The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) in Muscat has recently introduced the ‘Industrial Innovation Specialist’ programme at the Industrial Innovation Academy in Raysut Industrial City under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar. This initiative targets entrepreneurs and SME owners in the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry in Dhofar Governorate, with the goal of enhancing national competencies in the knowledge economy through a series of training courses developed in collaboration with global organizations such as the World Packaging Organisation and the Global Innovation Management Institute in the United States.
Eng. Abdulqadir Al Balushi, Director General of Raysut Industrial City, highlighted the importance of this programme in empowering youth and entrepreneurs in Dhofar. By developing innovative ideas and transforming them into viable products, the programme aims to benefit not only the industrial sector but also the overall economic sectors. With a focus on the F&B industry, the programme aims to equip participants with specialized skills in innovation, packaging, manufacturing, brand identity, and digital marketing to effectively bring their food products to market.
Through the ‘Industrial Innovation Specialist’ programme, participants will receive guidance from international experts to enhance their competencies in innovation and application, develop innovative products, and promote these products using various marketing tools. Upon completion of the programme, participants will earn certifications from the Global Innovation Management Institute, the World Packaging Organisation, and the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals. This programme is open to entrepreneurs, innovators, SMEs, and home-based F&B projects in Dhofar, leveraging the governorate’s rich resources in agricultural and animal products.
Raysut Industrial City has successfully localized eight projects in the first half of 2024, attracting investments exceeding OMR43 million. With strategic plans for further expansions to enhance the economic standing of Dhofar Governorate and create job opportunities for locals, the city aims to increase the Omanisation rate, currently exceeding 38%. Additionally, a cooperation programme between the Ministry of Labour and Madayn aims to Omanize mid-level and senior-level positions within companies and factories in industrial cities, creating 1,000 jobs annually over three years through talent qualification and training.
In conclusion, the ‘Industrial Innovation Specialist’ programme in the F&B sector in Dhofar represents a significant step towards enhancing national competencies, empowering youth and entrepreneurs, and boosting the contribution of SMEs to the national economy. By equipping participants with specialized skills in innovation, packaging, manufacturing, and digital marketing, the programme aims to support the development of innovative products that benefit not only the industrial sector but also the overall economy. With a focus on leveraging Dhofar’s agricultural and animal resources, the programme seeks to create a conducive environment for the growth and success of local businesses in the F&B industry.
