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Observer
06-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Empowering the youth to thrive in a digital future
NASRULAH AL AJMI MUSCAT, APRIL 6 Oman Data Park, the first Managed and Cloud Service Provider in the Sultanate of Oman, is aligned with Oman Vision 2040 by focusing on enhancing the nation's digital infrastructure. We are investing in advanced data centers and cloud solutions that support both public and private sectors, enabling their digital transformation, says Maqbool al Wahaibi, CEO, in this exclusive Q&A with the Observer for this edition of CEO Talk. Can you share your journey to becoming the CEO of Oman Data Park and how your previous experiences have shaped your leadership approach? My journey to becoming the CEO of Oman Data Park has been a progressive path rooted in a passion for technology and innovation. This allowed me to understand the intricacies of our industry deeply. I've learned that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and I strive to create an environment where every voice is heard. My commitment to continuous learning and adaptability has also been crucial, ensuring that I stay aligned with industry trends and can lead my team effectively in an ever-evolving landscape. This combination of experiences informs my vision and strategy for Oman Data Park today. Under your leadership, how has ODP integrated sustainability into its core strategies, and what are some notable initiatives you've implemented? Under my leadership, Oman Data Park has woven sustainability into our core strategies by emphasizing environmentally responsible practices across all operations. We have established AI-driven energy-efficient data centers that greatly minimize our carbon footprint, and we are committed to utilizing renewable energy sources. Additionally, we have partnered with Solar Wadi to incorporate solar energy into our power mix, positioning us as Oman's first Green Data Center. What economic impacts has ODP achieved recently, particularly concerning international collaborations like the Kemet Data Center project in Egypt? This strategic collaboration with INTRO Technology represents a significant milestone for Oman Data Park as we broaden our footprint in the region. The Kemet Data Center will enhance our ability to meet the rising demand for digital transformation while also contributing to the economic development of the Middle East. We are proud to leverage our expertise in cloud services and data center management for this project and are eager to develop innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses worldwide. How has ODP contributed to Oman's digital transformation and the promotion of cloud adoption within Oman? Oman Data Park is a key driver of Oman's digital economy, actively supporting the Oman Digital Strategy 2040. We have established ourselves as a major pillar in digital transformation, managing around 10MW of power across five data centers nationwide. Our strategic partnerships with hyperscalers like Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and AWS ensure compliance with data residency mandates. Our product, Nebula, leverages VMware to deliver end-to-end solutions, particularly for the logistics sector. We also closely collaborate with the oil and energy industries and host nearly every bank in Oman, providing services from disaster recovery to SaaS. Additionally, we've developed a robust framework for professional and managed services, incorporating advanced cybersecurity measures across our data centers. Can you describe your leadership style and how you foster collaboration and innovation within your team? My leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, emphasizing open communication and trust. I believe in empowering my team by encouraging them to share ideas and take ownership of their projects. I foster a culture of innovation by creating an environment where experimentation is welcomed, and learning from failures is seen as an opportunity for growth. Regular brainstorming sessions and cross-functional teamwork help break down silos, allowing diverse perspectives to drive creative solutions. By valuing each team member's contributions, I ensure that we work together effectively towards our common goals, ultimately enhancing our collective performance. What is your vision for ODP's role in the global cloud services industry, and how do you plan to keep the company competitive in the future? My vision for Oman Data Park is to establish it as a leading player in the Global cloud services industry, but also a national catalyst of digital transformation for Oman. I want to be recognized for our innovation, reliability, and customer-centric approach. To keep the company competitive, we will continuously invest in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, ensuring our services meet the evolving needs of our clients. We'll focus on building strategic partnerships to enhance our service offerings and expand our market reach. By prioritizing quality and sustainability, we aim to differentiate ourselves in a crowded marketplace and drive long-term growth. How is Oman Data Park aligning its strategies with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in enhancing the nation's digital infrastructure? Oman Data Park is fully aligned with Oman Vision 2040 by focusing on enhancing the nation's digital infrastructure. We are investing in advanced data centers and cloud solutions that support both public and private sectors, enabling their digital transformation. Our commitment to fostering an innovation ecosystem encourages startups and entrepreneurs, which is essential for developing a knowledge-based economy. By ensuring robust data governance and security, we build trust