The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has launched the fifth edition of its Franchise Program, aimed at supporting Omani brands, expanding franchise opportunities, and enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow in regional and international markets.
The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Minister of Economy. The initiative forms part of the Chamber’s strategy to improve the business environment, promote economic diversification, and support private-sector growth in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Supporting Omani brands and SMEs
The program seeks to strengthen the franchise sector in Oman by promoting franchise culture among entrepreneurs, supporting scalable local brands, creating investment opportunities, and fostering business partnerships.
The program also aims to help SMEs expand beyond the domestic market, generate employment opportunities, strengthen private-sector participation, attract investment, and contribute to sustainable national economic growth.
Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, pointed out that the franchise program is a major strategic initiative to enhance the competitiveness of the Omani private sector and transform promising local brands into franchise success stories capable of regional and global expansion.
He said the initiative would create new investment opportunities, improve operational standards, and encourage the adoption of international best practices across Omani businesses.
Expanding the franchise ecosystem
Engineer Hamoud bin Salem Al-Saadi, Second Vice Chairman of OCCI and Chairman of the Commercial Franchise Center Committee, highlighted the program’s evolution and expanded focus on advisory services, operational manuals, financial modeling, investment promotion, and specialized training.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
He said that the Commercial Franchise Center is targeting 300 brands and aims to increase the combined market value of Omani franchisors and franchisees to 2.6 billion (OMR1 billion) while supporting their local and regional expansion. The fifth edition follows previous phases that supported six brands in the second edition, 23 in the third, 25 in the fourth, and 26 brands in the current phase.
Al-Saadi further noted that the program offers a comprehensive package of services, including franchise readiness assessments, operational and legal support, feasibility studies, investor matchmaking, market analysis, and training programs for both franchisors and franchisees.
International expansion plans
The program is also pursuing international growth, targeting expansion into 22 countries, building a network of more than 150 international franchise operators, and attracting over 220 investors and strategic partners.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
Zakaria bin Abdullah Al-Saadi, CEO of OCCI, stated that the Chamber continues to play a central role in overseeing the program, coordinating with strategic partners, and ensuring participating companies are equipped for sustainable growth and international expansion.
He said the success of previous editions demonstrates the growing importance of franchising as a business model and supports Oman Vision 2040 goals for private-sector development and economic diversification.
Cooperation agreements signed
The ceremony witnessed the signing of three cooperation and support agreements aimed at strengthening opportunities for participating brands. A memorandum with Oman Oil Marketing Company will provide 10 retail locations at fuel stations across Oman and advertising opportunities for program graduates.
A support agreement with Shell Oman Marketing Company includes financial support of $5,000 for SME participation in the Egypt Franchise Exhibition and access to 19 retail locations at Shell service stations.
Image credits: ONA | Cropped by GBN
A cooperation agreement with Oman Malls Company will explore providing between five and 12 commercial units at Al Muzn Mall and Nizwa Grand Mall for qualified Omani brands, while assessing additional opportunities at Barka Grand Centre and Salalah Grand Mall.
Franchise agreements across seven countries
During the event, 62 franchise agreements were signed for Omani brands across seven countries: Oman, the United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Qatar, and Kuwait.
The ceremony also featured presentations from entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners showcasing successful franchise expansion experiences and opportunities for Omani brands in international markets.
Financing support for franchise growth
Mahmoud bin Hamdan Al-Mujrafi from the Development Bank presented the ‘Alama‘ franchise financing program, which offers funding of up to $260,000 (OMR100,000) for SME franchise projects.
The financing carries a subsidized profit rate of 3 percent, repayment periods of up to seven years, and a grace period of up to 12 months. Beneficiaries also receive technical guidance, advisory services, and access to training programs before launching their franchise operations.
The event was attended by senior government officials, Chamber board members, investors, business owners, and representatives from the private sector.
