Oman’s digital landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the Sultanate’s commitment to realizing the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040. A recent report by the Digital Cooperation Organization reveals that Oman has made notable progress across several pillars of the digital economy, positioning itself as a leader in the region. The Digital Economy Explorer Index assesses the maturity level of the digital economy, empowering decision-makers to formulate policies and initiatives that support digital transformation and sustainable economic growth.
## Oman’s Progress in the Digital Economy
The report highlights Oman’s balanced performance across various pillars of the index. Notably, the Sultanate ranked first in the gender equality pillar and third in the digital inclusion pillar, which measures the integration of different segments of society into the digital economy. This achievement underscores Oman’s commitment to creating a more inclusive digital landscape. Additionally, Oman made tangible progress in the digital work and training pillar, ranking sixth globally.
### Legislative and Governance Framework
Oman achieved a perfect score of 100 points in the legislative and governance framework for technological innovation, demonstrating its robust regulatory environment. The Sultanate also scored 92.9 points in the telecommunications and information technology legislation index, further solidifying its position as a leader in the region. The report notes that Oman’s legislative framework is conducive to technological innovation, providing a solid foundation for the growth of the digital economy.
## Key Indicators of Oman’s Digital Economy
The Digital Economy Explorer Index report highlights a marked improvement in Oman’s performance across most pillars compared to the previous year. Notably, there was a 44.5% increase in the digital innovation pillar, a 36.2% growth in digital inclusion, a 33.5% rise in core ICT activities, and a 29.3% increase in digital finance. These statistics demonstrate Oman’s rapid progress in the digital economy.
### Contribution to GDP
Digital economy activities contributed 2.83% to the GDP of non-oil activities, with the overall digital economy growing by 15% compared to 2021. The added value rose to OMR769 million, up from OMR 668.5 million in 2021. According to Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and IT, Oman plans to increase the digital economy’s contribution to 10% of the GDP by 2040. By the end of this year, the contribution is expected to reach approximately 3%.
## National Digital Economy Programme
The National Digital Economy Programme in Oman is advancing its mission to build a prosperous digital economy through three core pillars: digital government, business digitisation, and digital society. The initiative aims to serve as a key contributor to the national economy. Dr. Al Shidhani emphasised that the programme serves as a long-term roadmap aligned with Oman Vision 2040, structured into four phases: integrated digital government, digitisation of key economic sectors, export of digital economy services, and ultimately, a flourishing digital economy.
### Implementation and Progress
The government is nearing the completion of the first phase, which focuses on digital government transformation. The programme is implemented through a series of executive initiatives overseen by various government entities. However, the journey is not without its challenges. As Oman continues to push forward with its digital transformation, it must address the complexities of integrating different segments of society into the digital economy.
In conclusion, Oman’s progress in the digital economy is a testament to the Sultanate’s commitment to realizing the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040. With its balanced performance across various pillars of the Digital Economy Explorer Index, Oman is well-positioned to become a leader in the region. As the country continues to push forward with its digital transformation, it is poised to reap the benefits of a thriving digital economy, driving sustainable economic growth and improving the lives of its citizens.
