bp Oman and Outward Bound launch Wa’ed Program to Empower 100 Young Entrepreneurs

Abbas Aziz By Abbas Aziz
3 Min Read

In an exciting move to support Omani entrepreneurship, bp Oman has partnered with Outward Bound Oman and the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development Authority to launch the Wa’ed Program — a dynamic, three-phase initiative aimed at nurturing 100 local entrepreneurs working in technology and innovation.

The goal? To help Oman’s young startups grow into impactful businesses, while boosting leadership, collaboration, and environmental responsibility.

What is the Wa’ed Program?

The Wa’ed Program (which means “promise” in Arabic) is fully funded by bp Oman and combines indoor workshops with challenging outdoor experiences to help young founders build real-world business and leadership skills.

It’s open to:

  • ✅ Omani nationals
  • ✅ Entrepreneurs or student-led startups in tech and innovation
  • ✅ Those willing to complete all three phases of the program
  • ✅ Applicants registered with the SME Development Authority get priority

The Program Structure

Each participant will complete three distinct levels between June and October 2025:

1st Level: “Communication Compass” (Muscat)

  • One-day workshop (8 hours)
  • Focus: Team dynamics, role-playing scenarios, and building trust through hands-on communication exercises.

2nd Level: “Startup Leadership Summit” (Jabal Akhdar)

  • Three-day outdoor camp
  • Focus: Leadership styles, outdoor team challenges, discussions on Oman Vision 2040, and environmental awareness.

3rd Level: “Pathways to Success” (Jabal Akhdar)

  • Five-day expedition
  • Focus: Innovation, wilderness expeditions, teamwork, and tech-focused problem-solving workshops.

Graduates will receive a certificate and take part in a formal ceremony. They’ll also meet high-profile mentors, gain access to future training at discounted rates, and join a powerful network of changemakers.

What the Leaders Are Saying

Mohamed Al Zadjali, Acting Executive Director at Outward Bound Oman:

“This program shows what’s possible when the public, private, and non-profit sectors collaborate to build a stronger entrepreneurship ecosystem in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Ibrahim Al Hinai, Social Investment Manager at bp Oman:

“Empowering local startups is central to our vision. Wa’ed will help founders grow responsibly and contribute to Oman’s economy and society.”

Qais Al Tobi, VP of Finance and Investment at the SME Development Authority:

“Wa’ed supports the Rising Omani Startups Program and helps prepare youth to build ventures that compete on a global level — fully aligned with Oman Vision 2040.”

Why It Matters

The Wa’ed Program is more than just training — it’s a launchpad for Omani entrepreneurs to develop core business skills, foster innovation, and build confidence in both urban and rugged natural environments.

By combining mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world challenges, bp Oman and Outward Bound Oman are laying the foundation for the next generation of leaders and changemakers in the Sultanate.

Interested? Apply through the official program link here.