Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested — Guinean proverb

With the Royal Decree on the Salalah Free Zone coming out late last month, and khareef round the corner – what better time to take a look at what’s happening in this corner of Dhofar. Traditionally known for its monsoon, this issue we look at how that image is ready for a power transformation. With the rapidly expanding Port of Salalah, the quality of businesses at the Raysut Industrial Estate, and the recent Royal Decree pertaining to the Salalah Free Zone, the region is on track to become a trade hotspot. As it grows into that role, it is also becoming a year-round tourist destination. While surveys show that visitors during the khareef are growing every year, charters from Europe are filling up hotels in the region at other times. As long as infrastructure keeps up, there is nothing to stop Salalah.

An innovative idea kicked off by The Knowledge Mine Incubator Programme saw young entrepreneurs invited to take part in the Big Business Idea Competition that invites original ideas or a significant improvement on an existing business idea from applicants. The other very significant development last month was the announcement of the annual compensation survey by ORDC, along with a business consultancy from India, The Lighthouse. This is being done for the first time in Oman and holds immense value for the corporate world. BusinessToday is proud to be part of this endeavour.

Mohana Prabhakar
Managing editor