The COMEX 2024 exhibition in Muscat saw the signing of over 30 agreements and initiatives worth more than OMR35 million between companies affiliated with the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and leading international technology companies. This move highlights the importance of the communications and information technology sector in Oman, as well as the commitment to supporting emerging technology companies and enhancing the localisation of new industries. The agreements focus on establishing data centres, adopting cloud solutions, and implementing artificial intelligence technologies to boost the digital economy and improve the investment environment in Oman.
Atef bin Saeed Al Siyabi, Head of Information Management at the Oman Investment Authority, emphasized the agency’s dedication to the technology sector and its role in building a prosperous and sustainable digital economy in alignment with the government’s vision for Oman 2040. The agency and its companies are actively supporting startups and small to medium-sized companies in the technology sector through various programmes, initiatives, and agreements aimed at promoting innovation and growth in Oman’s technology industry. This approach reflects the OIA’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and supporting the growth of local technology companies.
The agreements signed by companies such as Omantel, Oman Data Park, Iqaa Group, and OQ with tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, TCS, and Virtusa showcase a strategic move towards adopting cutting-edge technologies and solutions. By setting up data centres and leveraging cloud solutions and artificial intelligence technologies, these partnerships aim to drive technological advancements and support the digital transformation efforts in Oman. These collaborations will not only expand the capabilities of Omani technology companies but also contribute to the development of a robust digital infrastructure in the country.
In addition to the agreements signed with international tech companies, the OIA’s affiliated companies are set to establish strategic partnerships and cooperative agreements with various government entities, private institutions, and banks to provide digital services and innovative technical solutions. These partnerships will play a crucial role in advancing the digital ecosystem in Oman, promoting the adoption of digital technologies, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of the country’s technology sector. By fostering collaborations between different stakeholders, the OIA aims to create a conducive environment for technology innovation and growth in Oman.
The OIA’s focus on supporting startups and small to medium-sized companies operating in the technology sector underscores the importance of nurturing homegrown talent and fostering a culture of innovation within the country. By providing opportunities for local companies to collaborate with leading international tech firms and access cutting-edge technologies, the OIA is paving the way for the growth and expansion of Oman’s technology industry. These initiatives are in line with the government’s efforts to drive digital transformation, enhance technological capabilities, and build a resilient digital economy in Oman.
Overall, the signing of multiple agreements and initiatives at the COMEX 2024 exhibition highlights the OIA’s commitment to promoting innovation, fostering growth, and enhancing the competitiveness of the technology sector in Oman. By forging strategic partnerships with international tech companies and local stakeholders, the agency is positioning Oman as a regional hub for technology innovation and development. These collaborations will not only drive economic growth and prosperity but also pave the way for a sustainable digital future for the Sultanate.
