- Home
- About Us
- Group Sectors
- Joint Ventures
- International
- Society
- News & Events
- Contact Us
- العربية
Trusted for Generations.
Towell Group is at the heart of Oman’s industry, business, and commerce. We also have our setup in UAE and India. We’re committed to a successful and prosperous future for our region and beyond.
Who We Are
Over 150 years since the company came into being, Towell Group continues its illustrious journey as one of the largest private sector conglomerates in Oman, with strong ties to the Middle East, India, and Europe.
As a family business trusted for generations, we remain at the heart of the nation’s commercial, industrial, and business evolution – with operations spanning multiple sectors such as Engineering, Automotive, Real Estate, Transportation & Services, FMCG, Manufacturing, and IT Services.
Today, Towell Group is inspired by our past, and at the same time committed to a prosperous future. We are honored to be contributing to the ongoing development of our beloved nation of Oman.
OUR MISSION
VISION & VALUES
Our Mission
To be at the forefront of generating profitable commercial enterprise by keeping pace with regional and global development, while creating value for our shareholders, stakeholders – and the Sultanate of Oman.
Our Vision
To remain a successful and profitable family-owned & family-run company based in Oman, that contributes to the ongoing development of the Sultanate and nurturing next-generation talent.
Our Values
- Market Excellence
- Market Innovation
- Market Growth
- People
- Community
- Sustainability
History of Towell
1866
Early Beginnings
In early 1866, William Jack Towell established the only European company W.J. Towell & Co. Mohamed Fadhel was determined to find one of the best positions for his career. He applied for a job at W.J. Towell & Co. Mohamed was successful in securing the position of Principle Assistant at the company. He reported directly to W.J. Towell & Co’s British owner Louis Maguire, who also served as the American Consulate in Muscat.
1883
Mohamed Fadhel – Armed with Ambition
The Towell Group traces its origins back to the late 1800s in Muscat - Oman. When Mohamed Fadhel – armed with ambition, business acumen, and proficiency in several languages – successfully secured the position of Principle Assistant at the influential trading company W.J. Towell & Co in 1883.
The experience of working in W.J. Towell & Co. was beneficial for Mohamed Fadhel and his career aspirations, and in 1892 – nine years after joining W.J. Towell & Co at age 34 – he applied for the post of Deputy Consul at the U.S. Consulate and successfully secured the position. Mohamed carried out the Deputy Consul role for the next 22 years, and his dedication to the role combined with his disciplined work ethic meant that he spent his time exclusively in Oman during this period.
1914
Last British Owner
Thirty-one years after joining W.J. Towell & Co, and with the passing of its last British owner, Mohamed bought the company and became its sole owner in 1914. On 3rd August 1916 however, after succumbing to an illness, Mohamed Fadhel passed away at age 58. This great man of Muscat and Oman had planted the seed which would see the “Towell Group” – as we know it today – thrive for over 150 years.
"Mohamed Fadhel had planted the seed which would see the Towell Group thrive for over 150 years"
1947
Generations Began to Grow
Through the 1920s and 1930s, and during the post-war period, Mohamed’s second and third generations began to grow and diversify the business. The family also expanded their operations outside of Oman into Kuwait in 1947, and Iraq in 1956.
1967
Beginning of the Oil Boom
With the beginning of the oil boom in the 1960s, the family acquired several businesses operating in various sectors. Further afield in 1967, the Towell Group also launched business operations in Dubai.
1970
Progressive Renaissance Era
In July 1970, the Towell Group welcomed in a modern, progressive renaissance era with the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said as the supreme leader of Oman. Towell Group was one of very few companies who were ready and willing to participate in this positive change that took place over the next thirty years in Oman, and well into the new millennium.
"In July 1970, the Towell Group welcomed in a modern, progressive renaissance era with the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos as the nation’s supreme leader"
2000
Towell Group Further Expanded
During a ten-year period beginning in 2000, the Towell Group further expanded their business footprint with several successful joint ventures and partnerships. A consulting firm was also hired in the late-2000s to study the organization and suggest a business structure that would further enhance its strategic objectives.
