Industrial Innovation Centre has signed an agreement with Al Mudar al Ahlia Foundation to establish an innovation unit to promote and invest in the clay crafts industry of the sultanate.

It is aimed at supporting entrepreneurs from among craftsmen and developing traditional crafts in line with the requirements of the times. This will help in the promotion of crafts in the country.‎

The agreement is meant for equipping and operating the clay crafts industries. The Industrial Innovation Centre will finance the project. Al Mudar al Ahlia Foundation will supervise the unit and support the craftsmen and entrepreneurs who want to make craft items.‎

On behalf of the Industrial Innovation Centre, Dr Abdullah bin Muhammad al Mahrouqi signed the agreement with chief executive officer of Al Mudar al Ahlia Foundation, Youssuf bin Abdullah al Jahwari.‎

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Mahrouqi expressed his pleasure on signing the agreement. 

“We are delighted to have this agreement of cooperation. The Industrial Innovation Centre believes that it is important to strengthen and invest in promising national sectors, which include clay crafts industries that are rooted in ancient Omani civilisation. The centre is presenting it in an innovative manner which matches the requirements of the time,” he said. ‎

He said that the Industrial Innovation Centre spares no efforts to support local and promising industries ‎with an innovative character which qualifies them to have a prominent position in the local, regional and global markets.‎

Jahwari said the agreement is considered a milestone in the activity of the foundation. 

“It will help in the adoption of high-quality products with a unique innovative character which meets the requirements of individuals and institutions.”‎

The first phase includes financing the innovation project at Al Mudar al Ahlia Foundation and coordinating with the concerned authorities to provide Omani clay for the purpose of research and development. 

This is in addition to the expansion of Al Mudar al Ahlia Foundation to increase ‎production capacity and meet growing demand, undertake construction and civil expansion works, as well as the operation and management of the institution and marketing products in a manner that results in financial returns for both sides.‎

The second phase includes financing the setting up of the unit for clay crafts industries. 

The unit will have a management room, space to display  products and consumable items, an educational laboratory, a laboratory for development and designing, a modelling laboratory, a mini production line unit and a storage facility for raw materials. ‎

The cost of the project will be determined on the basis of the outcome of the feasibility study and recommendations of the supervisory committee.