Date: January 8, 2025
The Zubair Enterprises Development Centre (Zubair EDC), the social initiative of The Zubair Corporation focused on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, proudly extended its support to Zaher Al Alawi, CEO of Tuhlub, in participating at the Biban 2024 Forum, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The forum, organised by the Saudi General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at), spanned five days under the theme ‘A Global Destination for Opportunities’. It brought together thought leaders, innovators, and investors from across the globe to explore advancements in the SME and entrepreneurship sectors.
Biban 2024 aimed to inspire ambitious youth to embrace entrepreneurship by fostering an interactive environment for building both local and international networks. With over 300 panel discussions and workshops led by 250+ international and local experts, the event also emphasised strengthening connections between investors and entrepreneurs, facilitating the exchange of ideas and investments in innovative and sustainable projects. The forum facilitated access to investment opportunities, including 25,000+ guidance and training sessions.
Ali Shaker, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at the Zubair Center, emphasised the Center’s commitment to fostering innovation-driven enterprises, “At the Zubair Center, we prioritise supporting startups that champion sustainability and knowledge-based solutions. The Tuhlub exemplifies this vision, and its participation at Biban 2024 reflects our dedication to empowering Omani enterprises on regional and international platforms. We are confident that such opportunities will drive partnerships, growth, and success for the company, contributing to Oman’s sustainable economic development in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.”
Tuhlub, founded in 2020, specialises in harnessing algae and aquatic plants to develop eco-friendly, innovative solutions across sectors such as food security, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and environmental beautification. Through its groundbreaking approach, the company aims to improve quality of life while contributing to environmental protection and sustainability.
Reflecting on the experience, Zaher Al Alawi shared, “I am honoured to participate in this prestigious forum, which allowed us to gain significant support from academic institutions, government entities, and industry specialists. Our engagement with investors and experts has opened doors for expanding our project’s reach, particularly in healthcare and environmental innovation.”
Previously, Zubair EDC extended its support to Tuhlub in showcasing its innovative algae-based solutions at a prominent conference in Spain, underscoring the Centre’s focus on enabling startups to leverage global advancements in technology and sustainability.
Zubair EDC remains committed to nurturing innovative Omani startups and facilitating their participation in key international forums, ensuring they gain access to networks, partnerships, and opportunities to thrive on a global scale. The Zubair Enterprises Development Centre (Zubair EDC), a growth initiative under The Zubair Corporation, was established in 2014. The centre highlights the important role of enterprise development in an increasingly diversified economy. The centre provides and inspiring, supportive, and professional environment for young Omani entrepreneurs and enterprises of all sizes to accelerate sustainable businesses.