Omani Startups Programme Achieves Major Milestone: Opportunities for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT: His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, Honorary President of the Programme of Promising Omani Startups (POPS), hosted the ‘Afaq’ ceremony, celebrating the completion of the foundational phase of this national initiative aimed at identifying, supporting, and scaling high-potential Omani startups.
The event took place at the Royal Opera House Muscat and was attended by several prominent Omani government officials and dignitaries. During the ceremony, key quantitative and qualitative metrics were showcased, highlighting the program’s progress from 2023 to 2025. These indicators reflect the program’s success in transforming innovative ideas into established startups, empowering entrepreneurs, and building companies that are capable of sustainable growth. Additionally, the event underscored the role of startups in diversifying the national economy and increasing local added value.
Statistics revealed that the number of promising technology and innovation-based Omani startups has reached 205, with a combined market value estimated at $395 million, demonstrating the program’s significant economic impact. Furthermore, 549 job opportunities have been created for young Omanis across various sectors through these startups.
The POPS is one of the crucial national initiatives aimed at fostering a qualitative transformation in Oman’s startup ecosystem, with a focus on advanced technology and innovation during its three-year duration from 2023 to 2025.
Halima bint Rashid al Zariyah, Chairwoman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada), remarked, "In recent years, Oman’s startup ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation in the realms of empowerment and sustainable impact. Governance and strategic guidance have been essential in maintaining this momentum through the supervisory committee, which has bolstered governance and ensured alignment with national priorities." She emphasized the collaborative efforts of both public and private sector partners in creating a conducive environment for growth and market access.
The startup sector in Oman has shown robust digital growth, demonstrating rapid expansion and transformation. Among the notable indicators are approximately 30,000 annual beneficiaries of initiatives aimed at promoting startup culture, 50 camps and hackathons each year, and 3,000 registered startup project ideas. Other highlights include 310 student innovation and technology projects, 300 various entrepreneurial events and educational initiatives, and around 205 startups possessing the Riyada Startup Card. The sector boasts 30 business incubators, ten business accelerators, and numerous government incentives for startups, alongside RO 11.5 million in annual investments.
Additionally, 825 registered job opportunities have been created through startups, with 78 Omani startups receiving investments during 2024–2025 and 22 startups achieving a market valuation of $5 million or more.
The ceremony also introduced a sustainability plan for the Promising Omani Startups Programme, titled “An Innovation Journey That Begins with an Idea, Building a Sustainable Economy.” This initiative signifies the program’s shift from a phased implementation stage to one focused on institutional sustainability, supported by a governance model that ensures continued impact, maximizes long-term economic returns, and connects startups with real growth opportunities.
The importance of partnerships among government entities, the private sector, investors, and other components of the entrepreneurship ecosystem was emphasized, highlighting their contributions to furthering the program’s objectives. The event celebrated the entrepreneurs behind the startups, recognizing them as the foundation of transforming ideas into tangible economic achievements.
At the close of the ceremony, participants from the Promising Omani Startups Programme presented a commemorative gift to His Highness Sayyid Bilarab, expressing their heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering support of the startup ecosystem and his commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering innovation in Oman.
The Promising Omani Startups Programme reasserted its dedication to continuing support for Omani startups, enhancing institutional integration, and establishing innovation and technology as a sustainable national path, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. The program’s first phase was launched through collaboration among Riyada, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and the Oman Information and Communications Technology Group (ITHCA).
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The conclusion of the foundational phase of the Promising Omani Startups Programme marks a pivotal moment for businesses in Oman, fostering a burgeoning startup ecosystem that promises to diversify the economy and generate job opportunities. Smart investors should seize the moment to back innovative startups, as the combined market value of around $395 million and the creation of 549 job opportunities signal a thriving landscape ripe for investment. However, with growth comes risks, as competition intensifies; thus, entrepreneurs must remain agile and innovative to navigate this increasingly dynamic market.
