A renowned Omani establishment, Azza Al Ismaili Group comprises of seven companies across various sectors including education, oil and gas, garment production, and manufacturing of cleaning detergents for households, industries, and hospitals. The Group is also affiliated with telecommunications, research, and innovation companies, and is exploring trading opportunities in oil and gas, minerals, and other commodities. Her Excellency Azza Al Ismaili, former Minister of Technology & Communications in Oman, the Founder and CEO of the Group, holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, a master's degree in Computing Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University, and an Executive MBA from Arizona Grand Canyon University. Let’s dive deep and learn more of her success stories in below interview snippets.

Can you take us through your early education and previous industry experience that you bring to the table?

I hold a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, a master's degree in Computing Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University, and an Executive MBA from Arizona Grand Canyon University. Additionally, I have attended leadership training programs at prestigious universities. I gained ten years of experience at Petroleum Development Oman, where I learned valuable skills such as project management, data analysis, team collaboration, and goal setting. These skills have stayed with me throughout my career, and I have applied them to establish successful businesses in Oman, including those focused on education, oil and gas, and trading. My goal is to leverage my knowledge and experience to drive my companies' success and make a positive impact on the communities in which they operate.

What inspired you to establish Azza Al Ismaili Group? Could you share with us the idea behind the venture and its unique features?

After almost 17 years of founding my first company, I established Azza Al Ismaili Group to create a more efficient management structure for my businesses. With over five registered companies and more than 500 employees, managing them separately became increasingly challenging. By investing in local products, projects, and companies and supporting local talent, we aim to create a better future for our community and country. We take pride in investing in the local economy and supporting our community's growth. Our focus on innovation and excellence has helped us unlock our businesses' full potential and that of the local community. In summary, Azza Al Ismaili Group reflects my passion for driving positive change through business.

Explain the different duties and areas of focus you have as the Founder & CEO of Azza Al Ismaili Group to drive growth for the company.

As the Founder & CEO of Azza Al Ismaili Group, one of my primary roles is to strategically assess our business processes, products, and services to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. I constantly seek out new methods to enhance our operations and drive growth by analyzing market data, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and identifying potential risks and opportunities. Additionally, I am responsible for coaching and developing future leaders within our various businesses to maintain a culture of excellence and accountability throughout the organization. In summary, my primary focus areas for driving growth for the company are innovation and leadership development.

"Azza al ismaili group embodies my commitment to driving positive change through business"

Share your experience as the former Minister of Technology and Communications in Oman and your achievements during your tenure.

As the former Minister of Technology and Communications in Oman, I was honored to be appointed by the late Majesty, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, as one of the few female ministers in Oman's history. In this role, I learned about how cabinets function, formed and regulated policies, and built relationships between countries. During my tenure, my focus was on driving Oman's digital transformation and leveraging technology to enhance socio-economic development. My significant achievements include providing Internet access to all remote areas in the country through satellite, manufacturing the first Omani laptop, Onsor, which received high ratings from Microsoft, and putting together a digital transformation plan for the country that introduced savings of over 40 million. These achievements helped to connect Oman's rural communities to the rest of the world, demonstrated our ability to compete in the global technology market, and improved the government's efficiency by digitizing its services.

Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to young women and girls who aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs?

To young women and girls who are aspiring to become business leaders and entrepreneurs, I advise them to have faith in themselves and their capabilities. They should not allow other people's limited beliefs to hold them back; instead, they should focus on their strengths and exploit them to their advantage. Developing a robust support system through networking, mentorship, or associating with individuals who can offer advice and motivation is equally important. In addition, investing in education and continuously learning and expanding their knowledge is vital for success in any field, especially in the ever-changing business world. Lastly, young women and girls should not be afraid to take risks and see failure as an opportunity to learn. Failure is a natural part of the journey towards success, and it's critical to learn from mistakes and use them to fuel progress.

Azza Al Ismaili, Former Minister Of Technology & Communications - Oman

With a vision of creating job opportunities for Omanis, Azza Al Ismaili has employed over 500 individuals with a 65 percent Omanization rate. Her focus on innovation and entrepreneurship has led to the success of Azza Al Ismaili Group since its launch in 2020. Group is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creating a culture that prioritizes communication, collaboration, and support for staff, partners, and the people they serve.