.Open Minds Forum: True entrepreneurs in Oman will overcome tough times

Muscat: Present economic conditions provide ample opportunities to diversify Oman’s investment activities and overcome the crisis due to oil price dip, a top official from private sector said.
“It may take extra time to overcome the crisis. However, these tough times will help Oman to find opportunities to diversify its activities, which can add value to the country’s economic situation,” Dr Amer Al Rawas, group Chief Executive Officer, Tasneea Oil and Gas Technology, said.
Al Rawas spoke to the Times of Oman on the sidelines of the first day of the .Open Minds thought leadership forum.
Her Highness Sayyida (Dr) Mona bint Fahd Al Said, assistant vice-chancellor for international cooperation, Sultan Qaboos University, was the guest of honour at the .Open Minds forum which began here yesterday.
Global speakers, including entrepreneur Chris Gardner, Princess Beatrice of York, Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit and other thought and change leaders are set to synergise, motivate and educate, which hinges on the central theme of the forum, which is an “open mind will open doors.”
Unfair comparison
Comparing young Omanis’ work skills with that of expatriates is quite unfair, Al Rawas noted.
“It is unfair to compare skills of young Omanis with expatriates. Age and skills acquired all are different among Omanis and expatriates. Young Omanis are productive and innovative if they are provided with better work conditions and freedom,” she added.
While opening the forum, Malak Ahmed Al Shaibani, director general of National Business Centre (NBC), said 2016 is year of opportunities and “true entrepreneurs” will grow and overcome these tough times.
Recipe of success
“There are a lot of opportunities in tourism, the health sector, logistics, ICT and even in fashion industry in Oman. Success comes when you realise the potential and adapt to the changes happening,” Al Shaibani added.
Meanwhile, L Subramaniam, the an acclaimed Indian violinist, who was the third main speaker at forum said music increases peoples focus and also unlocks their potential to be more innovative and adaptive.
Music can help excel
“Music can help us to excel in our professional and personal life,” the violinist added.
The event will be packed with “experience, knowledge, thoughts, positivity, inspiration, attitude, entertainment and presentation,” the organisers said. It has been presented by Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives (AVOD). Other event partners are the Ministry of Tourism and Information Technology Authority (ITA)/e-Oman. Merge and Al Wisal are the radio partners and the Times of Oman and Al Shabiba are the media partners.