National High Tides (Uniboats) | 2015
“It is a dream come true”. This is how Adel Suwaid Salim Al Abri describes the story of ‹Uniboats› – a new business venture specialised in water sports and marine tourism services in Muscat.
Adel’s passion for the sea goes back to his childhood, but the idea of turning his passion into a business came to his mind only few years ago. “Water sports form a huge sector in other countries, and Oman is bestowed with abundant shores – a coast line of over 3,000 Km. Why don’t we invest in that?”
These were some of the questions that came to Adel’s mind when contemplating his new venture. After a few years he established ‹Uniboats› which offers marine tourism, water sports, individual and group training, sales of specialised equipment, and organising sea cruises for companies and individuals.
Adel believes that the marine tourism sector in Oman offers huge potential for growth; but he is equally convinced that running a business goes beyond the limits of pursuing a hobby. Business administration, cash-flow management and brand management were all skills that Adel lacked experience in. He decided to join Zubair SEC to get the needed advice, mentorship and skills needed to achieve his goals.
Commenting on his association with Zubair SEC, Adel notes, “What attracted my attention is that I found what I exactly needed in Zubair SEC, especially the consultancy services and guidance with administrative and technical issues. I did not seek out financial support at the beginning; all I was in real need of was assistance and training to be successful in my new business venture. From the first visit to the Centre I knew that I was in the right place”.
Adel was accepted as a member of Zubair SEC and quickly gained the necessary administrative, legal, financial and marketing skills to expand his business. He had strong determination to overcome challenges, and these were exactly the criteria the Centre was looking for.
Adel adds, “I believe being selected for the Direct Support Programme was a direct result of my efforts during the first period of joining Zubair SEC. I did not miss any consultancy session or mentorship meeting. I used to continuously emphasise my belief in achieving my vision for ‹Uniboats› in the years to come”.
Recalling his experience with the Centre Adel says, “Zubair SEC assisted me in preparing a clear strategy for business growth. They also enabled me to sign contracts with an international company specialised in marine equipment and my company is now its sole representative in Oman. Additionally, I tied up with a number of local and international companies to market ‹Uniboats›. Zubair SEC also supported me with building a comprehensive administrative and financial system, besides providing the required finance to develop the project through the Direct Support Programme grant, as well as other financing bodies.”
Today, ‹Uniboats› is moving forward to further successes, and Adel is making big waves in the local tourism market.