ICT
From The Report: Oman 2020
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ICT was identified by the government as a key component of the sultanate’s long-term economic development strategy, Vision 2040, which calls for enhancing national technical capabilities, constructing vital ICT infrastructure and improving governance through the use of e-services. A government organisational shake-up has renewed focus on the sector, as authorities work to integrate technology such as artificial intelligence and internet of things applications into everyday life. The mobile segment is set to see the entrance of a third operator, while efforts to boost rural and urban high-speed internet access, upskill the workforce and provide support to local ICT start-ups remains a focus as Oman prepares for the next stage of digital transformation. This chapter contains an interview with Talal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Tapping in: Growth is powered by government reorganisation and an emphasis on the development of advanced technologies
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ICT was identified by the government as a key component of the sultanate’s long-term economic development strategy, Vision 2040, which calls for enhancing national technical capabilities, constructing vital ICT infrastructure and improving governance through the use of e-services. Therefore, a renewed focus is under way as authorities work to integrate more technology into everyday life for both citizens and businesses. “Players in the sector are energetic and optimistic about the future,”…

Interview

Completing coverage: Talal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel, on the evolving ICT ecosystem, the transition to 5G and attracting investment
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Interview:Talal Al Mamari How is the ICT sector evolving in line with global trends, and what factors will lead to its success? TALAL AL MAMARI: The telecommunications landscape has undergone a major transformation in recent years as firms in the sector have become increasingly intertwined with ICT. In line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Vision 2040, a new ICT ecosystem of developers, suppliers and operators is being created in Oman. Such an ecosystem requires scalable connectivity…

Analysis

The next generation: A dedicated development and investment agency aims to strengthen infrastructure and advance human resources
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The Oman ICT Group (OICT Group) was founded in early 2019 under the auspices of the State General Reserve Fund, which is the largest of the country’s sovereign wealth funds. The group is a high-profile umbrella organisation that brings together companies and other public- and private-sector stakeholders involved in ICT to create an environment conducive to expansion of the sector. The integration of four companies under the OICT Group was being finalised as of the close of 2019. The firms…

Overview

Building blocks: Blockchain technology has applications that could revolutionise trade and provide opportunities for the developing world
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Blockchain – the distributed-ledger technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin – appears set to transform a wide variety of industries and perhaps fundamentally change the way business is conducted around the globe. While the technology is still taking off and its potential is not fully known, many emerging markets are hoping that it will allow them to leapfrog older infrastructure and tackle a range of challenges, including centralised database development, corruption and fraud, and persistently high transaction costs for electronic payments. Blockchain Explained A blockchain is a cryptographically protected, distributed…

Overview

Building blocks: Blockchain technology has applications that could revolutionise trade and provide opportunities for the developing world
OBG
plus

Blockchain – the distributed-ledger technology that underpins cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin – appears set to transform a wide variety of industries and perhaps fundamentally change the way business is conducted around the globe. While the technology is still taking off and its potential is not fully known, many emerging markets are hoping that it will allow them to leapfrog older infrastructure and tackle a range of challenges, including centralised database development, corruption and fraud, and persistently high transaction costs for electronic payments. Blockchain Explained A blockchain is a cryptographically protected, distributed…