Latest news with #NationalDigitalEconomyProgramme
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.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Advantage Oman Forum 2025 unveils guide on investment opportunities
MUSCAT: A comprehensive investment guide, titled 'World of Opportunities', was launched against the backdrop of the Advantage Oman Forum 2025, which concluded at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, here on Monday, April 28, 2025. The guide details seven priority sectors poised for growth, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation's commitment to economic diversification. Oman is rapidly emerging as a leader in the Renewable Energy Sector, particularly in green hydrogen production. The country has allocated 50,000 square kilometres for hydrogen projects, aiming to become a competitive low-emissions hydrogen supplier by 2030. Notably, the HyDuqm project, led by France's Engie and South Korea's Posco, anticipates attracting between $7 billion and $8 billion in investments to develop up to 5 GW of new wind and solar capacity and produce 200,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually. The Logistics Sector remains a cornerstone of Oman's economic development. Strategically located at the crossroads of global trade routes, Oman is enhancing its logistics infrastructure to serve as a regional trade hub. The country's major ports — Suhar, Salalah, and Duqm — handled over 4.6 million TEUs and 63.1 million tonnes of cargo in 2023, reinforcing its status as a global logistics powerhouse. Recent collaborations, such as the expanded joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail, aim to enhance connectivity and boost trade volumes. In the Manufacturing Sector, Oman is focusing on diversifying its industrial base by promoting sectors like petrochemicals, mining, and technology-driven manufacturing. The Salalah Free Zone has attracted investments in pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and mining, while the Sohar Free Zone has become a hub for mining, ceramics, and construction materials. Additionally, the country is venturing into semiconductor manufacturing, with plans to develop advanced AI chips, enhancing its position in the global semiconductor industry. The Tourism Sector is a major pillar under Oman Vision 2040, with the country targeting 12 million visitors by 2040. The government is investing RO 3 billion (approximately $7.8 billion) to develop 13 integrated tourism complex projects, with 12 more in the pipeline. These complexes combine residential, hospitality, recreational, and commercial facilities, offering comprehensive experiences to tourists and residents alike, further positioning Oman as a top regional destination. Oman's commitment to building a digital economy is reflected in the country's broader investments in ICT infrastructure. Oman is encouraging innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with its ICT market projected to grow from $5.96 billion in 2025 to $9.11 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.88 per cent. Initiatives such as the National Digital Economy Programme are designed to enhance digital services, promote e-governance, and support the growth of tech startups, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economic model. In the Agriculture & Fisheries Sector, Oman is reinforcing its food security agenda. The government has launched 30 projects focusing on strategic crops, aquaculture, and water resources, aiming to increase local production, reduce reliance on imports, and create job opportunities for Omanis. These initiatives are not only ensuring sustainable food production but are also enhancing Oman's exports in the fisheries sector. The Advantage Oman Forum 2025 showcased Oman's commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development. By focusing on these seven strategic sectors, Oman is positioning itself as a competitive and attractive destination for global investors seeking sustainable and diversified opportunities. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
28-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Advantage Oman Forum 2025 unveils guide on investment opportunities
MUSCAT: A comprehensive investment guide, titled 'World of Opportunities', was launched against the backdrop of the Advantage Oman Forum 2025, which concluded at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, here on Monday, April 28, 2025. The guide details seven priority sectors poised for growth, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation's commitment to economic diversification. Oman is rapidly emerging as a leader in the Renewable Energy Sector, particularly in green hydrogen production. The country has allocated 50,000 square kilometres for hydrogen projects, aiming to become a competitive low-emissions hydrogen supplier by 2030. Notably, the HyDuqm project, led by France's Engie and South Korea's Posco, anticipates attracting between $7 billion and $8 billion in investments to develop up to 5 GW of new wind and solar capacity and produce 200,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually. The Logistics Sector remains a cornerstone of Oman's economic development. Strategically located at the crossroads of global trade routes, Oman is enhancing its logistics infrastructure to serve as a regional trade hub. The country's major ports — Suhar, Salalah, and Duqm — handled over 4.6 million TEUs and 63.1 million tonnes of cargo in 2023, reinforcing its status as a global logistics powerhouse. Recent collaborations, such as the expanded joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail, aim to enhance connectivity and boost trade volumes. In the Manufacturing Sector, Oman