The worldwide e-commerce industry is expected to reach US$4.32 trillion by 2025, according to Statista, demonstrating its critical position in the global economy. The industry has led to increased market access for small businesses, accelerated economic development, increased competitiveness, and made it easier for customers to purchase goods from anywhere in the world.
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In the highly competitive e-commerce industry, several female entrepreneurs have made huge progress and received exceptional acclaim. Among these well known figures is Dr. Shinuna Al-Barwani, an Omani serial entrepreneur. What sets Dr. Shinuna apart from other professionals in her industry is her dedication to supporting small businesses and encouraging positive change in the business sector.
Dr. Shinuna is the CEO of the well known firm Metro Muscat, a leading B2B e-commerce platform in the GCC. The firm is at the forefront of interconnecting enterprises, strengthening supply chains, and cultivating local partnerships. Metro Muscat’s business-to-business agreements with Iran, Turkey, China, Uzbekistan, India, the United States, Yemen, South Korea, and East Africa are evidence of Dr. Shinuna’s commitment to advancing Omani e-commerce globally through partnerships.
Dr. Shinuna is also the CEO of French Cuisine, a firm that offers outstanding catering and infusing events. The firm has been providing hospitality services to Omani citizens for 11 years and is regarded as one of the top in the nation, demonstrating her outstanding leadership and business acumen.
Youth empowerment is essential to economic growth and sustainability. Dr. Shinuna’s innovative project, Metro Zone Academy, one of the leading digital training platforms in the Middle East, demonstrates her commitment to transforming e-commerce and empowering young people. This online academy equips youth with skills in e-commerce, digital marketing, dropshipping, content creation, freelancing, and investment.
Any organization’s success is largely dependent on its leadership. Dr. Shinuna is a great example of this. Metro Muscat, Metro Zone Academy, and French Cuisine are expanding quickly under her astute direction.
Dr. Shinuna’s journey to becoming one of the most influential e-commerce entrepreneurs is incredibly motivating. After gaining valuable leadership experience as the head of the IT department at Sultan Qaboos University, she left her academic position to follow her entrepreneurial aspirations since she was so enthusiastic about it. Over the years, she launched a number of companies ranging from salons and medical facilities to clothing factories and wedding planning services.
Through these experiences, she learned the importance of flexibility and the complexities of managing a range of projects. Her journey ultimately led her to create French Kitchen, a successful catering company.
Her commitment to philanthropy and helping those in need led her to start helping small businesses sell their goods online in 2012. Despite obstacles, she resumed her endeavor in 2021, and her firm, Metro Muscat, is now one of the leading e-commerce companies in the GCC.
Success comes to those who embrace challenges. Dr. Shinuna exemplifies this brilliantly. She worked very hard and overcame many challenges to become the lady she is today.
Dr. Shinuna’s accomplishments are just too many to list here but she is the recipient of the 2024 Al-Shahbandar Award for Best Project, the 2024 Change Makers Award, the 2024 Accomplished Omani Woman, the 2024 Innovation Excellence Award, the 2024 COMEX Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the 2024 Omani Women’s Governance Medal. Most recently, she was honored for Human Rights Advocacy.
It would not be inaccurate to state that Dr. Shinuna has emerged as one of the most influential e-commerce leaders due to her innovative efforts to develop the industry, which is still a lucrative and vital part of both the national and international economies.