MC

H.E. Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment, has visited today a number of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Eastern Region. This is part of the efforts of the Ministry and SME Authority to support, empower and stimulate the Small & Medium Enterprises, besides motivating and encouraging entrepreneurs.

H.E. Dr. Al-Qasabi praised the efforts of he/she entrepreneurs whose dreams come true by having successful enterprises that would bring welfare to all. H. E. pointed out that there are many pioneering projects in various regions of the Kingdom, which create real opportunities for young men and women. This sector receives all support from the government through the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, as well as the Social Development Bank, besides various funding programs. H.E. the Minister expressed his great admiration for what he had seen and heard of different successful ideas and stories achieved by the young entrepreneurs, and how they develop and promote their thoughts and business.

 

H.E. Dr. Al-Qasabi has visited Innosoft Est. in Al-Khobar, which is a Technology Solutions Provider, owned by the Saudi entrepreneur Loua'ay Labani, who established this facility to provide technical solutions for facing the challenges of business and local markets. He works with young and talented youth, boys and girls in the field of technology, marketing and identity building. Mr. Labani has been able to obtain funding from the Aramco Entrepreneurship Program (Wa'ed). During a short period, his Est. received a number of awards in innovation and entrepreneurship.

H.E. Dr. Al Qasabi also visited Parkers & Salt Restaurant, owned by two businesswomen, Deem and Rand Al Bassam. They started a mobile restaurant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and then they established a successful chain of restaurants with regional expansion. These restaurants are based on providing innovative services. They moved to Eastern Region and continued their trade activity, taking into consideration new ideas and thoughts by exploiting the open spaces and providing distinctive catering service.

H.E. Dr. Al Qasabi visited the Golden Lens Studio in Dammam, which is considered the first Women's Photography Studio in the Eastern Region, owned by the businesswoman Anwar Al-Muo'men. She started her business with a lens and a single camera, then she developed her business until she opened the first women's studio in the Eastern Region. She has got a loan from Prince Sultan Fund for Women's Development. Anwar's project had been expanded, so she had got another loan due to the success she had achieved. She has got now a special branch for women in Dammam, as well as another branch for men under her husband's supervision. Anwar's daughter has been awarded the best photographer in the Middle East. This project currently employs more than 30 young men and women.

H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Investment was accompanied by the Secretary of the Eastern Region, Engr. Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Jubair, Deputy Governor of the Small and Medium Enterprises Authority for the Development of the Entrepreneurship Environment, the Branch Director of the Ministry of Commerce and Investment in the Eastern Region and a number of officials from the two Ministries.