Al-Khonji named Business Worldwide's Entrepreneur of the Year

Omani businessman Qais Al-Khonji was recently selected Social Entrepreneur of the Year Oman by Business Worldwide Magazine.

In addition to being a well-known businessman, Al-Khonji is a lobbyist who urges government officials to back policies that will encourage entrepreneurs. These policies include the inclusion of entrepreneurship courses in school curricula.

Al-Khonji, 37, said his aim is to assist Oman's aspiring entrepreneurs to develop sustainable businesses.

"Certainly I'm delighted to receive this reward - not just for myself, but for the fact that it is validation that more needs to be done to create opportunities for entrepreneurship in Oman," Al-Khonji said. "I can speak from personal experience when I say starting up your own business where there is no organized structure for entrepreneurs to rely on can be extremely daunting, yet the idea of being able to fund and lead your own company is incredibly empowering and liberating.

"Entrepreneurship is certainly something I believe we should be encouraging the next generation to focus on here in Oman, especially if we want to be a stronger and more independent country in years to come," Al-Khonji said.

The companies Al-Khonji owns include Genesis International, Genesis Projects and Investment, Genesis Manufacturing and Genesis Communications.