Date: December 17, 2017
As part of its efforts to leverage collaboration in supporting start ups, Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) facilitated financing by WJ Towell’s Ajyal al Mustaqbal (Future Generations International) to its member Adel Al Abri. Founder of Uniboats and Winner of Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme for 2015, Adel Al Abri utilized the financing to procure and launch new equipment for his water sports activities company located in Al Mouj Marina.
The new water sports equipment procured for the company include kayaks and paddle boats. Zubair SEC provided Adel Al Abri with advisory and guidance towards his business development plans and facilitated negotiations with WJ Towell’s Ajyal Al Mustaqbal, as part of the existing collaboration agreement between the two SME-support entities.
The new fleet of kayaks and paddle boats is envisaged to help Uniboats expand its activities and cater to the increasing demand in the market, especially during the peak seasons of winter for water sports activities in the Sultanate. Since its establishment, Uniboats has managed to attract many sports enthusiasts and adventure lovers through top quality customer service.
Mujtaba Zafar, Administration & Business Development Manager at Ajyal Al Mustaqbal said, “Part of our objectives in Future Generations International (Ajyal Al Mustaqbal) is to support and nourish local entrepreneurs in as many ways possible and Adel Al Abri is one of the perfect examples of an enthusiastic entrepreneur who is very focused in what he is doing, especially the fact that he is focusing on growing our tourism sector which is one of the most important sectors in the Sultanate. When we were approached by Zubair SEC to finance the project we were very delighted to be a part of it and ultimately due to the professionalism involved, the process finished rapidly”.
Nauzer Nowroji, Senior Advisor at Zubair SEC said, “In line with our strategy to support our members, Zubair SEC is delighted to have facilitated the procurement of new equipment for Adel’s company Uniboats. Earlier this year we advised our member to get a fresh installation of new jet skis and other equipment and assisted him in making a business plan, which was presented to Al Raffd Fund. After the funding was approved, Uniboats acquired six brand new high-end jet skis through a company called OHI Marine. Once Adel re-established his entire business space in the Al Mouj Marina we realised there was a demand for paddle boats and kayaks. Since we had already approached Al Raffd Fund, we made a special request to WJ Towell’s Ajyal Al Mustaqbqal to provide financing to our member so he can purchase the other equipment. Ajyal Al Mustaqbal were very cooperative and agreed to support Adel to obtain the paddle boats and kayaks.”
He added, “We are grateful to WJ Towell and earlier Al Raffd Fund. It is very clear that such reputable organisations eagerly want to support entrepreneurs who are passionate about their projects. WJ Towell was very responsive and collaborative as they extended their support almost instantly. We are also thankful to OHI marine who offered very special prices which enabled our member to buy more equipment and services.”
As of now, Adel’s Uniboats provides a comprehensive set of water sport services with the help of the six jet skis, four kayaks and six paddle boats he has added to his business.
Adel is also expanding his Uniboats business activities to other branches that will be announced in due time. So far the new locations operate over the weekends, aiming to offer services across the full week once enough demand is generated.
Speaking of Adel, Nowroji said, “Adel has been in this business for years and he runs a fully certified trained water sport management company. The biggest challenge in the water sport industry is maintaining the equipment because the safety standards are very high. In spite of the hardships, Adel managed to persevere, worked very hard and kept the business going till such time that he could launch the new equipment. I give him a lot of credit for his determination and entrepreneurial skills.”
He added, “In a direct and indirect way this is a tourism activity and Al Mouj Marina is a wonderful space for Adil to operator from. This premium centre is now a major tourist spot in Oman, where the demand for high quality water sports equipment and service is high. We wish him all the best and are certain he will excel in his business since he has a fully certified staff supporting him.”
Adel Abri said, “I am thankful to Ajyal Al Mustaqbal by WJ Towell for funding my new equipment that happen to be vital for the expansion of my business activities. I would like to stress that Zubair SEC has played a significant role in my business development and progress. Their guidance and direction has encouraged me through the most challenging stages of my business. They are doing great service to the SME sector in the Sultanate.”
Zubair SEC has facilitated similar opportunities for Adel Al Abri in the past. The Centre has always supported Adel with advisory and guidance to further develop his business. Zubair SEC had also facilitated an agreement between Uniboats and The Zubair Corporation’s human resources department. As part of this agreement, The Zubair Corporation’s HR department in association with Uniboats had organised a monthly customised programme on ‘culture change and shared values’, for the employees of the Zubair group of companies.
It is important to recall that with an objective to strength the growth of start-ups, Zubair SEC and WJ Towell’s Ajyal Al Mustaqbal have signed an MoU in February 2017 to extend joint support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman.