Latest news with #NationalDigitalEconomyProgramme
Muscat Daily
08-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman to unveil initiatives in Cybersecurity, AI at COMEX 2025
Muscat – The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has announced plans to launch several digital initiatives in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) in September 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference on Tuesday outlining details of COMEX 2025, which will take place at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 7 to 10. The event is expected to host more than 300 local and international companies. H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary of MTCIT for Communications and Information Technology, said the ministry aims to position COMEX as a strategic platform to promote investment opportunities in the ICT sector. The event will support emerging technology firms, enhance local content, encourage public-private partnerships, and foster international collaboration. This year's edition will see widespread participation from companies, specialised pavilions, and a range of activities. MTCIT will showcase key projects and initiatives under the National Digital Economy Programme at its dedicated pavilion. The exhibition will also feature a series of workshops and events covering themes such as digital investment, e-gaming, digital tourism, and creative content. These activities are designed to attract startups and investors and to stimulate growth in Oman's digital economy. COMEX 2025 will host the Cybersecurity Forum, which will highlight national efforts and achievements in the field. The forum aims to support local startups and young Omanis in developing advanced cybersecurity solutions while also drawing on international expertise. Another major highlight will be the AI and Quantum Computing Forum, which seeks to raise awareness of advanced technologies and promote research and industrial partnerships. Discussions will focus on applications of quantum AI across key sectors. A hackathon focused on cybersecurity solutions will also be held as part of the event. Dr Shidhani pointed to the success of COMEX 2024, which resulted in the signing of 60 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth over RO85mn – a 112% increase compared to 2023. The previous edition featured more than 60 workshops, 25 startup events, 100 expert speakers, and 350 participating entities, drawing over 80,000 visitors. He also noted the strong performance of Oman's ICT sector, which grew by 10.6% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Local investment in AI reached nearly RO60mn by the end of last year, driven by national initiatives focused on advanced technologies. COMEX 2025 will include a digital investment zone designed to attract local and international investors, localise emerging technologies, and promote Oman as a regional hub for digital investment. A dedicated pavilion for tech startups will also be established, offering specialised workshops.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman ranked 4th among developing economies in digital FDI
Muscat – Oman ranked fourth globally among developing economies in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for greenfield projects in information and communications technology infrastructure between 2020 and 2024, according to the World Investment Report 2025 released by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. The report highlights Oman's growing role as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, innovation and emerging technologies. The sultanate's ranking reflects its success in attracting substantial digital-related investment, surpassing several advanced economies. Government Communication Centre stated that Oman attracted foreign investment worth US$1.7bn in digital infrastructure projects during this period. The volume of new investments in the digital economy nearly tripled, driven by implementation of the National Digital Economy Programme and broader national efforts to transform Oman into a knowledge-based economy. Mexico tops the list in the category with US$5.2bn in investment, followed by Nigeria (US$4.3bn), Malaysia (US$2.2bn), and Brazil (US$1.6bn) ranked fifth. The achievement underscores the sultanate's strategic vision under Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the economy and enhance its attractiveness as a destination for technology-driven investment. It also reflects the effectiveness of national policies aimed at improving digital readiness and fostering a competitive, innovation-led investment environment. In 2024, Oman launched the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, which will run through to 2026. The programme aims to boost the ICT sector's role in the economy and align national capabilities with global advancements in AI. Key components of the programme include introduction of AI and data analysis in school curricula to build essential digital skills among youth, and development of a national open data platform to support entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. A national research centre for AI will also be established to advance academic and scientific research, while an AI studio will offer sector-specific solutions for professionals and institutions. The programme targets a rise in Oman's position in the global Government Readiness Index for AI and aims to increase the digital economy's contribution to GDP from 2% in 2021 to 10% by 2040. These efforts underline Oman's commitment to building a resilient, tech-driven economy. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman ranked 4th among developing economies in digital FDI
Muscat – Oman ranked fourth globally among developing economies in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) for greenfield projects in information and communications technology infrastructure between 2020 and 2024, according to the World Investment Report 2025 released by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. The report highlights Oman's growing role as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, innovation and emerging technologies. The sultanate's ranking reflects its success in attracting substantial digital-related investment, surpassing several advanced economies. Government Communication Centre stated that Oman attracted foreign investment worth US$1.7bn in digital infrastructure projects during this period. The volume of new investments in the digital economy nearly tripled, driven by implementation of the National Digital Economy Programme and broader national efforts to transform Oman into a knowledge-based economy. Mexico tops the list in the category with US$5.2bn in investment, followed by Nigeria (US$4.3bn), Malaysia (US$2.2bn), and Brazil (US$1.6bn) ranked fifth. The achievement underscores the sultanate's strategic vision under Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the economy and enhance its attractiveness as a destination for technology-driven investment. It also reflects the effectiveness of national policies aimed at improving digital readiness and fostering a competitive, innovation-led investment environment. In 2024, Oman launched the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, which will run through to 2026. The programme aims to boost the ICT sector's role in the economy and align national capabilities with global advancements in AI. Key components of the programme include introduction of AI and data analysis in school curricula to build essential digital skills among youth, and development of a national open data platform to support entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers. A national research centre for AI will also be established to advance academic and scientific research, while an AI studio will offer sector-specific solutions for professionals and institutions. The programme targets a rise in Oman's position in the global Government Readiness Index for AI and aims to increase the digital economy's contribution to GDP from 2% in 2021 to 10% by 2040. These efforts underline Oman's commitment to building a resilient, tech-driven economy.
