Muscat - Sharikat Mubasher: Sohar International, one of the fastest-growing banks in Oman, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Youth Projects Development Fund (Sharakah) to launch the second edition of the Sohar International Women SME Development Program.

The agreement, signed by Mazin Al Raisi, Chief Marketing Officer at Sohar International, and Ali Muqaibal, Chief Executive Officer of Sharakah, reinforces Sohar International's commitment to broadening economic participation and strengthening Oman’s entrepreneurial landscape, according to the official press release.

Structured as an eight-month program, the second edition focuses on digitalization, mentorship, business planning, and capacity development, while incorporating refinements shaped by participant-driven insights and Sharakah’s implementation experience from the initial rollout.

The program will gather a select cohort of 10 women-led SMEs that have been active for at least 18 months, with a more defined emphasis on enterprises operating in the manufacturing sector, recognizing its potential within the country’s diversification agenda.

Further enhancements introduced in this edition are designed to deepen engagement and strengthen real-world application. These include a series of webinars led by industry experts covering digital transformation, entrepreneurial trends, and practical case studies. These additions are intended to move beyond theoretical learning, enabling participants to gain direct exposure to perspectives that inform decision-making and business growth.