5th OCCI Franchise Programme: How It Will Expand Global Opportunities for Oman Brands and Businesses
MUSCAT, JUNE 21 — Reflecting Oman’s broader national strategy to boost the private sector’s competitiveness and expand its role in economic development, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), through its Franchise Centre, has launched the fifth edition of its Franchise Programme. The event was held under the patronage of Dr. Khamis bin Saif al Jabri, Minister of Economy.
The Franchise Programme aligns with OCCI’s commitment to improving the business climate, supporting economic diversification, and strengthening partnerships across Oman’s governorates in accordance with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
This programme seeks to cultivate a franchise culture among Omani business owners, facilitate the entry of scalable Omani brands into regional and international markets, enhance investment opportunities and business collaborations, and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in achieving sustainable growth, job creation, and stimulating the national economy.
At the launch ceremony, three key agreements were signed to bolster the programme’s impact. OCCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oman Oil Marketing Company, which will provide ten locations at its fuel stations across various governorates to host programme projects. Additionally, advertising space on the company’s digital screens will be allocated to promote participating brands.
A strategic support agreement was also finalized with Shell Oman Marketing Company, involving an allocation of $5,000 to aid SME participation in the Egypt Franchise Exhibition, alongside access to 19 of the company’s filling station locations for programme participants.
Furthermore, OCCI signed a cooperation agreement with LuLu Group to explore the allocation of between five and twelve retail units within Al Muzn Mall and Nizwa Grand Mall for eligible programme brands, with potential expansion opportunities in Barka Grand Centre and Salalah Grand Mall.
The ceremony also saw the signing of 62 franchise agreements for several Omani brands across seven countries: Oman, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, and Ecuador.
Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of the OCCI Board, highlighted that the programme plays a crucial role in generating new investment opportunities, enhancing the efficiency of national companies, and promoting their adoption of best practices and international standards. This, he said, will positively impact economic growth and foster increased commercial and investment prospects.
Eng. Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Chairman of the Franchise Center Committee, detailed that the programme provides a comprehensive range of services, including brand evaluation, specialized consultations, preparation of operational manuals, financial model development, marketing of investment opportunities, alongside targeted training programmes and workshops.
Al Saadi further stated that the centre aims to empower 300 Omani brands and raise the market value of both franchisors and franchisees to RO 1 billion, emphasizing readiness for expansion both domestically and internationally.
He also revealed plans for international expansion to 22 countries, the establishment of a network of over 150 international franchisors, and the attraction of more than 220 investors and partners from diverse markets, thereby enhancing the global footprint of Omani brands.
The fifth edition of the programme is scheduled to commence in September 2026 and will run for eight months. It will focus on developing 26 Omani brands through lectures, workshops, and specialized consulting sessions. The programme will also work on regulatory frameworks and performance indicators, improve franchise systems for participating companies, and conduct field visits and awareness sessions across various governorates. These efforts aim to strengthen the readiness of Omani brands for expansion and competitiveness in regional and international markets.
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The launch of the fifth edition of OCCI’s Franchise Programme signals a strategic push to scale Omani brands regionally and internationally، خلق significant growth opportunities for SMEs and investors aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Businesses should capitalize on the expanding franchise ecosystem and partnerships with major players like Oman Oil and LuLu Group to accelerate market penetration and attract cross-border investments. Smart investors must consider the programme’s comprehensive support services and its ambitious expansion targets as a blueprint for sustainable, scalable ventures in Oman’s evolving economic landscape.
