Latest news with #AONHPrivateHoldings
Muscat Daily
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Oman plans semiconductor and EV battery manufacturing
Muscat – Oman is poised to become a regional hub for cutting-edge industries with plans for a semiconductor factory and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The announcement follows discussions between Omani officials and representatives of AONH Private Holdings, a Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer, and Jetour JR, a Chinese electric car company. The meeting, attended by H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and H E Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Undersecretary for Trade and Industry, explored opportunities for localising these high-tech industries in line with Oman's Industrial Strategy 2040. H E Yousef emphasised the government's commitment to attracting investments in emerging sectors, including semiconductors and EVs. 'We are working with relevant authorities to provide necessary facilities and incentives to support these projects, which will further establish Oman's position as a leading industrial centre.' AONH Chairman Ali Steve Chao informed that the company has selected Oman as its first investment destination in the reg-ion to establish a factory focused on manufacturing AI semiconductor chips, which are integral to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The project will also feature a training centre to help develop local talent and boost Oman's industrial competitiveness. An agreement to this effect was signed between Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and AONH earlier this month. In parallel, Jetour JR outlined plans to invest in Oman's EV sector, with advanced technologies in electric car charging and battery replacement. Initial studies suggest the company's investment in Oman could reach around US$18bn, creating up to 10,000 jobs. The project, which is expected to begin within two years after official announcement, aligns with the country's push to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. H E Masan underscored the fact that these investments align with Industrial Strategy 2040, particularly in capital-intensive and knowledge-based industries. He highlighted the formation of a technical team to develop an executive plan to localise these projects and ensure successful implementation.
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: MoU signed to set up AI chip unit in Salalah
Muscat: The sultanate is set to start an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor chip manufacturing project in Salalah Free Zone, Dhofar following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on Monday. The agreement, between Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and AONH Private Holdings, is supported by regional and international investment funds. The project aims to consolidate Oman's position in the global semiconductor industry, addressing the rising demand for AI technologies. It will also help develop local expertise in chip design and manufacturing, while attracting international talent, particularly from Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology in MTCIT, stated that the project aligns with the Digital Industry Programme under the National Programme for Digital Economy and Oman Vision 2040. 'This project will contribute to attracting new investments in the semiconductor industry, stimulating local technical innovation and advancing research in microelectronics. It will support economic growth, technological progress and sustainable development in Oman,' he said. He noted that the global semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing demand for AI, the Internet of Things, 5G networks and autonomous driving technologies. According to global management consultants McKinsey, the market is expected to reach US$1tn valuation by 2030. Ali Steve Chao, Chairman of AONH Private Holdings, highlighted Oman's strategic location and investor-friendly environment as key factors in selecting the country for the project. 'With this initiative, Oman is set to make its mark on the world stage of chip manufacturing, developing advanced memory solutions and next-generation AI chips,' he said. He added that the company aims to attract top global talent, creating a hub for researchers, engineers and developers to drive innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, data centres and AI industries. Production operations are expected to begin three years after the project's launch. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
17-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MoU signed to set up AI chip unit in Salalah
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – The sultanate is set to start an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor chip manufacturing project in Salalah Free Zone, Dhofar following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on Monday. The agreement, between Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and AONH Private Holdings, is supported by regional and international investment funds. The project aims to consolidate Oman's position in the global semiconductor industry, addressing the rising demand for AI technologies. It will also help develop local expertise in chip design and manufacturing, while attracting international talent, particularly from Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology in MTCIT, stated that the project aligns with the Digital Industry Programme under the National Programme for Digital Economy and Oman Vision 2040. 'This project will contribute to attracting new investments in the semiconductor industry, stimulating local technical innovation and advancing research in microelectronics. It will support economic growth, technological progress and sustainable development in Oman,' he said. He noted that the global semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing demand for AI, the Internet of Things, 5G networks and autonomous driving technologies. According to global management consultants McKinsey, the market is expected to reach US$1tn valuation by 2030. Ali Steve Chao, Chairman of AONH Private Holdings, highlighted Oman's strategic location and investor-friendly environment as key factors in selecting the country for the project. 'With this initiative, Oman is set to make its mark on the world stage of chip manufacturing, developing advanced memory solutions and next-generation AI chips,' he said. He added that the company aims to attract top global talent, creating a hub for researchers, engineers and developers to drive innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, data centres and AI industries. Production operations are expected to begin three years after the project's launch.
Times of Oman
17-02-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
MoU inked to develop Artificial Intelligence semiconductor chips in Oman
Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AONH Private Holdings to formalize mutual cooperation to develop advanced Artificial Intelligence Semiconductor Chips. The chips will be used in next generation Ai applications such as self-driving vehicles, AI training and others. The project, will be based in the Salalah Free Zone in Dhofar Governorate. The MoU was signed by Dr. Ali Amir Al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, and Ali Steve Chao, Chairman of AONH Private Holdings. The Oman Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing plant is expected to contribute to building and developing national expertise in semiconductor design and manufacturing, creating new business opportunities for Omani youth, and attracting international talent from leading semiconductor nations such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. This will support the transfer of global expertise and the localization of advanced semiconductor technologies in Oman. Dr. Al Shidhani emphasized that this project aligns with the Digital Industry Program, one of the key initiatives under the National Digital Economy Program, and Oman Vision 2040, which positions technology and digital innovation as fundamental pillars of the national economy. He affirmed that the establishment of this digital industry will strengthen Oman's regional and global presence in semiconductor design and advanced packaging technologies. It will also attract international semiconductor companies, encourage further investment in the sector, and foster local technological innovation and research in microelectronics. Ultimately, this will contribute to economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development in Oman. Dr. Al Shidhani also highlighted the rapid growth of the semiconductor and microchip market, driven by the increasing global demand for these chips—particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G networks, and autonomous driving technologies. According to forecasts by McKinsey & Company, the global semiconductor market is expected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030. Given these projections, the Ministry has placed significant emphasis on equipping Omani talent with essential knowledge and skills in semiconductor and microchip technology. This includes collaborating with local and international universities and colleges, incorporating semiconductor-related curricula into relevant academic programs, and developing specialized training initiatives with leading global institutes and training centers. Expressing his enthusiasm for the MoU signing, Ali Steve Chao, Chairman of AONH Private Holdings, stated: 'Our decision to partner with Oman stems from its strategic location, investment-friendly environment, and the incentives and facilities provided by the relevant authorities. Additionally, Oman possesses the necessary infrastructure to support such projects, including energy, water, road networks, and maritime, land, and air gateways. This project will enhance manufacturing capabilities, from high-performance memory solutions to the next generation of AI chips. Moreover, it will elevate Oman's position in the global semiconductor industry, particularly in manufacturing processes designed to meet the growing demand for AI-driven technologies.' Chao further emphasized: 'We aim to make Oman an integral part of the global semiconductor supply chain. Our goal is to attract top global talent to ensure that the plant in Dhofar becomes a hub for researchers, engineers, and developers to innovate solutions for semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, and AI technologies.'