is focusing on diversifying its industrial base by promoting sectors like petrochemicals, mining, and technology-driven manufacturing. The Salalah Free Zone has attracted investments in pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and mining, while the Sohar Free Zone has become a hub for mining, ceramics, and construction materials. Additionally, the country is venturing into semiconductor manufacturing, with plans to develop advanced AI chips, enhancing its position in the global semiconductor industry. The Tourism Sector is a major pillar under Oman Vision 2040, with the country targeting 12 million visitors by 2040. The government is investing RO 3 billion (approximately $7.8 billion) to develop 13 integrated tourism complex projects, with 12 more in the pipeline. These complexes combine residential, hospitality, recreational, and commercial facilities, offering comprehensive experiences to tourists and residents alike, further positioning Oman as a top regional destination. Oman's commitment to building a digital economy is reflected in the country's broader investments in ICT infrastructure. Oman is encouraging innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, with its ICT market projected to grow from $5.96 billion in 2025 to $9.11 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.88 per cent. Initiatives such as the National Digital Economy Programme are designed to enhance digital services, promote e-governance, and support the growth of tech startups, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economic model. In the Agriculture & Fisheries Sector, Oman is reinforcing its food security agenda. The government has launched 30 projects focusing on strategic crops, aquaculture, and water resources, aiming to increase local production, reduce reliance on imports, and create job opportunities for Omanis. These initiatives are not only ensuring sustainable food production but are also enhancing Oman's exports in the fisheries sector. The Advantage Oman Forum 2025 showcased Oman's commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development. By focusing on these seven strategic sectors, Oman is positioning itself as a competitive and attractive destination for global investors seeking sustainable and diversified opportunities.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Digital economy to spearhead Oman's economic diversification
The digital economy is at the forefront of Oman's economic diversification plans, according to a new report by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT). In the Digital Economic Diversification Operandum Framework, Dr Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, highlighted the role of digital transformation in shaping Oman's future. 'Guided by Oman Vision 2040, the country is leveraging digital tools and technologies to drive economic diversification, improve government efficiency, and enhance citizens' quality of life. The economic diversification and industry innovation theme leveraging digital transformation to reduce dependency on oil revenues, fostering growth in sectors such as logistics, tourism, energy & minerals, agriculture & fisheries, and manufacturing. The digital tools are driving innovation in traditional industries like oil and gas through automation, AI, and data analytics with the government objectives of supporting entrepreneurship and the growth of tech startups, creating an innovation-driven ecosystem. The digital transformation journey underscores its commitment to becoming a regional leader in technology and innovation,' Dr Al Shaithani stated. According to the Under-Secretary, the National Digital Economy Programme aims to achieve 80 per cent digital transformation in the economic diversification sector by the end of 2030. 'This target fulfilment is achieved by aligning investments, policies, and talent development with Oman Vision 2040 goals, Oman is poised to create a resilient, diversified, and knowledge-driven economy. Continued focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation will be key to unlocking its full potential in the digital era.' As a result the framework identified several key initiatives to achieve this. The first of which is the digitalisation of key economic sectors by 80 per cent by 2030, in an effort to increase efficiency and productivity. The targeted sectors include energy and minerals, manufacturing, logistics, tourism and agriculture and fisheries. The initiative incorporates the use of artificial intelligence, automation and big data analysis into these industries. Examples include the use of automation and robotics in the manufacturing sector, the implementation of smart tourism solutions within the tourism sector, and the adoption of aquaculture technologies within the fisheries sector. Furthermore, another identified initiative is the establishment of a smart government by automating 80 per cent of government core services by 2025. In 2021, the Government unveiled The National Government Digital Transformation Programme 'Tahawul', with the aim of simplifying procedures, achieving digital integration and creating shared digital platforms. As of November 2024, the Ministry reported a completion rate of 73 per cent. Moreover, another initiative is the export of digital economy services. According to the framework the government aims for digital economy services to account for 25 per cent of total service exports by 2035. The Ministry has released several programmes under its digital economy programme highlighting key industries including space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, financial technologies, e-commerce and digital industry. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
