Forging local SME partnerships and empowering community

Oman Monday 30/September/2024 20:22 PM
By: Times News Service
Forging local SME partnerships and empowering community

MUSCAT: Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Jabal Akhdar, dusitD2 Naseem Adventure Resort is not only a popular getaway but also a dedicated community partner. Committed to fostering local culture and sustainable development, the resort is reinforcing its ties with the region through strategic partnerships with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and groundbreaking social initiatives.


By empowering local farmers and providing meaningful opportunities to individuals with disabilities, dusitD2 Naseem Adventure Resort is setting a benchmark for responsible tourism and community engagement in Oman.

The resort has forged key partnerships with local producers of pomegranates, roses, olives, honey, and blueberries, supporting the agricultural backbone of the region. Simultaneously, its collaboration with the Al Wafa Social Centre through the GIFTed Programme provides vital work opportunities for individuals with disabilities, strengthening the social fabric of the local community.

A cornerstone of dusitD2 Naseem’s community engagement lies in its collaboration with local farmers. By purchasing their produce for its day-to-day operations and offering guests authentic farm-to-table experiences, the resort helps preserve traditional farming practices while enriching the visitor experience.

Guests can immerse themselves in workshops and tours, allowing them to discover firsthand the rich agricultural heritage of the Jabal Akhdar region.

Key partnerships include sourcing the prized local pomegranates during the renowned Rummana season, which play an essential role in the resort’s culinary

offerings.

The famous Jabal Akhdar roses are transformed into oils and waters for the resort’s signature spa treatments, while locally produced olive oil enhances the gourmet dishes served at dusitD2 Naseem’s restaurants. Organic honey from local beekeepers is incorporated both into the dining menu and wellness treatments, while fresh blueberries add a distinctly Omani flavour to desserts and beverages.

“These collaborations not only provide our guests with the freshest ingredients and authentic experiences, but they also help sustain local agriculture and support small businesses,” said Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Adventure Resort.

“Our goal is to create lasting relationships with local SMEs that benefit both our operations and the wider community. Supporting local farmers enables us to preserve the cultural essence of Jabal Akhdar while driving economic growth.”

Beyond its focus on agriculture, dusitD2 Naseem’s partnership with the Al Wafa Social Centre is central to its commitment to social responsibility.

The resort’s GIFTed Programme offers internships to students with disabilities, providing them valuable work experience in the hospitality industry. Many of the programme’s graduates have gone on to secure full-time positions at the resort, highlighting the success of this initiative and reinforcing dusitD2 Naseem’s focus on empowering individuals with disabilities.

“This partnership is a reflection of our belief that inclusivity is essential for a thriving community,” added Thakral. “By offering meaningful employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities, we’re helping to build a more diverse and empowered workforce, while also contributing to the social fabric of Jabal Akhdar.”

Through its growing collaborations with local businesses and its inclusive social initiatives, dusitD2 Naseem Adventure Resort continues to play a pivotal role in driving both economic and social prosperity in Jabal Akhdar. These efforts not only strengthen the community but also create a richer, more sustainable environment for visitors and residents alike.

(For more information about dusitD2 Naseem Adventure Resort and its initiatives, please visit www.dusit.com/dusitd2-naseemresort or call +968 2522 9000.)