in digital services, all while contributing to the overall sustainability and transparency outlined in Vision 2040. In what ways is Oman Data Park fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Omani youth to prepare them for a digital future? Oman Data Park is actively fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Omani youth by providing them with essential resources and support. We offer training programs focused on emerging technologies to equip young individuals with the skills they need. Our startup incubation initiatives provide mentorship and funding, helping them turn ideas into viable businesses. By partnering with educational institutions, we integrate entrepreneurship into curricula, giving students practical experience. Additionally, our innovation labs serve as creative spaces where they can experiment and develop solutions. Through these efforts, we are empowering the next generation to thrive in a digital future. Can you share your perspective on the challenges and opportunities that Oman faces in its digital transformation journey, and how Oman Data Park is addressing them? One of the primary challenges is ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support digital initiatives. This includes not only technological infrastructure but also the need for skilled talent to drive innovation. Additionally, there is the challenge of fostering a culture of digital adoption across various sectors, as some organizations may be hesitant to embrace change. On the flip side, Oman has a unique opportunity to leverage its strategic location and rich cultural heritage to become a regional hub for digital services. The government's commitment to Vision 2040 creates a conducive environment for investment in technology and innovation. This vision aligns well with the increasing demand for digital solutions across industries. Oman Data Park is proactively addressing these challenges by providing robust data infrastructure and cloud solutions that are crucial for businesses looking to scale and innovate. We focus on fostering partnerships with local and international stakeholders to enhance our offerings and drive knowledge transfer.
Observer
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman and Japan can work together to enhance freedom of navigation: Expert
NASRULAH AL AJMI MUSCAT, FEB 12 Professor Atsuko Kanehara, a renowned expert in international law, recently visited the Sultanate of Oman to deliver a lecture on maritime security and international legal challenges. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, she shared her insights on the legal complexities of the law of the sea, her experiences in international litigation, and her aspirations for enhanced cooperation between Oman and Japan. Reflecting on her visit to Oman, Professor Kanehara highlighted the strong maritime connection between Oman and Japan. 'Oman is a maritime country, just like Japan. Given its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz and its proximity to the Arabian Gulf, Oman shares common interests with Japan, particularly in ensuring the safety and security of sea routes. These factors inspired me to visit Oman,' she explained. As a specialist in international law, Professor Kanehara identifies violent obstructions to the lawful use of the sea as one of today's most pressing legal challenges. 'The situation in the Red Sea, where the freedom of navigation is at risk, is a serious concern. Additionally, frequent acts of sabotage against submarine cables and pipelines pose significant threats. Japan has also experienced instances where its whaling vessels were violently obstructed by the Sea Shepherd in the Antarctic Ocean,' she noted. With extensive experience in international legal disputes, Professor Kanehara has worked on pivotal cases that have shaped her perspective. 'The South Bluefin Tuna case and the Antarctic Whaling case were significant due to the emotional environmental reactions they provoked. These cases taught me that legal justice sometimes struggles to convince public opinion purely through legal arguments,' she shared. Throughout her career, Professor Kanehara has worked in academia, think tanks, and discharged advisory roles within governments and international organizations. 'I taught public international law at a university in Tokyo before moving to think tanks to focus on research. I have also participated in study group meetings hosted by Japanese governmental bodies. Additionally, I serve on the board of governors for the International Maritime Law Institute under the International Maritime Organization,' she said. For young scholars considering a career in international law, Professor Kanehara offers a crucial piece of advice. 'It is essential to establish that international law is a legal and positive law. Unfortunately, there is often confusion between international law and theories related to international relations or security,' she emphasized. During her visit, Professor Kanehara aimed to promote deeper collaboration between Oman and Japan in maritime affairs. 'I would like to convey to the Omani people that our two nations can work together to maintain and enhance the maritime order, particularly ensuring freedom of navigation. This is not only in our mutual interest but also a vital concern for the broader international community. The freedom of navigation is one of the oldest principles of international law and the law of the sea,' she concluded. As maritime security continues to be a critical issue globally, Professor Kanehara's visit to Oman underscores the importance of legal frameworks in maintaining stability and cooperation at sea. Her expertise and insights serve as a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue on the law of the sea and security.
