Oman targets 3,000 annual digital jobs as tech Omanisation rises to 72%

Oman has launched the second phase of its National Programme for Digital Economy for 2026–2030, targeting a contribution of RO 1.5 billion to gross domestic product (GDP), RO 300 million in technology investments and 3,000 direct jobs annually.

Launched on 22 October by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology under the auspices of Sultan Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, the programme aims to accelerate digital transformation across key economic sectors and strengthen the country’s digital industries.

The announcement comes as the digital economy’s contribution to Oman’s GDP reached 9 per cent, according to a survey conducted this year by the National Centre for Statistics and Information in cooperation with the ministry.

The second phase will focus on digitising strategic sectors, expanding e-commerce and electronic payments, supporting digital transformation among small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and increasing the use of artificial intelligence to improve productivity and encourage innovation.

Oman expands digital skills and technology employment

Developing national digital talent remains a key priority under the programme. Dr Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, said Oman’s Omanisation rate in technological activities increased from 33 per cent in 2022 to 46 per cent in 2026. In technological professions, the rate rose from 50 per cent to 72 per cent over the same period.

More than 5,000 technology jobs for Omanis were created over the past five years, according to Al Shidhani.

During the programme’s first phase, Oman also trained more than 170 specialists in semiconductors and 800 in artificial intelligence. It launched a Master of Science programme in Digital Transformation and Innovation in partnership with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences to develop skills aligned with the changing needs of the digital sector.

The ministry has also developed a dedicated zone for artificial intelligence start-ups and established an AI studio that produced 50 smart products. In the space sector, it supported the establishment of 10 local start-ups.

To strengthen private-sector participation in government technology projects, the ministry contracted 251 companies, established 48 business incubators and accelerators, and provided funding exceeding RO 127 million.

Digital infrastructure and space investments grow

Oman has made progress in digital infrastructure, rising to 22nd globally in the United Nations Telecommunications Infrastructure Index in 2024, compared with 48th in 2022. The country also ranked 33rd in the International Telecommunication Union’s Digital Readiness Index for 2025.

Data exchanged through the National Integration Platform across the government network increased by 391 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Oman’s digital infrastructure is supported by 20 submarine cables, while high-speed mobile broadband coverage has reached 99 per cent of the population.

The country is also planning specialised data centres for artificial intelligence with a capacity of up to 500 megawatts, supporting its ambitions in advanced computing and digital infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the space sector recorded growth in private-sector investment of 270 per cent, employment of 163 per cent and the number of operating companies of 136 per cent, according to the ministry.

Developments include the launch of Earth observation satellites owned by Omani companies, the design and manufacturing of Oman’s first communications satellite, OmanSat, and the commencement of operations at a rocket launch pad, where two launch experiments have been completed successfully.

E-commerce and digital trade enter a new phase

Oman’s e-commerce market reached RO 288 million in 2025, up from RO 221 million in 2023. Investment in the semiconductor sector stood at RO 88 million, while non-cash transactions increased by more than 700 per cent between 2020 and 2025.

Investment deals and projects announced at COMEX 2025 totalled RO 116 million, representing a 45 per cent increase from 2024. Over the past three years, 200 Omani technology companies participated in exhibitions outside the country, securing agreements worth RO 30 million.

Eng Ghalib Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, said the programme’s second phase would focus on turning digital capabilities into economic opportunities for businesses, SMEs and entrepreneurs.

The ministry’s Digital Trade Programme, which forms part of the National Programme for Digital Economy, will seek to expand market access for Omani products and services and strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses.

The first phase, covering 2021–2025, focused on market regulation, building trust and encouraging the adoption of digital trade. Its achievements included the launch of the Maroof Oman platform, the introduction of executive regulations for e-commerce and the expansion of activity licences.

For 2026–2030, the focus will shift towards increasing the economic impact of digital trade and integrating it more closely with productive sectors. Artificial intelligence will support functions including marketing, consumer behaviour analysis, demand forecasting, inventory management, supply chains and customer experience.

Four phases underpin Oman’s digital economy strategy

The National Programme for Digital Economy is a strategic initiative under Oman Vision 2040. It comprises eight executive programmes covering national digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space, digital industry, digital trade, financial technology and digital infrastructure.

Its framework is built around three strategic pillars: digital society, digital government, and digital sectors and businesses. These are supported by priorities including infrastructure development, digital policy and governance, skills development, and innovation and national digital industries.

The national programme is structured across four phases: building an integrated digital government from 2021 to 2025; digitising economic sectors from 2026 to 2030; consolidating national digital industries from 2031 to 2035; and expanding digital exports and global competitiveness from 2036 to 2040.

The second phase is intended to deepen collaboration between government institutions and the private sector while increasing the use of digital technologies across economic activities, supporting Oman’s transition towards a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.