Oman Leads the Gulf in Digital Transformation, AI, and ICT: What This Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has achieved significant progress in digital transformation and technological innovation, according to the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT). In 2025, Oman made notable advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), e-government, skills development, and ICT infrastructure, strengthening its position as a rising technology hub in the region.
Oman improved its ranking across several international benchmarks. The country enhanced its standing by 6% in the UN ESCWA E-Government and Mobile Services Maturity Index in 2024. It climbed 25 places on the 2025 Postal Development Index, securing first place in the Arab world and 50th globally. Oman also ranked first in the West Asia region and ninth worldwide for open data readiness. Additionally, Oman was granted membership to the Postal Investment Council for 2025–2029. The nation led regional rankings in the Digital Economy Explorer Index, particularly excelling in digital inclusion and gender equality. Oman attained a perfect score of 100 for its technological innovation governance and 92.9 for ICT sector legislation.
At the government level, substantial digital transformation was realized. The launch of a unified government services portal introduced 30 new integrated digital services. By May 2025, 74% of government services were digitized, with process simplification reaching 96%. A sign-language video library was also created to assist users with disabilities. Overall, government digital transformation achieved an 80% performance score for the 2021–2025 period.
AI development has been designated a national priority. MoTCIT unveiled the National Language Model for Generative AI, the first government-developed specialized AI model in Oman. The Oman Digital Triangle, an international initiative focused on green computing and AI data hosting, was also launched. To foster innovation, the ministry introduced an AI startup zone, the Green AI Alliance, and the AI Studio. Investments in AI projects reached RO 65 million by 2025, with the number of AI startups growing to 22.
Nurturing national talent remains key to Oman’s digital growth. The Makeen Initiative has trained over 10,000 Omanis in advanced digital skills since 2022, enrolling more than 1,300 trainees in 2025 alone. The SAS for Digital Innovation program supports SMEs and startups through incubation, capacity building, and improvements in the legal framework. Platforms such as the Oman Startup Platform, Jadara, and Numu are helping emerging technology companies scale, engage with investors, and expand into new markets.
Oman’s evolving digital ecosystem and updated regulatory framework are setting the stage for a competitive digital economy aligned with Oman Vision 2040. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s robust strides in digital transformation and AI, coupled with pioneering government initiatives and a skilled talent pipeline, position the Sultanate as a regional technology leader and an attractive destination for digital investment. Businesses should capitalize on emerging opportunities in AI-driven services and digital infrastructure, while entrepreneurs and investors need to focus on innovation ecosystems like the AI startup zone and green computing projects to stay ahead in this competitive landscape. The strategic alignment with Oman Vision 2040 underscores a promising, tech-enabled economic future ripe for forward-looking ventures.
