The Bahwan Group made its debut in Oman’s commercial life in 1965 with a shop named Suhail & Saud Bahwan, established by the two brothers in the Muttrah ‘Souk’. Initial trading comprised of building materials and fishing nets. Following the sea-faring traditions of his ancestors, Sheikh Suhail Bahwan had his initial trading experience aboard the vessels that plied the routes to Western India and the Upper Gulf from his native village Sur, an eastern seaport of Oman. Soon he turned his attention towards securing agencies of internationally reputed brands. Initial success was in 1968-69 with Toshiba and Seiko. With His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said coming to power in 1970, Oman opened up to the outside world, creating a demand for industrial and consumer goods in Oman that had never been experienced before. The business acumen of Sheikh Suhail Bahwan won him prestigious franchises from leading international manufacturers and service providers.

The group diversified into critical areas like integrated engineering and construction, infrastructure projects, telecommunications, home appliances, electronics, foodstuff, furniture, healthcare, shipping, travel and logistics.

As the businesses grew and prospered, the Group continued to align itself with His Majesty’s vision of nation building. Based on Sheikh Suhail’s abiding belief that the private sector must work with the Government for the nation’s modernization, the Group continued to invest and work for the development of Oman’s industrial and infrastructure sector, a focus that  continues till today.

Led by Sheikh Suhail’s widely respected principled business conduct and his strong desire to give back to society, the Group has always taken its responsibility to the community and society very seriously. Strongly believing that the youth are the future of a prosperous and vibrant Oman, the Group has focused on providing jobs for young Omanis and imparting knowledge, skills training and motivation to help them perform to their full potential.

Today, the 15,000 strong Suhail Bahwan Group ranks as one of Oman’s foremost business houses. It has interests in engineering and construction, manufacturing and industrial investments, Information technology, trading and specialized services, among others. Many of the Group companies are market leaders in their field, not only in Oman but in the entire Gulf Region.