Thursday 14 / November / 2024
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) showcased several innovative experiences in operational processes and services offered within the zones under its supervision.
This was part of an event organised by the Authority, in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, as part of the celebration of World Quality Week. This year’s theme is “Quality from Compliance to Outstanding Performance.”
The event was attended by Eng. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of Opaz, along with several officials and employees from the Authority, government entities, private sector companies and individuals interested in quality and innovation.
The event emphasised, through visual presentations, the importance of quality and performance improvement across various sectors, encouraging continuous enhancement in operational processes and services, as well as promoting innovation and process improvements to achieve beneficiary satisfaction.
Four key themes were highlighted, showcasing experiences in quality and institutional excellence, digital platforms that enhance performance and support innovation, workplace innovation, and the National Equal Opportunities initiative.
In the first theme, the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit presented guidance manuals on quality, institutional excellence, process improvement, and institutional innovation. The Authority delivered a visual presentation on the Institutional Transformation Programme it is currently implementing, while Esnad Integrated Services gave a presentation on the importance of ISO quality certifications. Additionally, Sohar Port and Freezone presented and showcased the results achieved by implementing ISO 55001, the asset management standard.
The second theme, titled ‘Digital Platforms Enhancing Performance and Supporting Innovation,’ included an overview by the Authority of digital platforms it launched to facilitate investment processes, such as the OMAP platform and the electronic land selection service, both of which improve and streamline planning and site selection in economic and free zones. The event also featured a presentation on Eltizam platform, which enhances oversight and ensures compliance with standards. Sohar Port and Freezone demonstrated modern technologies in asset management and smart lighting, while the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) showcased its Dorbah e-platform, designed to train and qualify employees and workers in the industrial cities.
In the third theme, ‘Innovation in the Workplace,’ the Authority presented initiatives launched in this area, including Jisr, Short Dialogues and Experiences. Sohar Port and Freezone also presented its key management practices aimed at enhancing employee efficiency and improving the internal work environment.
In the fourth theme, the Authority shared its experience in implementing the ‘National Equal Opportunities’ initiative, an initiative designed to support Omani entrepreneurs and owners of SMEs. The Arkan Agriculture Research, Development and Innovation Company (Ardic), presented its experience in providing innovative professional services to support the productive agricultural sector. Additionally, Ibn Firnas Drone Center presented its innovative services and products in the field of drones, demonstrating their applications in areas such as aerial photography, building inspections, agricultural monitoring, mapping, rescue operations, and the oil, gas, and refinery sectors.
Through these events, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones aims to foster a culture of quality and innovation within the business environment, maintaining a high level of excellence that reflects a commitment to enhancing institutional efficiency and sustaining performance.
