Thursday 24 / April / 2025
Muscat: The Oman Internship Fair 2025 was proudly presented on 21st April 2025 at the Diplomatic Club by Europcar, powered by Oman American Business Council (OABC), in partnership with The Diplomatic Club, Strategic partners the British Business Forum (BBF) and the Indo Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce( INMECC), and supported by Crowe, in collaboration with the Arab Open University, German University of Technology, and Majan University College. The landmark event brought together over 60 leading companies, 300 aspiring interns, and 5 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for a day of professional networking and career exploration. In its first edition, the fair provided a dynamic platform that forged new pathways for Omani youth to engage directly with potential employers and discover internship opportunities across various industries.
Advisory board comprising distinguished leaders from industry and academia played a pivotal role in shaping the fair’s program and ensuring its relevance to both students and employers. The advisory board members included:
• Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain
• Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC
• Charm Majolica, Director of The Diplomatic Club
• Maggie Jeans OBE, Founder Director of BBF
• Davis Kallukaran, Director of INMECC and Managing Partner of Crowe
• Dr. Kabaly Subramanian, Dean Faculty of Business Studies, Arab Open University
• Dr. Fatma El Madkouri, Head of Registration & Student Affairs, GUtech
• Dr. Ramalingam Dharmalingam, Asst. Professor Faculty of IT, Majan University Collage
The fair offered a rare opportunity to meet prospective employers and explore real-world career pathways. Participating businesses – spanning sectors from finance and technology to tourism and engineering – showcased structured internship programs and were able to identify promising talent early. The inclusion of five NGOs underscored the broader community’s commitment to youth development, highlighting avenues for social impact careers alongside corporate opportunities. Together, the diverse participants created an energetic environment of mentorship, professional growth, and community engagement aimed at empowering Oman’s next generation of leaders.
Nitin Sapre, CEO of Europcar Oman & Bahrain, underlined the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and professional development. “At Europcar, we actively hire young talent and believe in their long-term value — not just for our business, but for Oman. We wanted to do something meaningful for the country, so we brought this idea forward and invited business groups to join us. Internships are a practical way for companies to give back while discovering future talent,” said Sapre.
Rebecca Olson, CEO of OABC, highlighted OABC’s role in connecting students with industry. “OABC’s member companies were thrilled to meet so many talented future employees at the internship fair. It was a win win for all attendees and a great chance to connect face to face with other employers as well.” Olson stated.
Charm Majolica, Director of The Diplomatic Club, reflected on the venue’s mission to host transformative, community-impacting events. “We are honored to host this impactful event and support initiatives that build bridges between education and industry,” noted Majolica.
Maggie Jeans OBE, Founding Director of BBF, spoke on the importance of nurturing young talent for Oman’s economic future. “BBF is delighted to support this initiative. Investing in youth talent is crucial for the future of business in Oman,” said Jeans.
Davis Kallukaran, Advisory Board Member, Director of INMECC, and Managing Partner of Crowe, emphasized the long-term economic significance of such initiatives: “Oman’s youth are among its greatest assets. By connecting them early with the business ecosystem, we not only empower individuals but also lay the groundwork for a more innovative and resilient economy. INMECC is proud to be a part of this mission.”
The Oman Internship Fair 2025 stands as a testament to the power of cross-sector collaboration in cultivating the next generation of Omani professionals. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, Europcar Oman and their partners have created a sustainable platform for talent development that will benefit Oman’s economy for years to come. Organizers of the fair expressed optimism that this successful inaugural event will pave the way for future editions, further strengthening the link between education and employment in the Sultanate of Oman.
