OIA Expands Domestic Footprint in Semiconductor Sector: What It Means for Oman’s Tech Investors and Entrepreneurs
MUSCAT: In line with its strategic focus on priority economic sectors outlined in the 11th Five-Year Plan and Oman Vision 2040’s economic diversification goals, the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) is significantly expanding its investments in the semiconductor sector. This move aims to strengthen Oman’s position in advanced technology industries and promote the localization of key value chain segments.
The semiconductor industry, a vital component of the digital economy, plays a crucial role in advanced communications, energy systems, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. Leading these initiatives is ITHCA Group, OIA’s ICT investment arm, which plans to attract three global companies to establish operational centers and offices in Oman by the end of 2025.
OIA’s investment strategy follows its “Omani Angle” philosophy, which prioritizes attracting advanced technologies, localizing them within Oman, transferring expertise, and developing a comprehensive national research and development ecosystem. These efforts aim to position Oman as a hub for advanced technology industries, support sustainable knowledge-based economic growth, diversify national income, and generate high-quality job opportunities for Omani youth in engineering, technology, and innovation.
Through ITHCA Group, OIA has invested RO 5 million (USD 13 million) in US-based GSME, a company specializing in semiconductor design, marking a strategic entry into advanced technology. Semiconductors are critical for electronic chips that power most modern devices. GSME’s operations include radio frequency (RF) chips, power solutions, and outsourced manufacturing. This investment has led to the creation of a fully integrated semiconductor design center in Oman and facilitated the training of Omani engineers who have successfully designed chips for radio signal processing and power management, while transferring advanced silicon chip design expertise.
This initiative has significantly contributed to national talent development, with 92 graduates completing GSME’s training program. Of these, 67 secured roles in electronic engineering and chip design, with others entering the job market equipped with valuable skills. Additionally, the project supported the ‘Oman Semiconductor Ecosystem Enablement & Investment’ Forum, which brought together around 250 global executives, investors, and decision-makers, enhancing Oman’s profile in the global semiconductor sector.
OIA also invested RO 1.93 million (USD 5 million) via ITHCA Group in US-based Lumotive, a company specializing in programmable optics and Light Control Metasurface (LCM) 3D sensing technologies. These innovations enable precise electronic light control and 3D sensing without mechanical parts. This investment facilitated the establishment of Lumotive’s Oman branch, the introduction of advanced optical and AI technologies, local capital deployment commitments, and the hiring of Omani technical professionals.
Further emphasizing its commitment to next-generation communications, OIA invested RO 7.7 million (USD 20 million) through ITHCA Group in US-based Movandi, a leader in semiconductor solutions, intelligent wireless connectivity, and 5G technologies. This funding supports the development of RF chipsets, beamforming systems, and smart antenna solutions, improving network performance and cost efficiency in urban and remote areas. The investment also enables the establishment of a Movandi subsidiary in Oman, the growth of an advanced communications design team, advancement of 5G infrastructure, and continued expertise transfer with expanded employment opportunities for Omani talent.
These investments collectively underscore OIA’s dedication to fostering Oman’s advanced technology landscape, driving innovation, and empowering national expertise for sustainable economic growth.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s strategic investment in the semiconductor sector through the Oman Investment Authority marks a bold move to anchor the Sultanate as a hub for advanced technology and digital innovation. For businesses, this means access to cutting-edge technologies and growth opportunities in ICT and 5G infrastructure. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should leverage the expanding knowledge ecosystem and government support to capitalize on emerging sectors like semiconductor design, AI, and next-gen communications, while also nurturing local talent for sustained competitive advantage.
