A Journey Fueled by Principles
Mrs. Sharifa Al Harthy’s path to leadership has been illuminated by authenticity, integrity, and transparency. She navigates complex, male-dominated industries with quiet determination and a commitment to fair treatment and respect for all employees. Her trust in their capabilities has solidified her reputation as a respected leader.
Reflecting on her experiences, she highlights the challenges faced by women in the workplace: “Women in our society end up doing multiple jobs as managers, staff, and employees, and when we go home, domestic work awaits us—taking care of the house, children, and sometimes older parents. In addition, we have to work harder than men to be accepted and recognized.”
Khadija Al Sinawi, Sr.HR Manager at Musstir, the real estate development arm of MB Group, shares, “Mrs. Sharifa has always been eager to stay updated on industry trends and encourages us to do the same. As female employees, there are moments when it feels like we carry a heavier load, but her leadership inspires us to keep learning and improving.”
A Vision Built on Principles
Mrs. Sharifa’s partnership with her husband, Dr. Mohammed Al Barwani, is rooted in shared policies of transparency, equal treatment of all employees, and mutual respect, ensuring a healthy working environment. Throughout her many years in management as the head of Human Resources, she has endeavored to create a workplace where employees are treated with respect and provided opportunities for training and self-development. Her emphasis on these principles has been the foundation for building MB Group into a large successful Group of companies.
Dr. Mohammed acknowledges that he could not have built the group without Mrs. Sharifa’s support. In an early interview with Harvard Business Review, he noted, “Initially, she helped as an advisor, but as the business grew, I invited her to join me.” Her expertise in management and HR has allowed him to concentrate on the technical aspects of the business.
Their united vision, along with the trust and confidence of the management team, has led to extraordinary success in building a professional business with one of the highest percentages of Omanization among family-owned companies. Mrs. Sharifa’s strategic insights have enabled the company to thrive amidst challenges, proving that a partnership founded on guiding principles is essential. Reflecting on their journey, she adds, “Even during tough times, we recognized the real potential of Omani employees. We persevered through belief, and Alhamdulillah, with everyone’s support, we are now successful.”
Empowering Others Through Trust
A hallmark of Mrs. Sharifa’s leadership is her unwavering trust in her team. She believes employees are the organization’s greatest asset, fostering an environment where they can flourish. “Every employee in the group is a member of my family. Some joined us as fresh graduates, and over the years, they have gained experience and through their effort today hold senior positions,” she emphasizes, showcasing her commitment to treating all employees with fairness, taking a keen interest in training and development of employees and building a positive working culture.
By cultivating a culture of collaboration and empowerment, she inspires her employees to challenge themselves and contribute meaningfully to MB Group’s success. This approach fosters a workplace where innovation and personal growth are paramount. Afrah Al Busaidi, Head of Legal at MB Group, reflects, “I joined MB as a legal assistant. Mrs. Sharifa has been a real role model for me; I’ve gained a lot and shaped my career while working directly under her leadership. With her support and guidance, I am now the Head of Legal for the whole Group.” Such testimonials illustrate how her belief in herself inspires others to reach their full potential.
Maryam Al Borumi shares, “MB Group has been a true home of growth for me. I joined at just 17 years old and have spent 25 years here. During that time, I earned my bachelor’s degree and progressed from an HR assistant to a Senior HR Business Partner. Mrs. Sharifa has been an incredible source of support and guidance throughout my journey.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Mrs. Sharifa Al Harthy’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of belief and principles. Her unwavering self-confidence, dedication to her principles, and deep trust in her employees have established her as a prominent leader in Oman. As the advisor to the Board of MB Group, she not only achieves remarkable milestones but also inspires those around her to strive for excellence.
Proudly standing among the empowered Omani women driving national progress, Mrs. Sharifa Al Harthy inspires young, ambitious women across the Group and throughout Oman to trust in their capabilities and face challenges with courage. She emphasizes that women in Oman have achieved impressive success. Today, numerous Omani women serve as ministers, ambassadors, and business leaders steering successful private family groups.
At MB Group, we proudly showcase pioneering women such as Ahlam Al-Jahdami, CEO of Al Sharqiya Aviation, and Safana Al-Barwani, who leads the real estate company Musstir. Additionally, Fatma Al-Sinawi, a talented Omani, has been appointed Assistant General Manager of a hotel overseas. We look forward to witnessing even more women leaders emerge within our group.
Through her exemplary leadership, she illustrates that when belief serves as the foundation of our actions, the potential for success is boundless.