Friday 03 / May / 2024
Muscat: Zubair Enterprises Development Centre (Zubair EDC) recently concluded the first training program under ‘AZM, designed for the inaugural group of associates titled "Business Model Innovation." This initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Al Jisr Charitable Foundation, saw the active participation of prominent figures including Mr. Badr Al Yahyai, Assistant Director General of the General Directorate of Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development, Ms. Dina Al Khalili, Director General of Al Jisr Foundation, and Mr. Ali Shaker, Head of the Business Development and Partnerships Sector at Zubair EDC. The event also gathered various directors and experts from rehabilitation centres affiliated with AZM.
The three-week long training initiative comprised of workshops and on-site visits to centres involved, facilitated by consultants from Zubair EDC. During the final session, participants showcased business models they crafted throughout the training period. The methods employed in shaping these models were emphasised, underscoring their role in empowering individuals and enhancing comprehension of fundamental business principles. This knowledge aids in transforming sectors catering to people with disabilities into enduring and viable business ventures.
Mr. Badr Al Yahyai, Assistant Director General of the General Directorate for Persons with Disabilities, expressed, "Through our collaboration with private organisations, we aim to empower entrepreneurs with disabilities, enabling them to establish and advance their ventures. Our objective is to equip them with the skills to efficiently manage their industries, employing sound scientific methods. This initiative aligns with the Ministry's strategy to bolster the capabilities of entrepreneurs with disabilities and enhance productive rehabilitation institutions. Al Yahyai also extended his gratitude to the advisors at Zubair EDC and the team from the Al Jisr Charitable Foundation for their invaluable contributions to the success of this stage.” He emphasised the significance of this project in enriching the financial situation of individuals with disabilities. He also expressed optimism that it would make a substantial contribution to the empowerment of people with special needs.
Thuraya Al Mahrouqi, Business Specialist at the Zubair EDC, noted the significance of modernising business models for products crafted in rehabilitation centres. She highlighted it as a crucial step toward product development and sustainability. Al Mahrouqi noted that the implementation plan, formulated by Zubair EDC consultants, served as the foundation for this phase. She confirmed that the initial set of programs and services offered by AZM to its inaugural affiliates would encompass marketing strategies, visual identity development, and packaging designs for AZM-registered products. Additionally, workshops focusing on contemporary marketing fields would be conducted for the members.
Al Mahrouqi stressed that the AZM initiative aims for a transformative impact on products tailored for people with disabilities. It aims to enhance their sustainability and foster economic independence for individuals with special needs. Al Mahrouqi added, "This effort aligns seamlessly with EDC’s strategy of nurturing an entrepreneurial culture among people with disabilities, enabling them to nurture and advance their business ventures."
Salha AlAlawi, a senior official in the projects department at Al Jisr Foundation, expressed her pride in the initiative, stating, "We take great pride in this initiative as it embodies the Foundation's mission of empowering communities and ensuring equal opportunities for various segments of society, especially this vital group, in the pursuit of sustainable development. Our initial focus was on the first partner associated with the brand, strategically placing emphasis on government rehabilitation centres in Muscat Governorate and its outskirts. These include prominent centres such as the National Autism Centre, the Vocational Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre, as well as AlWafa Centres in the Wilayat of AlAmerat and the Wilayat of Bidbid. These centres were chosen due to their preparedness in manufacturing products of high quality in bulk quantities. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the remarkable successes that these projects are bound to achieve in the near future."
AlAlawi also stated that AZM’s services aim to showcase and emphasise the unique products crafted by individuals with disabilities, thereby boosting sales. It encourages product owners to register their trademarks to avail themselves of the services and advantages offered by the trademark.
Dr. Nadia AlAjmi, Director of the National Autism Centre, emphasised that this project signifies a significant positive stride in preparing and empowering individuals with special needs in the realm of entrepreneurship. Their integration into entrepreneurial ventures not only harnesses their capabilities but also promotes their financial stability. She highlighted the Ministry's commitment to supporting such initiatives, channelling efforts to offer necessary opportunities and resources to fulfil its objectives. This initiative underscores the dedication to fostering social solidarity and empowering every individual within our society. Dr. Nadia expressed hope for increased support from the private sector, aiming to socially empower individuals and assist them in self-reliance for the future.
AZM is an initiative introduced by AlJisr Charitable Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development. The initiative aims to boost consumer trust in products designed for individuals with special needs that bear the AZM logo, making them the preferred choice. This is achieved by creating awareness that these products under the brand adhere to consistent manufacturing standards in terms of quality, regulations, and packaging, ensuring reliability and quality assurance for consumers.
Zubair Enterprises Development Centre, established in 2014, highlights the important role of enterprise development in an increasingly diversified economy. The centre provides aninspiring, supportive, and professional environment for young Omani entrepreneurs and enterprises of all sizes to accelerate sustainable businesses.
