SafaQat
Platform Attracts National Investment to Boost Digital Transformation
Muscat,
23 Jul (ONA) — The Omani startup platform SafaQat or “Deals” which is
specialized in digital purchasing and procurement has successfully completed a
funding round with Future Fund Oman and the Idrak Group. This move reflects
growing confidence in national technology projects and their ability to
contribute to building a sustainable digital economy.
SafaQat
is supervised by the SMEs Development Authority “Riyada”.
SafaQat
is a pioneering joint venture founded by four brothers from the Wilayat of
Nizwa: Majed bin Majed Al Saifi, Sulaiman bin Majed Al Saifi, Ibrahim bin Majed
Al Saifi and Al Moatasem bin Majed Al Saifi.
The
family partnership was established during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.
Al
Moatasem, one of the founders, explained that the idea originated from a simple
experience of sharing price quotes via messaging apps, which confirmed the
market’s readiness for competitive digital models. The brothers then began
developing a prototype that evolved into a fully integrated platform.
He
noted that the project’s launch was built on their cumulative expertise,
particularly in the tendering sector. He affirmed that each brother managed a
specific aspect of the platform according to his specialization, which
contributed to its steady and professional growth. He emphasized that the
project’s success came after overcoming several challenges related to building
trust, changing market behaviors, and convincing institutions to use the
platform.
He
stated that the solutions involved flexibility, listening to feedback, and
developing the system as needed.
Al
Moatasem explained that the investment partnership with Oman Future Fund and
Idrak Group represents a qualitative leap for the platform. He pointed out that
these entities do not just provide financial support; they believe in the
importance of investing in the future of the national economy and empowering
Omani youth.
He
added that the investment will be allocated to developing the technical infrastructure,
improving user experience, attracting national talent, expanding into
government services, and preparing to enter new markets.
Al
Saifi mentioned that the number of SafaQat app users has reached 2,486, while
the number of tenders and opportunities published on the platform has reached
1,260. The number of registered suppliers and companies stands at 2,784. He
affirmed that these figures reflect rapid growth and increasing confidence from
the local market, reinforcing the platform’s position as an effective national
platform for digitizing procurement and supply chain operations.
The
SafaQat platform has earned several awards and recognitions, including second
place in the live pitches at the Omani Startup Accelerator, the Best Growing
Company in the Market award, a second-place ranking among Omani e-commerce
stores, and a win in the “Jadarah 2024” initiative.
The
platform has participated in numerous local and international forums, including
Comex 2024, the Economic Vision 2024 award, and represented Oman at
international exhibitions such as Biban 24 in Riyadh, Web Summit in Doha, and
LEAP 25 in Saudi Arabia.
SafaQat
utilizes smart technologies, including interactive dashboards, alert systems,
bid-sorting algorithms, and real-time reports. It is currently working on
developing AI-powered tools for analyzing bids and forecasting prices, in line
with digital transformation trends.
On
the community side, the platform launched an initiative to train job seekers as
sales representatives through practical online training content, aiming to
empower youth and create self-employment opportunities. It also supports small
and medium enterprises with free registration, technical support, and awareness
campaigns.
—Ends/AG
