
Otaxi acquired by ITHCA and Yango in major tech push
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. Said bin Abdullah al Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group
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.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
SPF redefines equity with social changes
Muscat: In line with Oman Vision 2040, which places citizens at the core of development, Social Protection Fund (SPF) is emerging as a pioneering model in building a responsive, inclusive, and transparent welfare system. Far from being a top-down provider of benefits, the Fund engages directly with society to shape its policies and adjust to evolving socio-economic realities. In this exclusive interview, Oman Observer spoke with Malik bin Salim bin Suleiman al Harthy, Director-General of Entitlements at the SPF, who shed light on the Fund's mechanisms for identifying benefit priorities and how public participation translates into more equitable and efficient outcomes. Al Harthy began by emphasising the importance of the Royal Decree No 52/2023, which marked a turning point in Oman's welfare reform. 'The law reflects a shift toward a holistic model of protection, combining social insurance and cash benefits to offer life-cycle coverage,' he said. The executive regulations of the law (R/7/2023) clearly outline eligibility conditions and entitlements, providing the legal basis for a sustainable and inclusive protection system. According to Al Harthy, interaction is not limited to feedback collection. 'We use advanced tools — social media, traditional media, in-person meetings, and field visits — to understand public needs. All this data is methodically analysed to inform our policies.' This participatory approach has already led to tangible results. For instance, the Family Income Support Benefit was introduced for households whose income falls below the legally defined threshold. The application process is streamlined through a digital platform, integrated with national data sources to ensure accurate eligibility assessments. The impact of this engagement is evident in several newly introduced benefits. Malik bin Salim bin Suleiman al Harthy 'The Senior Citizens Benefit was developed after careful demographic study and public input,' Al Harthy said, noting that the benefit now supports over 170,000 individuals. Similarly, the Maternity and Paternity Leave Insurance — a first in Oman and rare in the region — was launched based on international best practices and national studies. 'It's an investment in families. Mothers are entitled to 98 days of paid leave, and fathers to 7 days, which strengthens family bonds and promotes gender equality.' The SPF's commitment to transparency underpins its public credibility. 'We clearly publish the eligibility rules, application procedures, required documents and payment timelines,' said Al Harthy. Beyond administrative clarity, the Fund ensures consistent public communication through outreach events, media appearances, and feedback forums across all governorates. Civil society representatives also sit on the SPF Board of Directors, ensuring community perspectives are embedded in the decision-making process. Unlike traditional systems that review policies every few years, the SPF applies continuous impact evaluation. 'We analyse economic indicators, inflation, household structures and labour market shifts to regularly review and adapt benefit schemes,' Al Harthy explained. This agile model prevents resource misallocation and ensures support reaches those who genuinely need it, even as conditions evolve. 'The International Labour Organization called our pension unification reform a 'model structural transformation' in the region,' said Al Harthy. In 2024, Oman received the ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and the Pacific, with additional recognition for other projects. Al Harthy closed the conversation with a powerful message: 'We are not merely providing assistance — we are building a modern social contract. Justice is not shaped from offices but forged with people, in the field, by listening and adapting.' With robust legislation, digital tools, and a participatory spirit, Oman's Social Protection Fund is setting a benchmark — not only in the region but globally — for how governments can partner with citizens to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.


Muscat Daily
4 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman records notable progress in UN's sustainable goals
Muscat – Oman has recorded a notable progress in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the country's population now surpassing 5.3mn, according to new data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). As of June 2025, Oman's total population stands at 5,303,578, comprising 3,006,387 Omani nationals (56.69%) and 2,297,191 expatriates (43.31%). The demographic update was released alongside the SDG Statistical Report – May 2025, which confirms that Oman has eradicated extreme poverty, with zero per cent of the population living below the international poverty threshold of US$1.25 per day – five years ahead of the 2030 deadline. The report indicates continued economic improvement, with the average monthly household income at RO1,174 and per capita income at RO234. Health indicators show sustained improvement, with maternal mortality at 17.1 per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality at 11 per 1,000, both meeting global standards. In education, the primary school completion rate has reached 95.6%, while adult literacy is recorded at 97.9%. However, the report highlights a gender gap in post-basic education, where 74% of females complete this level compared to 50.4% of males. In the area of renewable energy, clean sources now account for 4% of total consumption, following the operational launch of the Ibri solar power plant – a marked increase from zero in 2020. Oman has also fully implemented its disaster risk and climate mitigation strategies in line with the Sendai Framework. Disaster-related deaths have declined to 0.06 per 100,000 population, and all wastewater in the country is now treated. The report positions Oman as a regional example of integrating economic development with social equity and environmental responsibility, reinforcing its commitment to Vision 2040.


Muscat Daily
4 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Muscat Municipality launches global design contest
Muscat – Muscat Municipality has launched the Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025, during a site visit by Ahmed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. The visit marked the formal start of the international architecture competition, which is now open to leading studios from around the world. The selected site, located next to the Mall of Oman, covers more than 8,000sqm and has been designated for a multi-functional civic building. The project aims to reflect Muscat's evolving urban identity, balancing modernity with the city's architectural heritage. Situated between the Oman Sea and the Hajar Mountains, the location is intended to serve as a symbolic and functional space within the capital. 'Muscat is expecting a growing number of tourists in the near future, and the city is doing everything to welcome them in a sustainable way and to the highest standards of quality and beauty,' said Humaidi. 'This competition represents a commitment to shaping how Muscat is experienced, through architecture that enhances our urban landscape, honours our heritage and reflects the values we hold as a society. We aim to create spaces that foster civic pride, set new benchmarks in sustainability and contribute meaningfully to Muscat's future as a global destination.' The international competition calls on architecture studios to design a sustainable civic structure rooted in Omani identity. Five shortlisted studios will soon be selected to present their concepts to a jury composed of local and international experts. Final jury presentations are scheduled for early July, after which three finalists will be chosen. The winning design will be announced following the final deliberations. The Muscat Municipality Design Competition 2025 is intended not only as a platform for architectural excellence but also as a public initiative to promote transparency and long-term urban planning. It reflects Muscat's ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability, accessibility and cultural authenticity.