marks the first collaboration between Omantel and Sohar International on Aamali Talks, a forum dedicated to strengthening Oman’s local SME network by connecting entrepreneurs, sharing practical insights and guiding them as they build and scale their businesses. The partnership brings digital and financial perspectives together, giving business owners a broader view of the support available to them. The session featured Maimoona Al Shaibani, Founder and Managing Director of The Retail Academy, and Dr. Badriyah Al Fahdi, Co-founder of the Maternal and Fetal Care Centre. The discussion was moderated by Maryam Al Amri, Founder and CEO of Matterz Group.

The speakers shared practical lessons on building networks, scaling a business and mentoring the next generation, agreeing that the right introduction can change a growing business’s course and that today’s connections can become tomorrow’s partnerships. Commenting on the occasion, Shaikha Al Awfi, General Manager of Marketing Communication at Omantel, said: “Women-led businesses are a vital part of Oman’s economic growth, and their success depends as much on strong networks as on great ideas. Aamali Talks creates that network, bringing together experienced leaders and emerging entrepreneurs so knowledge and opportunity flow both ways. Our partnership with Sohar International adds a valuable financial perspective to this platform, and alongside it, we continue to provide solutions that help SMEs operate efficiently, reach more customers and grow with confidence.” Together, Omantel and Sohar International offer SMEs complementary support across the areas that matter most to their growth: digital and telecommunications solutions to streamline operations and serve customers better, and banking and financing services to fund their ambitions. Through Aamali Talks, both partners extend this support beyond products, giving entrepreneurs a space to exchange knowledge, build connections and explore new partnerships.

Abdul Qadir Al Sumali, Chief Retail and Wealth Management Officer at Sohar International, said: “Women entrepreneurs and women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in driving economic diversification, strengthening competitiveness and supporting sustainable growth in the Sultanate of Oman, in line with Oman Vision 2040’s aspirations to build a diversified, innovation-driven economy empowered by national talent. At Sohar International, we believe that supporting women’s entrepreneurship extends beyond providing financial and banking solutions to fostering an enabling business ecosystem that connects women with the knowledge, opportunities and strategic partnerships needed to transform their ambitions into successful and sustainable enterprises. Our collaboration with Omantel reflects our commitment to strengthening synergies among national institutions and advancing collective efforts to empower women entrepreneurs, expand their growth opportunities and enhance their economic participation, reinforcing their role in shaping Oman’s future.”

Since its launch, Aamali Talks has provided a platform for entrepreneurs and SME owners to meet, share practical experiences and discuss opportunities for business development. Each edition addresses topics relevant to entrepreneurs, with the fourth edition placing particular emphasis on how women can support one another through mentorship, knowledge sharing and business collaboration.

The collaboration between Omantel and Sohar International reflects their shared commitment to supporting Omani entrepreneurs and strengthening the SME sector. By helping women-led businesses access technology, financial services and professional networks, both organisations aim to contribute to a more competitive business environment and support Oman’s wider economic development.