BBIC Interview with Eyhab Al Hajj

Would you mind giving us an overview of Nawras?
A Telecommunications company that operates in Oman offering Mobile services. Nawras was launched 16 March 2005 and today has 400,000 customers with unique service offerings in a highly competitive mobile market. Nawras’s current market share stands at around 25%.

Why have you become involved in the TKM – Ernst & Young Big Business Idea Competition?
Since its launch, Nawras has continuously been improving on customer experience through innovative methods, that's why Nawras was happy to get behind TKM’s initiative which has ‘innovation’ at its very heart.

How important are start-ups to Oman’s economy?
Over the past couple of years, Oman has witnessed a growth in foreign investment, such growth provides the ideal environment for secondary markets to develop, especially those which are service oriented, bearing in mind that the best ‘products’ sold are the ones that are sold as ‘services’ . I can’t think of a better time for start-ups to start!

What personal experience do you have of the start-up culture?
At Nawras I’m part of a highly dynamic start-up team. If I can sum up the start-up culture in a couple of words it would be: “exciting and hectic.” I’ve never felt a 12-hour day go by so fast!

What characteristics do you need to be a successful entrepreneur?
Being able to think about the future and putting your ideas down on paper. I mean think to the extent that you live the situation, that’s what you'll need todo to ensure momentum and drive. An all encompassing business plan will help you realize your dream before selling it to your banker or business angel.

Which international entrepreneur has inspired you and why?
HH Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, a man with vision and real drive.

What are the key ingredients for a successful start-up?
A well thought through business plan, covering all possible angles including customer satisfaction and market entry. One important dimension is planning for change, ask yourself “what if” - life's full of surprises and it usually happens when you least expect it, generally on a Tuesday afternoon at 4:00pm.

What path do you suggest for would-be Omani entrepreneurs?
Tourism and ICT are where it’s at and will be for a long time to come.

What are the drawbacks to being an entrepreneur?
There’s a greater sense of self-reliance and commitment. It's very different to working in an established organization where there’s a higher level of intrinsic momentum and collectiveness.

What do you think the dotcom has done for enterprise and innovation?
Business models have become more focused on delivering differentiated service offerings whether through speed or reach. Indeed, in the dotcom era these have becoming increasingly more important to customers.

How do you recognize the next big thing?
If you’ve a passion for it and a market, than you’ve found it!