Date: October 17, 2019
Zubair SEC launches Shiyaka Photography studio in Mawaleh Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) has helped its members Zahra Mohammed Saif Ambu Saidi to launch a new studio in Mawaleh for her business “Shiyaka Photography”. The launch was inaugurated by Hani Muhammad Al Zubair, Chairman of Zubair Automotive Group and Board Member of The Zubair Corporation, and attended by representatives of the executive management from the Zubair Corporation (Z-Corp) and Zubair SEC. Zubair SEC launches Shiyaka Photography studio in Mawaleh
The professional digital studio is more than a picture studio, offering various photo-related services.
Zahra Mohammed Saif Ambu Saidi, founder of Shiyaka Photography, was among the 10 members selected for the Zubair SEC’s flagship Direct Support Programme (DSP) for the year 2018.
Zahra Mohammed Saif Ambu Saidi set up Shiyaka Photography studio in early part of 2015.To support her entrepreneurial journey, Zubair SEC has been extending extensive advisory support to Shiyaka Photography, guiding them through their business development, marketing strategy, and expansion plans.
Mohammad Al Hasani, Chief Communications Officer at The Zubair Corporation and supervisor of Zubair SEC said, “Sheer determination has taken Zahra to new places. Having started off with a small photography studio, Zahra has over the years expanded her business into souvenir making, destination management, digital photography, and animation production. Through its custom-made souvenirs reflecting main touristic sights in the Sultanate, Shiyaka Photography intends to play a vital role in promoting Oman as a unique tourist destination. Shiyaka Photography has really come a long way since it was set up”.
Mohammad added, “When Zahra became member of Zubair SEC’s flagship Direct Support Programme for the year 2018, her business was operating from a small basement shop in Al Khuwair; later the advisors worked with her on a development plan that included relocating to a better and more market attracting location in Mawaleh and have been working with her ever since on further stabilizing her products and services while maintaining diversity and competitiveness.”
After supporting Zahra to establish a professional digital studio at Mawaleh and a souvenir store, Zubair SEC guided her to set up a new website for Shiyaka Photography and further develop her business’ services portfolio.
Recently, Zahra has added multi-media and animation production services to the business portfolio of Shiyaka which has a very good potential to enhance its competitive advantage and the comprehensiveness of their services offered to the market. Starting October 2019, she has run her own booth at Muscat Mall selling special souvenirs and custom made items too.
Zahra, who has a bachelor degree in Multimedia – Computer Science from Middle East College, is very enthusiastic about the future growth.
Zahra says, “We are continuously working to enhance our service portfolio and we look forward to becoming the best photography company in Oman. And as we have added the services of multimedia production and animation to our portfolio recently, we are working on changing our business name to Shiyaka Multimedia”
Thanking Zubair SEC Zahra said, “The centre has played a key role in my business journey. Their guidance and supervision have played a huge role in different stages of my business ensuring growth and sustainability of my small enterprise.”
She added: “I would also like to express my gratitude to my husband Ishaq Al Busaidi for his amazing support in all means, financial and moral and by expertise; he has been a major reason behind my progress and the growth of my business”
Shiyaka Photography has executed corporate photo shoots for major corporations in the country, besides corporate events. Their Souvenir Shop at Muscat Mall now retails unique tourist souvenirs, gifts, merchandising and promotional gifts related to Oman. The company’s expertise in photography and videography gives it an edge to apply creative ideas, designing destination related items.
It is worth mentioning that Zubair SEC has recently launched the sixth round of its flagship Direct Support Programme and is currently receiving applications to join the programme, as 10 applicants will be selected to join the Programme in its 6th round. All details are provided on its website www.zubairsec.org and deadline for applying is 28 November 2019. As one of Oman’s significant social responsibility initiatives, Zubair SEC has always been in the forefront in assisting ambitious small-business owners and entrepreneurs to grow assertively. Through Zubair SEC, its members have been having better access to knowledge, expertise and understanding of different market dynamics.