Said Ahmed Safrar, CEO, Dhofar International Development and Investment Company shares the company’s strategic direction and post-merger outlook. An OER exclusive

This merger brings together two of Oman’s most established entities: Dhofar Investment’s asset strength and Khedmah’s digital and operational expertise. Together, we are creating a unified powerhouse with greater financial depth, flexibility, and innovation capacity. It’s a merger built not only for scale, but for purpose — to make life easier for people, to empower Omani talent, and to re-engineer assets and investments for a smarter, tech-driven future. It also promises growth and opportunity for all our stakeholders — shareholders, employees, and customers alike. Financially, operationally, and technologically, this merger enables stronger governance, faster adoption of innovation and an ecosystem ready to deliver long-term value for everyone connected to our journey.

Q) How will the new entity position itself as a leader in Oman’s digital and financial transformation?

Technology is the heartbeat of our next phase. With Khedmah’s billing and collection, e-wallet and remittance (Wasel Exchange – soon to be part of the Khedmah App) infrastructure already in place, we are expanding into fintech and smart services that simplify daily life for individuals and businesses. Our aim is to build an ecosystem that accelerates Oman’s move toward a fully connected, digital economy.

At the heart of this evolution lies our vision to build a super app — one platform that brings together payments, delivery, remittance, and lifestyle services. It will represent Oman’s next leap toward becoming a tech-first nation where digital convenience is accessible and effortless for every customer.

Ramez Amoudi, Deputy CEO, Dhofar International Development and Investment Company

Q) How does this merger create opportunities for Omani professionals and innovators?

We see Omani talent as the nation’s true capital. By combining Dhofar Investment’s financial capabilities with Khedmah’s innovation platform, we are giving bright minds a space to experiment, build, and scale ideas. We want to host champions — entrepreneurs, engineers, and thinkers — by investing in them and turning their ideas into impact.

Q) How is Dhofar Investment’s strategy evolving post-merger to meet the demands of a changing world?

We are shifting from traditional investment models to strategic, innovation-led growth. This means backing industries that power Oman’s Vision 2040 — from fintech and sustainability in all business aspects, to logistics and various other digital services. Our capital will now work harder, not just for profit, but for progress. Post-merger, we are increasingly using data-driven insights, customer analytics, and market research to guide our decisions. Our approach integrates technology adoption, loyalty programs, and customer experience to create investments that are not only profitable but also meaningful to the people who use our services every day.

Saud Al Siyabi, Chief Operating Officer, Dhofar International Development and Investment Company

Q) How open is the group to collaborating with other players in the private and public sectors?

Completely open. Collaboration is the new competitive edge. Whether it’s startups, government initiatives, or regional partners, we’re ready to co-create value for the nation. The merger gives us the scale and flexibility to think beyond boundaries — to partner where it matters most.

Q) Beyond investment, what impact will this merger have on Omani communities and employment?

We are focused on creating opportunities at every level — from technology jobs to service-excellence roles. As we expand our digital and service platforms, we wll need new skills, new teams, and new ideas. Every growth initiative under this merger translates into employment, upskilling, and social value.

Q) How are you ensuring that growth remains transparent, responsible, and sustainable?

Our governance is built on trust, transparency, and long-term thinking. With a stronger balance sheet and diversified assets, we are now in a better position to uphold sustainability — not just in financial terms, but in environmental and social responsibility as well. Every decision is made with Oman’s future generations in mind.

Q) How are you integrating two legacy institutions — Dhofar Investment and Khedmah (formerly Khedmah OIFC) — into a single, forward-looking organization?

Integration is being approached with precision and purpose. We are aligning governance systems, digital infrastructure, and teams to operate under one shared vision. Khedmah’s transition from Khedmah OIFC to Khedmah under Dhofar Investment symbolizes modernization — streamlining operations while unlocking greater synergies between investment strength and service innovation. The result will be a unified organization ready to scale both locally and regionally. This integration also strengthens our foundation across every vertical — from billing and remittance to lifestyle services such as Khedmah Delivery, which continues to expand rapidly across food, groceries, and D2D convenience. Together, we are reshaping how Omani consumers and businesses interact with digital services, setting new benchmarks in accessibility and experience.

Q) Dhofar Investment’s portfolio spans insurance, banks, power & energy, hospitality, education, construction, exchange, healthcare, and services. How do these verticals strengthen the group’s post-merger positioning?

Each of our verticals represents a pillar of Oman’s economy. From building world-class infrastructure and educational institutions to investing in healthcare and hospitality, Dhofar Investment has always focused on industries that improve lives and enable national growth. Post-merger, these sectors will be empowered through digital integration and stronger capital backing — ensuring every investment not only delivers returns but also enhances the social and economic fabric of Oman.

Q) Khedmah has become a household name for utility payments and digital services. What’s next for the brand under this new structure?

Khedmah will continue to evolve as Oman’s go-to platform for convenience. Beyond bill payments and top-ups, users will soon experience a unified app that connects remittance, insurance, education payments, delivery, and more. The goal is simple — one trusted platform that handles the essentials of modern life while continuously innovating to meet tomorrow’s digital habits.

Under Khedmah Delivery, we are expanding into food, grocery, and door-to-door services, with plans to introduce new categories of everyday convenience. This growth is driven by continuous learning from customer insights and loyalty data — allowing us to innovate with purpose and deliver solutions that truly simplify daily life.

Q) How will Omanis and residents experience this merger in their everyday lives?

Customers will feel the impact through convenience, accessibility, and trust. The new Khedmah platform under Dhofar Investment will bring all essential transactions — from paying bills and sending money to ordering services — under one secure digital roof. Our mission is to make living in Oman smarter and simpler, where technology serves people and saves time. As we evolve into a unified super app, customer experience remains at the center of everything we do. Through real-time insights, feedback, and data-driven personalisation, we are designing services that anticipate needs and create seamless convenience — transforming Khedmah into a lifestyle brand that connects people to what matters most.

Q) With the growing role of fintech, how does the new entity plan to promote financial inclusion across Oman?

Financial inclusion is at the heart of our fintech journey. By expanding Khedmah’s e-wallet and remittance ecosystem, we aim to provide every Omani — from urban professionals to rural workers — with secure, seamless access to financial services. We are developing digital payment solutions that reduce barriers, promote savings, and empower small businesses to participate in Oman’s evolving digital economy.

Q) Will the group invest directly in Omani startups and new ventures?

Yes, absolutely. One of our priorities is to host and invest in national champions — Omani startups and entrepreneurs who have the vision and drive to shape the country’s future. Through targeted funding, mentorship, and access to our ecosystem, we aim to cultivate ideas in fintech, health-tech, edtech, and smart services that can grow from local successes into regional leaders.

Q) How do you see Dhofar Investment–Khedmah’s role evolving as Oman positions itself on the global stage?

Oman is entering an era defined by innovation, connectivity, and collaboration — and we intend to be one of its strongest ambassadors. With our capital strength, diversified industries, and digital platforms, we are building bridges between Oman and the global economy. Our focus is to make Oman not just a place of investment, but a hub of ideas, technology, and opportunity that resonates far beyond our borders. The merger represents a model for sustainable growth — one that benefits every stakeholder, from our shareholders and employees to our loyal customer base.

Through continued investment in technology, fintech, and the development of our super app, we’re confident that Dhofar Investment – Khedmah will play a defining role in positioning Oman as a regional leader in innovation and convenience.