Oman ranked 4th among developing economies in digital FDI
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
5 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Sur Industrial City attracts investment worth $25mn
Sur – Sur Industrial City has signed a contract with Al Ghaith Industries for the establishment of a factory for the production of Trichlorosilane. As per this agreement, the city, under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates 'Madayn', will receive an investment of over US$25mn for the facility to be built on an area of 20,000sqm, officials informed. This value-added project is set to boost the growth of the chemical and energy sectors in the sultanate, they added. Nasser al Mabsali, Director General of Sur Industrial City, said that the project would open new horizons for high-purity silicon manufacturing, which is the cornerstone of renewable energy and electronics industries. 'This investment represents a significant value addition to South Sharqiyah governorate in general and Sur Industrial City in particular. The project will support the localisation of advanced technology-based industries and create employment opportunities for Omani cadres,' Mabsali pointed out. Almamoon al Baadani, CEO of Al Ghaith Industries, highlighted that the Trichlorosilane plant represents a major milestone in the sultanate's chemical sector. 'This will be the first facility of its kind in the Middle East, and several projects are planned over the coming years, thanks to Oman's attractive investment environment,' Baadani said. He noted that the factory's commercial production is expected to commence by the end of the first quarter of 2027, expressing gratitude to the management of Madayn, represented by Sur Industrial City, for their efforts in facilitating the investment process and advancing the industrial sector.
Muscat Daily
5 hours ago
- 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.
Observer
6 hours ago
- Observer
COMEX 2025 to propel Oman as regional powerhouse for digital innovation
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) and Arabian Research Bureau hosted a press conference yesterday to showcase this year's edition of COMEX, Oman's premier digital economy and technology innovation exhibition. COMEX 2025 will be held during September 7–10, 2025 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Speaking at the event, Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology, stressed the catalytic position COMEX still enjoys in Oman's national development priorities. "COMEX is a premier platform for digital innovation and collaboration," he stated. "This year's conference will have success stories of the public and private sectors to demonstrate how technology is shaping our economy." COMEX 2025, he said, will feature major international announcements and more participation from countries like Pakistan, China, and India as a testament to Oman's growing presence on the global digital map. In the 2024 edition of the exhibition, 60 agreements worth over RO 85 million were signed—a figure organisers are poised to beat this year. The event speaks directly to the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, and specifically to those for economic diversification, private sector leadership, digital governance, and human capital development, the Under-Secretary said. An area devoted to a government pavilion will highlight key national digital initiatives such as the National Centre for Cybersecurity (Hadatha), the National Centre for AI and Space Technologies, and government service integrated platforms. Themed areas will be devoted to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, smart cities, space technology, and renewable energy—all vision areas of Oman Vision 2040. Amr Baabood, CEO, OITE Group, noted COMEX's strategic alignment with Oman's national vision. "Oman Vision 2040 is a roadmap for an economy fit for the future. COMEX is not just on this roadmap's path—it is building the ecosystem to bring it to life," he stated. "COMEX closes the gap between technology and national priorities through innovation zones and public-private partnerships." This year's agenda also includes the Cybersecurity Investment and Local Product Forum and the AI and Quantum Computing Forum to stimulate local capabilities, facilitate research collaboration, and push innovation. There will also be a 24-hour cybersecurity hackathon (CTF) that will challenge participants to develop solutions to real-world threats. Sultan al Busaidi, Marketing Executive with Arabian Research Bureau, announced the inauguration of national pavilions wherein each country will have a unique space to showcase digital advancements. Furthermore, the Digital Investment Corner and Startup Pavilion will provide opportunities for venture capital interaction along with success stories' profiles of Omani entrepreneurs. The press conference concluded with the signing of a strategic partnership between COMEX and Oman Air, with the goal of increasing both domestic and international participation.
