Date: January 15, 2017
Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) member’s project Al Rawaye Al Shamikha expanded its operation in Nizwa by launching a new chicken barn in Nizwa. The poultry farm is a project founded by Aliya Abdullah Al Nahbani, winner of Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme for year 2016.
The launch event was inaugurated by Khalid Muhammad Al Zubair, Manging Director of The Zubair Corporation, along with distinguished guests from the local community in Nizwa, executive management representatives from several organisations, and representatives of The Zubair Corporation and Zubair SEC.
At his speech inaugurating the new extension, Khalid Muhammad Al Zubair said: “we are very proud of young Omanis who are eager to start their own businesses and accomplish themselves; through Zubair Small Enterprises Centre we have been working hard to reach with our services to all governorates of the Sultanate and every entrepreneur in this beloved country.” He added: “observing Al Rawaye Al Shamikha project, we have witnessed how the perseverance and dedication demonstrated through Aliya Al Nabhani is the key drive for the project success, and a major contribution towards her qualification to join Zubair SEC Direct Support Programme in 2016; by far she deserves all the Centre’s support and we wish her and her project continuous success and prosperity”.
Al Rawaye Al Shamikha’s third barn was funded in large part by the grant money received through Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme. While its production capacity with previous two barns was 9000 chicken per cycle, because of the new expansion the production will increase to 13,500 chickens which is a surge by 50 per cent.
The space area of the new barn is larger than previous ones at 400 meters square. The new barn is built as per modern chicken farming standards by applying the Sandwich Panel construction method, which provides thermal insulation. It is important to note that thermal insulation provides better environment for the chicken and saves on electricity. The new barn also applies automatic irrigation methods saving water consumption, as opposed to manual methods used for the earlier two barns. The new barn has applied the latest health and safety standards and proper spacing from other barns to prevent the transmission of diseases if any.
At present, Zubair SEC is working closely with Aliya on the creation of a brand identity and packaging of the poultry products. Zubair SEC is also helping her with the marketing strategies to expand its scope and reach.
Appreciating the opportunity, Aliya Al Nabhani said, “Being selected for Zubair SECDirect Support Programme has been a great opportunity for me and my business. In addition to the much-valued grant that made it possible for me to expand with my chicken farm, I give great value to the guidance and knowledge that the advisors at Zubair SEC have been sharing with me. With the support I have received from the centre, I have been able to expand with operations and set clear marketing and production development goals for my business”.
Ali Shaker, Business Advisor at Zubair SEC said: “We are extremely proud of Aliya and her project; since she joined our centre she has demonstrated tremendous dedication towards the success and growth of her business. Alia is very focused, with hands on experience and a vision for growth and excellence. Working with her on business strategizing and planning has been smooth sailing, given her local insight, distinguished knowledge in the field, and desire to learn and acquire expertise”.
Aliya Al Nabhani is one of 28 winners of the Direct Support Programme in past three years who have been enjoying comprehensive support services by Zubair SEC. The Centre now is in the final stages of selecting the new ten winners for the Direct Support Programme 2017 edition to be announced on February 2017.
Zubair SEC’s Direct Support Programme rewards members who prove throughout their work with the Centre their commitment towards success and dedication in applying the consultancy and advice provided to them by the Zubair SEC team. Selected members for the Direct Support Programme receive additional direct advisory and consultancy services as well as a financial grant to support their businesses.