Digital Cooperation Organisation Expands Ties with Oman: What It Means for Business Growth and Investment Opportunities
MUSCAT, OCT 20 — The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) is rapidly establishing itself as a pivotal intergovernmental body fostering digital collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman, alongside other governments, private sectors, and international institutions.
Established in 2020 and headquartered in Riyadh, the DCO unites 16 member states with a combined GDP of $3.5 trillion and a population exceeding 800 million. The organisation champions inclusive and sustainable growth within the digital economy by addressing policy gaps and promoting knowledge exchange.
“The DCO is the only intergovernmental organisation dedicated to advancing the digital economy for its member states,” stated Director General Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui. “Our mission is to bridge digital transformation divides while supporting over 800 million people across 16 countries.”
The DCO’s work is driven by collaboration between public and private sectors. Dr. El Haddaoui explained, “Our council comprises ministers of technology or telecommunications, based on each member country. Additionally, we engage 55 observers from global corporations to local innovators who help shape our shared digital vision.”
Central to the organisation’s efforts is the concept of “tech diplomacy,” which brings together policymakers, regulators, and innovators to align technological advancement with sustainable development goals. “Tech diplomacy is now an active practice, not merely a theoretical concept,” she emphasized. “We convene experts, political leaders, and industry pioneers to address emerging digital priorities.”
Earlier this year, the DCO deepened its engagement in Oman during Comex 2025 by hosting its Observer Committee meeting in Muscat, attended by more than 50 international and regional CEOs. During the event, the organisation unveiled the global expansion of STRIDE, a program supporting startups with market access, capital, mentorship, and regulatory guidance.
Since its launch, STRIDE has aided over 300 startups, secured more than $20 million in investment, and forged partnerships with over 30 entities worldwide, significantly bolstering the startup ecosystem across member states.
A significant development in Muscat was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on data privacy, described by Dr. El Haddaoui as “a foundational step toward building resilience among our member states.” This agreement advances the harmonisation of cross-border data governance through the DCO’s Data Embassy initiative, establishing a trusted framework for digital economies.
Simultaneously, the DCO is partnering with the World Economic Forum and Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology to pilot the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) project in Oman. This initiative seeks to identify Oman’s digital strengths and deliver policy recommendations aimed at attracting investment in digital infrastructure and innovation. The results will be shared in a joint report highlighting Oman’s digital readiness and its potential as a leading regional digital investment hub.
Through programs like STRIDE, the Digital FDI project, and cross-border data governance frameworks, the Digital Cooperation Organisation continues to lay the groundwork for enhanced global digital cooperation, fostering innovation, bridging economies, and promoting sustainable digital growth across its member states.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s active engagement with the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) positions the country as a regional hub for digital innovation and investment, leveraging initiatives like STRIDE and the Digital FDI project to attract capital and scale startups. Businesses and investors should focus on digital infrastructure, data governance, and tech diplomacy as strategic pillars to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks linked to cross-border digital regulation and market integration.
