Muscat: Raf, a student firm connected with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat, provides an unique Omani digital startup platform that allows individuals to easily construct smart online stores based on AI technologies designed for the Omani market.
The platform seeks to make it easier for young people and anyone else interested in starting an online business to do so without having any technological or design skills, by providing a simplified and unified user experience.
Saif bin Jumaa Al Hashar, CEO of Raf Student Company, described the platform as allowing users to create their own shops, set prices, monitor competitors' actions, and analyze data automatically and intelligently.
Al Hashar noted that Raf's vision corresponds with Oman's digital transformation trends, leveraging artificial intelligence technologies to benefit entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Saif Al Hashar remarked, "Today, I lead the Raf squad, which is made up of 12 individuals from a variety of fields, including programming, marketing, design, and financial management. "
Al Hashar stated that Raf aims to provide flexible subscription plans that cater to entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, making it an ideal choice for those looking to start their own online businesses.
He emphasised that the company's objectives are to empower everyone to effortlessly enter the e-commerce market, provide Omani youth with innovative tools to help them start their businesses, and promote digital entrepreneurship both locally and regionally.
Saif Al Hashar said the company focuses on young entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners, college students, and anybody interested in digital entrepreneurship.
He highlighted that Raf was chosen as one of the top 40 firms out of over 300 applicants in the Injaz Oman 2025 program, placing it on the list of the top 40 projects in the Sultanate of Oman.
He mentioned that work on the Raf project began in January 2024 and that the prototype was finished by early 2025.
Saif Al Hashar stated that Raf plans to release the platform's final version in early 2026, as well as seek initial funding to grow the service locally, gain institutional support, and establish strategic collaborations.
It's vital to highlight that Raf aims to be one of the region's top smart ecommerce platforms by introducing future AI-powered functions such as sales data analysis, product recommendations, and a smart business assistant that will help users' businesses grow efficiently.
