CASE STUDY 1 AN INNOVATIVE BUSINESS IDEA STORY FROM OMANI YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

Khalid Al Suwaid is a 22 years old Omani entrepreneur, who has earned his Bachelor of International Business from the Queensland University of Technology. His business project, "Love at First Bite" is Omans first themed Lounge. It provides an exciting dining experience that brings together three different themed settings: a Sicilian walkway with street lights and a wishing fountain, a brightly coloured 1001 Arabian nights tale dining area and a French palace lounge and bedroom. The lounge is located in Shatti Al Qurum. With an increasing number of guests dining out in Muscat, Love at First Bite is not simply an addition to the market, but a vibrant, fresh and modern perspective on the hospitality industry in Oman. From the original and freshly inspired dcor to the out-spoken staff also known as Guest Specialists, Love at First Bite strives to differentiate itself with an innovative menu featuring fusion dishes and an exceptional ambience to compliment the overall dining experience. Khalid started with 7 employees and has added 5 new employees to the team within 6 months from the inauguration of the lounge. Based on demand, the lounge is now open for lunch as well as dinner.

1 _Identify the innovative idea of Khalid business?

2. How their business idea is a need of Oman? Justify your answer.

CASE STUDY 2- MEMORIES- FROM PROFESSIONAL TO ENTREPRENEUR

YASIR AL ABDULLAH Professional photographer, started a studio in May 2013, in Muscat offers photo shoots, designing brochures and event management Yasir al Abdullah, owner of Memories, a studio, is a professional photographer who has benefited from both the public and the private sector. From an amateur, he became a professional photographer with the help of the Oman photographers' Society Club. In May last year, he set up a studio that offers photo shoots, designing and event management. He approached the SEC to learn how to do business and also for financial aid. Currently, he earns RO5000-6000 a month and has a long-term contract with the Ministry of Tourism. His studio, which employs three women photographers, won a business to shoot weddings at the five-star wedding hall, Al Noor in MQ. He said, it is difficult developing businesses, especially in its initial stages, "When I was looking for support to take the loan they were asking for a guarantee....So I used my own savings to start this business." Yasir explains that his business would not have been possible without the support of Zubair SEC, as well as the support of family and friends, and that that service sector companies such as Zubair SEC and GroFin are essential in providing this support, "helping the young Omanis to get bigger in the market, and to hire more talented Omanis." CURRENT STATUS: Recently won contracts from Ministry of Tourism and sports goods maker Uniboats, earnings around RO5, 000-6,000 a month Memories Studios in Muscat introducing services on Shooting Weddings for Male & Female, Graduation Ceremonies, Shooting Models, Artwork Designing, Printing & Drawing on T-Shirts, and much more. Memories Studios are launching new & exciting services to include: Wedding shoots, Private Parties/Functions, Graduation Ceremonies, Advertisement Shooting and Designing & Printing. It includes a selection of Omani Professional Photographers experienced in all of the above. It provides services which are targeted to be creative, unique, professional & valid for all types of clients.

1. What are the difficulties faced by Yasir to start his business?

2. What is the contribution of Zubair SEC in Yasirs business?

3. Is Photography business suitable and profitable in Oman? If your answer is yes, write the reasons.