FDI in Omani Semiconductor Industry Surpasses $130 Million: What This Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has announced that foreign investment in Oman’s semiconductor sector has surpassed $130 million. This milestone was revealed during the International Semiconductor Executive Summit, which commenced on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
In her keynote address, Dr. Seema Al Kaabi, Director General of Sector Stimulation and Future Skills at MoTCIT, emphasized the importance of the summit in aligning with Oman Vision 2040. She highlighted the ministry’s efforts to attract strategic investments in the semiconductor and electronic chip industries. “The influx of foreign capital exceeding $130 million demonstrates global confidence in Oman’s investment environment and has contributed significantly to creating high-quality jobs for Omanis,” Dr. Al Kaabi stated.
She further detailed Oman’s commitment to cultivating human capital as a cornerstone of industry development. Over the past year, more than 250 young Omanis have undergone specialized training in semiconductor design, guided by international experts. Some trainees have also pursued advanced studies abroad at leading global universities and connected with top companies in the sector, equipping them to integrate into global value chains. Many have since secured roles within semiconductor design firms.
A landmark achievement for the Sultanate is the establishment of its first semiconductor design company, GSME, which represents a significant step towards building a strong national base for advanced engineering design. Dr. Al Kaabi proudly noted the successful design of the first two Omani chips—Oman-1 and Oman-2—fabricated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), underscoring the readiness of Omani talent to compete internationally in this high-tech field.
Additionally, plans were disclosed for the launch of a specialized semiconductor design firm in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour. Through a newly signed cooperation agreement with Keynes Semicon, this initiative aims to facilitate knowledge transfer, localize advanced chip design, and create new career opportunities for qualified Omani professionals.
The two-day summit, organized by MoTCIT in partnership with International Semiconductor Executive Summits, centers on the theme “Establishing a Collaborative Semiconductor Ecosystem in the MENA Region.” The first day featured keynote presentations by regional and global industry leaders covering market trends, AI-driven semiconductor innovations, and future supply chain developments. Sessions also focused on MENA regional collaboration, technological transformation, and emerging fabless technologies, concluding with a panel discussion on investment strategies and partnerships to advance the region’s high-tech future.
A concurrent exhibition showcased the presence of local, regional, and international industry players, further highlighting Oman’s growing role in the global semiconductor landscape.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s semiconductor sector, buoyed by over $130 million in foreign investment, signals a strategic pivot towards becoming a high-tech regional hub aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should explore opportunities in advanced chip design and workforce development, as Oman’s focused training programs and burgeoning local companies like GSME lay a strong foundation for growth and global competitiveness. However, the evolving market demands continuous innovation and international partnerships to mitigate risks linked to global supply chain fluctuations.
