Omani youth showcase their business ventures at Muscat Nights Festival in Naseem Garden

Muscat – Muscat Nights Festival at Naseem Garden is not just a celebration of culture, but also provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and supports growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. The festival, which features a wide range of exciting activities including fireworks, local and international music performances, children’s games and open-air theatre, has become a great opportunity for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to promote their businesses.

Muscat Daily spoke with a few young entrepreneurs who are taking advantage of the festival’s platform to build their businesses and contribute to a vibrant SME sector.

Al Munjid Hassan al Bajali, a student of Modern College, and his friend Abdullah Muhammad al Badari, a student of Muscat College, are two such entrepreneurs who are promoting their business at the festival. Muscat Municipality has provided the two place to set up a mobile truck.

“Abdullah and I have been friends since childhood. We always dreamt of starting our own business. In May 2024, we launched our mobile truck – TFG – serving a variety of coffee, tea and juices,” Bajali said. 

Since launching their business, the two have served customers at open days organised by private companies and colleges. They consider participation in Muscat Festival Nights a milestone with their servings being well received by visitors.

“We faced several challenges, particularly in financing. Balancing studies and the business also present a challenge. However, we have the support of our families and lots of determination, besides willingness to work hard. That’s how we’ve come so far,” Bajali added.

Prior to launching TFG, he worked for a year in a café, where he learnt how to prepare hot beverages and juices and serving customers. “The hands-on experience was invaluable.”

“We hope to open a café under the same brand and expand our presence across other  governorates,” Bajali said, expressing optimism for the future of their business.

Another young entrepreneur wooing visitors at Naseem Garden is Mahmoud Khamis al Fadhili, 19. His entrepreneurship journey began in 2021 while studying for his general diploma. He runs Easkarim, a mobile ice cream business offering a wide range of flavours made with Omani ingredients.

“Besides Omani-flavoured ice cream, I also bake chocolate cookies and serve fruit cocktails, such as mango and strawberry,” Fadhili said. “Muscat Nights Festival is a fantastic opportunity for me to promote my business. I dream of one day opening a store and expanding my presence in other places.”

Fadhili advised other young Omani entrepreneurs to believe in their abilities and work hard to achieve dreams. “Success doesn’t come without effort, and with determination and passion, anything is possible.”

Both Bajali and Fadhili embody the spirit of young Omani entrepreneurs, proving that with hard work, creativity and perseverance, they can turn their dreams into successful businesses.