2010
Seven Sectors were Formed
These recommendations were implemented in 2010, and seven sectors were formed: Engineering, Automotive, Real Estate, Transportation & Services, FMCG, Manufacturing, and IT Services. The restructuring also led to the start of business in India, and further expansion in the UAE.
Through multiple generations, and over 150 years since the company came into being, the Towell Group continues its illustrious journey today with the family being the 100% shareholders of the group.
2020
Oman 2040 Vision
Under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and in line with the Sultanate’s illustrious Oman 2040 Vision, the company is honored to be able to contribute towards the ongoing development and long-term sustainable future of Oman and its people.
Chairman Message
Towell Group was founded in 1866 and since then, right from its inception to this date, we have grown and expanded into new horizons. Within these 150 years and counting, we have achieved several milestones and we pride ourselves on being one of the oldest Groups in the Sultanate of Oman and possibly the GCC. We are honored to be a trusted business amongst the people and the nation for generations. We are committed to diversifying and serving the people of Oman effectively and efficiently. With the aim of constant diversification, we have now focused our business on various sectors such as FMCG, Engineering, Real Estate, Distribution & Services, and Automotive. Our employees and our customers are two strong pillars of this organization. We successfully survived the pandemic and many such unprecedented challenges with sheer determination, excellence, and hard work. Our customers’ loyalty matters the most to us and we spare no resources to achieve this. The shareholders constantly reinvent themselves and brought succession planning at the Board level and in Professional management. We pride ourselves on 5th generation Board members as well as Independent Board members to continue to strengthen our Corporate Governance. In addition, the Board has brought in significant Top Management at the COO, CFO, and Strategic levels to ensure the Group continues to perform and protect shareholders’ interests.
Our CSR activities continue to serve the Omani community. We do this with generosity and unfailing pride and will continue to do so. As the sultanate celebrates more than two years of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s rule, his leadership inspires every Omani, man, and woman, who pray for his well-being and are grateful for his many good deeds for the nation and its loyal people ever since his accession to the throne. Oman Vision 2040 is the Sultanate's gateway to overcoming challenges, keeping pace with regional and global changes, generating and seizing opportunities to foster economic competitiveness and social well-being, stimulating growth, and building confidence in all economic, social, and developmental relations nationwide. In the coming years, we promise to serve the nation and our people with the utmost professionalism, dedication, and integrity. We remain optimistic about our goals and vision. We will continuously strive to exceed our expectations and be the best version of ourselves as an organization. I would like to show my sincere gratitude to our board members, partners, customers, our employees, and all our stakeholders for their continuous support. Let us keep growing, innovating, and excelling for the years to come!
Managing Director & Vice-Chairman Message
Within the framework of significant change globally, Towell Group continues to re-invent itself to stay relevant to our customers and stakeholders. The owners recognized the need to relook at our Group, Company and Organisation structures which the team continues to adjust to more transparent and accountable policies and procedures. Our Corporate Governance has also taken a change with succession in generations from within the family, with representation on the main Board. We have introduced two outstanding Independent Directors to our Board with impressive backgrounds to add to diverse abilities within the Board to make informed and constructive decisions. The Board and Management are also in the process of nurturing next generation talent to lead the Group moving forward. The Group has centralized certain functions like Finance, Treasury, Procurement, Legal and Human Resources whilst ensuring the individual businesses continue to have the autonomy and ability to deliver on revenue and profitability.
In so doing, we expect to enhance our systems and processes. Our Strategy team continues to review our investments through mergers, acquisitions and divestments depending on growth in shareholders’ funds. Underlying these tasks and way forward are our people, their development and commitment. Towell Group has pride always itself on the loyalty the length of stay of its staff within the Group. This will no doubt continue whilst building on their strengths and commitment. We are firmly behind the Omanisation process which is tracked and enhanced frequently with local talent always our priority. We are ever grateful to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s rule in his leadership to move our country forward from the enormous challenges of Covid and subsequent economic challenges. Our country ratings have improved which provide a more rock solid foundation on which to grow our businesses. This coupled with the economies of scale and our continued desire to find synergies, productivity and efficiency can only lead to more profitable businesses.