logo
Oman: Otaxi acquired by ITHCA and Yango in major tech push

Oman: Otaxi acquired by ITHCA and Yango in major tech push

Zawya16-04-2025
Muscat – ITHCA Group and global technology firm Yango Group have announced full acquisition of popular Omani ride-hailing platform Otaxi in a strategic move aimed at accelerating digital transformation in the sultanate.
The acquisition marks the official launch of the Yango ecosystem in Oman, bringing AI-driven solutions and advanced digital services to the sultanate.
The move is being carried out in coordination with Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and is part of broader efforts to align with Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the national economy through technological innovation.
ITHCA and Yango will upgrade Otaxi's digital infrastructure, enhancing its service precision, scalability and accessibility. The company's operations are expected to expand across all governorates, while new services such as home delivery, vehicle rentals and smart mapping will be introduced.
Said bin Abdullah al Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group, described the acquisition as a 'critical turning point' for Otaxi, enabling the startup to integrate into a global tech ecosystem. 'For emerging startups like Otaxi, such acquisitions provide unmatched opportunities to align with industry leaders, enrich operations and propel projects to international success,' he said.
Mandhari added that the partnership with Yango would enable Otaxi to quickly adopt global operational standards, enhancing its competitive standing both locally and internationally.
'This strategic alliance is anticipated to diversify Otaxi's service offerings across various sectors, such as home delivery, vehicle rental services, interactive maps and others, fostering comprehensive service integration and enhancing the overall customer experience.'
Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, said the partnership aligns with national ambitions. 'The digital momentum in Oman is strong and supported by bold national initiatives. Yango Group is proud to partner with ITHCA Group in delivering globally-proven, locally-tailored solutions,' he stated.
The collaboration is being seen as a model for public-private cooperation in the region. Officials say it will contribute to Oman's goal of building an inclusive digital economy, attract investment and support long-term socio-economic growth.
© Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Built by Shanghai Electric, the Oman Manah-1 Solar IPP Project completes one month of operational success
Built by Shanghai Electric, the Oman Manah-1 Solar IPP Project completes one month of operational success

Zawya

time14 hours ago

  • Zawya

Built by Shanghai Electric, the Oman Manah-1 Solar IPP Project completes one month of operational success

MANAH, Oman /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric's (SEHK: 2727, SSE: 601727) first solar power plant in Oman, the 500MW Oman Manah-1 Solar IPP Project (the "Project"), has completed one month of smooth operations after passing all assessments and final handover. The flagship Project under the Oman Vision 2040 national blueprint for sustainable environment and clean energy will generate 1.5 billion kWh of electricity annually, cutting CO₂ emissions by 780,000 tons per year, the equivalent of taking 170,000 gasoline-powered cars off Oman's roads. Shanghai Electric provided end-to-end solutions for the Project—from design and planning, procurement and construction to long-term operation and maintenance. The integrated strategy delivered an efficient, sustainable energy system while advancing global solar technology innovation. To overcome the policy and technical challenges, Shanghai Electric partnered with France's EDF under a unique dual-track agreement to meet Oman's strict technical requirements, adopting a "split-team" approach with Chinese engineers handling solar field design, while the Oman team led substation construction. This approach resolved conflicts between international standards and local regulations. The innovative project management split the construction into 11 directly managed sections that cut timelines by 22 percent. A real-time safety reporting app resolved 924 safety risks and achieved 4 million accident-free work hours. The dynamic scheduling kept large equipment usage at 90 percent efficiency, and cross-trained workers boosted site-to-site mobility. The planning also adopted a staffing strategy of competing teams with rolling inspections at 59 project zones. The designers worked on-site during substation construction and improved oversight efficiency by 30%, while a 20-member skilled team completed wiring and terminal work in just 72 hours to accelerate medium-voltage cable installation progress. The highly efficient coordination set a new record of grid connection, with simultaneous testing, day-night shifts, and China-Oman team collaboration ensuring seamless progress. The Project team finished 59 zones in nine days, which was 21 days ahead of schedule, with 100 percent grid success, zero equipment damage, and no worker injuries. "Shanghai Electric's solution completely changed how fast we thought solar projects could connect to the grid," said Hamood Al Shuaili, the Project director. "The team showed unmatched expertise and teamwork, they're world-class engineers setting new global standards." With China's high-voltage cable technology and upgraded piling support design, the site leveling preparation workload was reduced by 80 percent, which cut the construction timeline by 60 days. A streamlined supply chain and precise procurement planning guaranteed on-time delivery, with all equipment performance exceeding targets. Furthermore, the Project has boosted local employment, strengthened energy security, and created lasting social value. With a community-focused approach, 90 percent of operations and maintenance staff are local workers, and the core technical training programs have been integrated into Oman's vocational education system, with the aim of building skills for the future.

