ICT
From The Report: Oman 2025
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Oman is actively advancing its ICT and telecommunications sectors as part of its broader goal to become a digital-first economy. This transformation is reshaping the country’s financial landscape and positioning it as a hub for innovation and digital development in the region. Significant investments are being made to improve digital infrastructure, expand internet access, and enhance cybersecurity and data governance. These efforts are also reflected in the improvement of digital government services, with a focus on efficiency and accessibility. Oman is fostering innovation through technology parks, start-up support, and partnerships with global technology firms. The country is also investing in artificial intelligence and digital skill development to prepare its workforce for the future. Overall, ICT and telecommunications are playing a key role in Oman’s strategy for economic diversification and sustainable growth, helping to build a more competitive and digitally connected economy.

This chapter contains interviews withTalal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel; Bassam Al Ibrahim, CEO, Ooredoo Oman; Bader Al Zidi, CEO, Vodafone Oman; and Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO, Oman Data Park.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Enhanced connectivity: Economic diversification drive sees efforts to expand internet access, boost cybersecurity and integrate new technologies
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Oman’s strategic emphasis on ICT and telecommunications underpins its vision of becoming a digital-first economy. This focus is transforming the sultanate’s financial landscape while positioning it as a leader in regional and global digital transformation. As of September 2024, 98% of households in Oman had internet access, solidifying its status as a centre for connectivity, innovation and cybersecurity. This dedication to digital progress is evident in significant investment and an improved global standing, highlighted by a four-position climb in the Network Readiness Index 2024, where Oman ranked 50th out of 133 economies. The sultanate…

Interview

Digital economy: Talal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel, on the steps businesses are taking to adjust to the changing digital environment
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Interview: Talal Al Mamari What are the most significant challenges and opportunities for the ICT sector?  TALAL AL MAMARI: The ICT sector faces several challenges, including the need to bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to ICT infrastructure and services. To address the disparity in access between urban and rural areas, the government has initiated projects like the National Broadband Strategy to extend high-speed internet coverage. This initiative includes laying fibre-optic…

Interview

Innovative services: Bassam Al Ibrahim, CEO, Ooredoo Oman, on balancing the demand for innovation and cybersecurity concerns
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Interview: Bassam Al Ibrahim How do you see the sector contributing to economic diversification and digital transformation goals? BASSAM AL IBRAHIM: The ICT sector is at the heart of Oman Vision 2040, enabling the shift towards a knowledge-based economy and supporting economic diversification. Through strategic investment in telecommunications, data centres and 5G infrastructure, Oman is creating a robust digital framework that attracts global businesses and accelerates innovation. As more industries…

Analysis

Game changer: Initiative to boost local artificial intelligence (AI) is driving economic diversification and sustainable growth
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With global spending on AI projected to reach $632bn by 2028, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 29% between 2024 and 2028, Oman has launched its National Programme for AI and Advanced Digital Technologies. Unveiled in September 2024 as part of Oman Vision 2040, this initiative will play a key role in the country’s digital transformation and economic diversification strategy. Building on the 2022 Executive Programme for AI and Advanced Digital Technologies, the programme will run from 2024 to 2026, targeting an increase in the digital economy’s GDP contribution from 2% in 2021 to 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2040. The revised programme…

Interview

Strong connections: Bader Al Zidi, CEO, Vodafone Oman, on the development of telecommunications and advancing digital infrastructure
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Interview: Bader Al Zidi How can telecommunications companies develop robust digital infrastructure to meet growing demand for remote connectivity and cloud services? BADER AL ZIDI: I see two essential approaches to developing robust digital infrastructure in Oman. First, the government’s role in providing open passive infrastructure, such as fibre, towers and data centres, has been pivotal. This foundation allows companies to expand connectivity rapidly, especially in remote areas, as we are…

Interview

Effective approach: Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO, Oman Data Park, on measures to support the adoption of emerging technologies
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Interview: Maqbool Al Wahaibi How would you assess Oman’s ICT ecosystem? MAQBOOL AL WAHAIBI: Connectivity, public awareness and workforce competencies form the backbone of the ICT sector in Oman. The country has made significant strides in connectivity, with internet penetration exceeding 90%, ensuring nationwide coverage. However, there is still room for improvement when it comes to awareness and adoption. This gap represents an opportunity to develop more user-centric digital solutions. Additionally,…