Interview: Bader Al Zaidi
In which ways can competition and foreign investment create opportunities in the telecoms sector?
BADER AL ZAIDI: The ICT sector in Oman has a key role to play in the country’s digital transformation and economic growth. With multinational companies expanding into the country, the ICT sector is adding value from multiple directions. The growth of digital-first and fully integrated digital solutions allows us to centre services around our apps and make the customer experience fully digital via e-stores, starting from onboarding and continuing through to service and product procurement. It also allows us to resolve issues without faceto-face interactions. Generally speaking, companies in the broader market are becoming aware of the opportunities that are arising from extending their services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
How can foreign telecoms companies support the local ICT sector and expand the digital economy?
AL ZAIDI: Because ICT is a globalised industry, international telecoms companies can deliver services from different perspectives and technical capabilities. Multinational telecoms operators in Oman have significant knowledge and technology that they can transfer. Because such companies have a diversified market base, Oman stands to benefit from the telecoms experience of different countries, strengthening its capabilities and bringing maturity to its burgeoning ICT sector. The presence of these companies in different markets also guarantees greater access globally.
What are the pros and cons of implementing cloud services in the local SME market?
AL ZAIDI: Telecoms providers have not paid enough attention to Oman’s SME market, and there are significant opportunities for ICT companies in this sector. Service providers are focusing on providing services to large enterprises and government institutions, mainly due to the financial benefits of catering to that segment, despite the limited number of clients. Nonetheless, SMEs make up a larger portion of the market, and many in Oman have devised solutions since the Covid-19 pandemic. As such, this has created opportunities for not only traditional telecoms providers, but also ICT companies, as well as cloud, retail, business-to-business and e-commerce service providers.
To what extent could government solutions spur business activity in the private sector?
AL ZAIDI: As Oman’s government implements its digital transformation strategy and rolls out new solutions, many ICT services are being adopted by government entities. This allows providers to coordinate their digital solutions with the country’s needs, helping companies develop innovative offerings that suit their customers and propel the country forwards. Likewise, other digital solutions are being adopted by different industries in Oman, including banking and finance. Ultimately, the e-government agenda integrates IT services and networks, providing an opportunity to adopt artificial intelligence, data analysis and other digital solutions, ensuring bespoke solutions for clients.
Which economic sectors are best placed to benefit from the rollout of 5G network technology?
AL ZAIDI: Although the implementation of digital innovations has notable potential to transform Oman, the country’s digital transformation will have a significant impact on the energy and logistics sectors in particular. The tourism sector could also benefit from digital transformation as the government develops it.
With broadband access increasing and acting as the conduit for data distribution, increased data traffic is set to act as a catalyst for revenue growth. However, the changing nature of the telecoms industry in the country continues to create new opportunities for growth and expansion that stretch beyond the traditional services offered to include other value-added services as well.