Tuum to Power Uptex Bank's E-Banking Services in MEA
Tuum to Power Uptex Bank's E-Banking Services in MEA

Fintech News ME

timea day ago

  • Fintech News ME

Tuum to Power Uptex Bank's E-Banking Services in MEA

Tuum, an Estonia-based next-generation core banking provider, has been selected by Oliver Business Development (OBD) Holding to support its newly licensed e-banking services in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) under the Uptex Bank brand. Following the acquisition of its e-banking license, OBD is launching Uptex Bank, offering digital wallet and payment services designed to integrate with its existing financial ecosystem, including Uptex Broker, a forex and CFD broker in the MEA region, and Rizzbees, an EU-licensed crypto exchange. The bank's services will operate on Tuum's modular, cloud-native core platform, deployed via AWS in Europe and designed for scalability, compliance, and rapid development. Uptex Bank sought a partner capable of delivering a minimum viable product (MVP) within a short timeframe while maintaining scalability and regulatory compliance. Tuum's approach as a collaborative partner was a decisive factor in the selection process. 'We're building a unique e-money proposition that brings together traditional and next-gen financial services into one seamless ecosystem,' said Archie Sol, Chief Marketing Officer at OBD. 'Tuum stood out as the platform to help us achieve this vision. From their sleek technology to the responsiveness of their team, it was clear that they're not just a vendor, they're a partner. With Tuum, we're not only launching fast, we're building for scale. Uptex Bank is built for people tired of the old way banks treat them. From Gen Z and digital-first users to everyday customers seeking something faster, fairer, and more intuitive.' Tuum's API-first infrastructure allows Uptex Bank to integrate its new e-banking services with its existing brokerage and crypto operations, creating a unified environment across its brands. The platform is aligned with Omani regulatory requirements, including standards set by the Central Bank of Oman and the Capital Market Authority, and will support digital wallets and multi-currency payments (USD, EUR, GBP, AED, OMR, SAR) from launch. OBD anticipates onboarding over 50,000 users in the first year, with millions of transactions expected across its fintech portfolio. Tuum was selected following a competitive process in which speed, scalability, and regulatory readiness were key considerations. The platform's capabilities allowed Uptex Bank to plan an MVP launch within months while retaining enterprise-level controls. Tuum also supported OBD in assembling relevant ecosystem partners aligned with Uptex Bank's business model. 'This is a landmark win for Tuum,' said Miljan Stamenkovic, Chief Revenue Officer at Tuum. 'It shows the rising demand for modern, modular core banking platforms in the Middle East. OBD is building an ambitious and truly differentiated proposition in Oman and we're proud to provide the infrastructure behind it.'

Oman's city planners target heritage, innovation balance
Oman's city planners target heritage, innovation balance

Zawya

time2 days ago

  • Zawya

Oman's city planners target heritage, innovation balance

Muscat – Oman is advancing plans to develop smart cities that merge modern technology with traditional architecture, aiming to preserve national identity while meeting the needs of urban transformation. Officials say the approach seeks to balance heritage and innovation in line with Oman Vision 2040. Sultan Haitham City is cited as a leading example, offering a blend of modernity and privacy, while serving as a model for future development and a potential investment hub. Al Hassan bin Ali al Shakiri, architect at the Executive Office for Smart Cities Projects at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, said smart cities in Oman are 'not just infrastructure, but tools for renewing identity and improving quality of life, based on traditional Omani architecture and its understanding of the environment and social behaviour'. He noted that Omani architectural principles – such as the use of local building materials, natural ventilation through mashrabiyas, and compact layouts that create shaded pathways – can be adapted to modern urban needs. Traditional systems like falaj irrigation, mud buildings and narrow passageways provide a foundation for designs that reduce energy consumption, improve air quality and direct pedestrian flow. Shakiri said smart city development must adapt to the local environment, use resources sustainably and integrate technology in a way that serves the community before the technology itself. Dr Haitham bin Najim al Abri, an architect and researcher in Omani architecture, said the country's urban heritage reflects 'the Omanis' genius in harmonising with nature and respecting resources'. He asserted, 'Smart cities here are not copies of global models, but an extension of the genius of our ancestors, where technology nurtures identity rather than erasing it.' Abri identified challenges including the import of generic international designs, lack of digital documentation of heritage, and limited local expertise combining heritage and smart technologies. He said these could be addressed through local innovation, legislation to integrate identity into urban design, and hybrid education combining heritage knowledge with modern engineering skills. Property owner Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed al Balushi said heritage values are visible in the planning of Sultan Haitham City. 'We see respect for privacy in neighbourhood designs, and spaces such as mosques, councils and parks that encourage community interaction.' The city's architecture draws from traditional motifs such as arches and engravings, while integrating smart lighting, connected green spaces and dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store