Observer
18-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Semiconductor design hub launched in Oman
The Sultanate of Oman has taken a significant step toward strengthening its position in the global digital economy with the signing of a cooperation programme to establish a large-scale integrated circuit (IC) design company in the country. The agreement was inked on Sunday, May 18 by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) and the Ministry of Labour with Indian technology firm Kinesis Semicon. The initiative aims to boost innovation in semiconductor design while nurturing local engineering talent. As part of the programme, 80 Omani engineers will undergo a 12-month intensive training in semiconductor design, funded by the Ministry of Labour. The initiative is aligned with efforts to build a skilled national workforce capable of contributing to Oman's digital transformation. 'This cooperation is a milestone in building a robust semiconductor industry in Oman,' said Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology at MoTCIT . 'The new company will serve as a regional hub for chip design and will be powered by trained Omani professionals,' he added. Kinesis Semicon, a global player in semiconductor design and manufacturing, is committed to transferring advanced technological expertise to Oman, supporting the localisation of high-tech industries. The partnership is a cornerstone of the Digital Industry Program, a key component of the National Digital Economy Programme, which seeks to increase the digital sector's contribution to GDP, attract strategic investments, and enhance youth competitiveness in emerging technologies. Sayyid Salim bin Musallam al Busaidi, Undersecretary for for Human Resources Development at the Ministry of Labour, emphasised that the programme supports national objectives to build a future-ready workforce. 'This partnership reflects our commitment to equipping Omani talent with skills aligned to global market needs,' he said. 'It's a major step toward realizing Oman Vision 2040, positioning the Sultanate of Oman as an innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy.' The memorandum was signed by Dr Al Shidhani for MoTCIT, Sayyid al Busaidi for the Ministry of Labour, and Raju Panicker, CEO of Kinesis Semicon. — ONA
Muscat Daily
14-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
New AI committee to guide digital future of Oman
Muscat – Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has formed a national committee of artificial intelligence specialists from both the public and private sectors to advance the sultanate's AI agenda in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the country's digital transformation strategy. The committee has been tasked with guiding national efforts to integrate AI into key sectors such as education, healthcare, logistics, finance and public services. Acting as a national think tank, it will provide expert insights on emerging AI technologies and their practical applications in addressing real-world challenges. A ministry official said the committee's responsibilities include advising the government on AI policies, developing education and training programmes, and reviewing existing legislation related to AI. The committee will also recommend measures to enhance Omani expertise in AI, propose updates to regulatory frameworks, and monitor global AI developments to assess their impact on the sultanate. A significant part of its mandate involves addressing the ethical aspects of AI, including guidelines for transparency, accountability and data protection. These guidelines will reflect Omani cultural values while aligning with international standards. In addition, the committee will shape frameworks for AI-related education and research collaborations with international institutions. It will also identify sectors with high potential for AI-driven economic diversification and prepare strategic roadmaps to support public-private partnerships aimed at accelerating AI adoption in the sultanate. The committee is expected to evaluate potential risks, such as algorithmic bias and misuse of personal data, to promote responsible innovation and safeguard society. Chaired by Dr Ahmed Saeed al Ma'ashari, Assistant Professor at College of Engineering in Sultan Qaboos University, committee members include Ibrahim Abdullah al Hosni from Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ghada Nasser al Kharousi from Central Bank of Oman, Mahmoud Nasser al Nafei from Invospark, Dr Riyadh Abdul Aziz al Balushi from Decree Company, Dr Younis Saeed al Anqoudi from Transom Handling, and Tawwa Abdullah al Dawood from MTCIT. Formation of the committee comes as Oman seeks to position AI as a cornerstone of its National Digital Economy Programme. MTCIT aims to improve and unify the country's AI efforts under a coordinated national strategy, ensuring Oman is well-prepared to leverage future technologies while managing related risks responsibly.
