Oman has officially transitioned into the second phase of its National Digital Economy Programme, marking a strategic shift from state-centric digital transformation toward a broader focus on commercial productivity and private sector integration. Running through 2030, this phase targets RO 300 million in technology investment and the creation of 3,000 direct jobs every year, with the objective of bringing the digital economy’s contribution to gross domestic product to RO 1.5 billion by the end of the decade. This evolution arrives as data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information confirms the digital sector already accounts for 9 per cent of Oman’s GDP. Following a successful foundational period that prioritised the digitisation of public services, the current mandate seeks to embed sophisticated technologies-including artificial intelligence and advanced electronic payment systems-into Omani business operations. The initiative places considerable emphasis on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. By leveraging AI for inventory management, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimisation, the government intends to facilitate the transition of local firms into regional and international markets. This follows growth in the e-commerce sector, which saw its value climb from RO 221 million in 2023 to RO 288 million by 2025. Efforts to bolster this ecosystem have seen 251 companies secure government technology contracts, supported by the establishment of 48 business incubators and accelerators. Furthermore, over RO 127 million has been provided in financing. The programme’s ambitions are underpinned by a maturing telecommunications landscape. Fibre-optic subscriptions have risen from 184,000 in 2021 to 357,000 in 2025, while fixed 5G subscriptions have increased to 220,000. Looking ahead, the government has outlined plans for specialised AI data centres with capacities reaching 500 megawatts. Human capital development remains a core pillar. Omanisation in technology-related economic activities reached 46 per cent in 2026, while the rate in technology occupations rose to 72 per cent. With more than 5,000 new technology roles for Omanis filled over the last five years, the programme aims to maintain this trajectory by aligning commercial growth with strategic data-driven policymaking via a new Strategic Intelligence Platform.

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TradingView · 2026-10-23