By: Rahma Al Barwani- Innovation Hub Department Manager
In today’s fast-moving business world, innovation is the key driver of success. Companies that embrace innovation not only enhance operational efficiency but also build a culture of resilience and adaptability. By creating environments that promote creative thinking and experimentation, organizations strengthen employee engagement and motivation, which in turn fortifies their overall culture.
A 2023 McKinsey report highlights that companies prioritizing innovation see a 20% increase in efficiency and a 45% boost in growth compared to their peers. These insights illustrate how innovation accelerates operational excellence, fuels long-term growth, and strengthens a vibrant organizational culture. Additionally, innovation positively impacts employee engagement. A Deloitte study reveals that organizations focused on innovation experience a 30% higher retention rate, as employees are more likely to stay where continuous improvement and creativity are encouraged.
As we conclude MB Group’s 2nd Innovation Cycle, I reflect on how far we’ve come while also considering the path ahead in navigating the fast-evolving business landscape—especially within our core industries of oil and gas, mining, well services, and engineering solutions.
At MB Group, innovation is central to everything we do. Since the inception of the Group, our leadership has cultivated a culture where every individual is empowered to create, connect, and contribute. This environment was shaped by Dr. Mohammed Al Barwani, who established the first private Omani well services company. Today, that legacy continues to thrive across our teams, whether it’s through the development of new products or the implementation of cutting-edge processes to address challenges and improve operations.
For instance, our forward-thinking team at Petrogas has pioneered enhanced oil recovery (EOR) solutions, while in MBPS labs, Tasneem Al Daoudi and Salma Al Sudairi are leading groundbreaking research to develop eco-friendly oil-based mud using date seeds. These projects are just a few examples of the many innovations that fuel our growth and success. Our unwavering commitment to innovation continues to shape the future of our industry.
With a diverse portfolio across nine sectors—including oil production, exploration, engineering services, and hospitality—MB Group thrives on cross-industry collaboration. Our employees draw inspiration from this diversity, creating an environment where groundbreaking ideas flourish and industry-leading solutions emerge.
Since the launch of the Mohammed Al Barwani Innovation Hub in 2023, we have completed two highly successful innovation cycles. Over 100 ideas were submitted, 23 projects were approved, and 9 expert-led sessions were held. These cycles not only sparked new ideas but also fostered deeper collaboration and empowered employees to take ownership of their innovations.
Even before the Innovation Hub, we launched the Chairman’s Award of Excellence in 2017, recognizing and rewarding outstanding achievements across the Group. This award has helped foster a culture of excellence, encouraging employees to learn from each other’s successes and driving ongoing improvement.
At MB, innovation is more than an initiative—it’s a part of our daily operations. The MB Innovation Hub plays a crucial role in sustaining this culture, providing a platform for experts to share insights, inspire our teams, and help our workforce develop the skills needed for continuous growth. At MB, innovation and continuous learning are not just goals; they are integral to who we are.