In your estimation, how well has Oman has communicated its story internationally?

We have focused on branding ourselves as a country, with developments like the airport, roads, and expanding tourism, we are working to make our country a highly sought destination. Our goal is to get the right message to the right people to communicate what Oman stands for.

With the downturn in oil prices, communicating these new business opportunities is essential. What is the Zeenah Group’s role in getting the word out?

Our Company’s role is to work with local and international partners. 

We want to convey what opportunities exist on the investment front. There are many areas of opportunity other than oil and gas which have been under the radar and are ripe for development.

What type of investors are you trying to reach?

We try to reach the investors that want to have a presence in the region and who can see the bigger picture. We want people that realize the strategic location of the country and want to connect the region with the rest of the world.

We have the infrastructure that is required to create many developments which will further the value of investments in Oman.

How do you work with your international partners to get Oman’s message out?

We look at different markets and express to the partners what we are looking for. We focus on places that have access to Oman via airlines. The Ministry of Tourism, with Oman Air, works to articulate the different markets and establish routes to expand access to Oman and create new investment opportunities.

What do you believe makes the Zeenah Group the partner of choice in Oman?

First, we have been here since 2003. We like to see ourselves as a one-stop shop, with the ability to access different services within marketing and communications. That was our philosophy while attracting clients locally and internationally.

Second, we understand this market. Having a local presence gives us the ability to understand the dynamics of the people we work with. Moreover, our ability to showcase local talent in this industry, and our ability to connect to the markets, gives us an advantage. Our employees understand the culture, the history, and the people, which combined with our international staff, bring diverse skills and experiences.

What is your strategy for growth and expansion?

All of our divisions work closely with each other so we can deliver consistent service to our customers. Our digital and social divisions are always in constant growth. As the market becomes more and more sophisticated, the services we provide must adapt as the needs of the customers become more diverse.

We have also started to expand outside of Oman. We opened an office in the UAE and have started working in other markets. We have projects in Qatar, Cyprus, and Jordan. We are able to reach several markets through partnerships and the network and we are rapidly expanding. 

In terms of new clients, we always look at those with long-term goals and vision. We want clients that believe in a long-term, steady return. Building a brand and a presence cannot be done overnight. We envision the results in the long-term and see the growth and return on investment.