Tuesday 28 / April / 2026
Muscat: The Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development “Riyada” continues its efforts to support and develop the artisan industries sector in the Sultanate of Oman through the Artisan Support Initiative. This initiative aims to empower artisans and craft enterprises while enhancing the sustainability of this vital sector, which is intrinsically linked to both cultural identity and the national economy.
The initiative offers a comprehensive package of support mechanisms, including funding for the setup and maintenance of workshops, covering marketing and packaging costs, facilitating participation in exhibitions, providing training, and supplying support for the purchase of machinery and raw materials. These measures collectively contribute to raising production efficiency and improving the quality of craft products.
The Authority clarified that eligibility for the initiative extends to individual artisans holding permits for productive home-based activities, as well as craft enterprises registered with a valid commercial license for licensed craft activities, in accordance with the approved terms and conditions.
The Authority encouraged prospective applicants to ensure they meet the core requirements, which include registration with the Authority, possessing a license for the craft activity issued by the competent authority, and reviewing the eligibility criteria—such as not having received similar support during the previous two years, and having a suitable location to practice the activity.
The Authority also noted that it has published an instructional guide detailing the application process for the Artisan Support Initiative, including all necessary procedural steps, to assist beneficiaries in completing their applications accurately and with flexibility.
The initiative covers a broad spectrum of activities, encompassing 16 types of productive home-based crafts and 20 types of activities under commercial craft enterprises. These include the crafting of Omani Khanjars (traditional daggers), silverware, palm frond products, perfumes and incense, textiles, pottery and ceramics, as well as leather, wood, and metal crafts, alongside other traditional handicrafts that reflect Oman’s authentic heritage.
The initiative has witnessed growing demand, with the total number of beneficiaries of artisan industry support from 2022 to 2025 reaching approximately 2,995 recipients. The total approved funding has exceeded OMR3 million, reflecting the increasing interest in the artisan sector and the initiative’s pivotal role in its ongoing support and development.
