Salalah – Dhofar Governor’s Office has announced an enthusiastic turnout for the ‘Qeemah’ competition with 337 entrepreneurial projects and innovative ideas submitted from across the governorate. 

Launched on February 18 and running till April 30, the competition is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing local value addition using Dhofar’s natural resources and capabilities.

Qeemah seeks to inspire the youth of Dhofar to propose non-traditional solutions to contemporary challenges and to develop products that support Oman’s economic diversification efforts. 

By putting the spotlight on exceptional entrepreneurial ventures and creative concepts, the competition intends to nurture these into successful startups, while further developing existing enterprises through incubation programmes or business accelerators, with support extending up to six months post-competition.

This pioneering competition is a collaborative effort between Dhofar Governor’s Office and several key institutions, including Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhofar Municipality, Oman Development Bank, and Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ASMED).

Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, informed that the competition focuses on creating entrepreneurial value and exploring economic opportunities within the governorate. He highlighted the competition’s role as a cornerstone of the economic development of Dhofar, underlining its contribution to supporting and enhancing SMEs, thereby providing job opportunities for Omani youth and integrating them into the governorate’s economic growth.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Batmira, General Supervisor of the competition, outlined its three main objectives, including focusing on wilayats to promote innovative ideas and capitalise on local natural resources.

Its second objective is to find innovative non-traditional solutions to some of the challenges faced by large companies in the governorate, while the third is aimed at exploiting the unique coconut palms of the region to establish a sustainable supply chain.

Additionally, it seeks innovative solutions for Nama Dhofar Company in the areas of treated water utilisation, organic fertilisers and marketing strategies.

The wide range of participants include innovators, entrepreneurs, and college and university students from across Dhofar, all aiming to present sustainable and viable project ideas. 

Winners of Qeemah will be presented financial awards, training programmes to support project implementation, consultation services, and mentorship from industry specialists to ensure the successful realisation of their ventures. 

The competition also offers free registration of intellectual property for participa