Muscat, Oman

In celebration of its 15th Goodwill Journey, Ooredoo signed a two-year contract with Omani Bahjah Orphan Society and the Sultanate’s biggest real-estate company, Muriya, for the launch of the ‘Saturday Market’ in Dhofar during the popular Khareef season. The official kick-off was held under the Patronage of H.E. Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar, the head of the Omani Bahjah Orphan Society Ibtihaj bint Salim Al Yafaie, and local residents, who also joined in the inauguration activities.

Focusing on providing families of the association with a platform to bolster their income, the weekly Saturday market will serve as a great place to showcase their talents. Thousands of visitors who flock to Salalah during the Khareef season will be able to get a glimpse of Oman’s rich heritage, and to buy their unique products, which include handicraft pieces, local foods, traditional clothes, crafts and other articles. The exhibition also provides the families with the opportunity to develop their business skills on a local and regional level as they meet with buyers from all over the world.

The project comes under the umbrella of Ooredoo’s social responsibility, ‘Ooredoo Goodwill’ and is part of its efforts to provide orphans and families with the support they need to enhance their standard of living. The telecoms company also seeks to support and foster a culture of entrepreneurship, to support the economy in general through the establishment of SoHos and SMEs.