{"id":5481,"date":"2025-10-15T15:52:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T11:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/oman-smart-tech-innovation-center\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T20:38:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T16:38:29","slug":"oman-smart-tech-innovation-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/oman-smart-tech-innovation-center\/","title":{"rendered":"National Innovation Centre to Anchor Oman\u2019s Smart Tech Ambitions: What It Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitv3sogw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitv3soga{display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,system-ui,sans-serif;position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#111118 0%,#080808 100%);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border-radius:14px;gap:20px;padding:20px 40px;transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hitv3soga:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitv3sogg1{position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>MUSCAT: The launch of a National Innovation Centre in Oman represents a significant milestone in the country\u2019s technological advancement, establishing Oman as a regional hub for semiconductor design and smart communication technologies, stated Eng Said bin Abdullah Al Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group, the technology investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA).<\/p>\n<p>In an exclusive interview with the Observer following a $20 million investment agreement between ITHCA and US-based Movandi, Al Mandhari emphasized that the initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040\u2019s aspirations to develop a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe innovation centre is about more than just technology; it\u2019s about empowering people,\u201d he explained. \u201cIts primary focus will be on cultivating Omani expertise in semiconductor design, wireless communication systems, and AI-powered networks. These sectors form the core of the global digital economy, and Oman aims to be a proactive participant rather than merely a consumer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Al Mandhari outlined plans for the centre to collaborate closely with Omani universities, research institutes, and leading international technology companies to provide advanced training for engineers and students. This approach is geared towards building a sustainable talent pipeline capable of designing and co-developing technologies that meet global standards.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis investment serves two principal purposes: enhancing human capital through education, training, and skills development, and contributing directly to GDP by exporting technologies that are designed and developed within Oman,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n<p>He also highlighted Oman\u2019s integrated strategy, which connects the ministries of labour, investment, and higher education, creating a conducive ecosystem for foreign technology partners. \u201cWe have established an environment where companies can set up their regional headquarters in Oman while benefiting from local expertise and advanced research infrastructure,\u201d Al Mandhari said.<\/p>\n<p>The innovation centre is expected to function as a regional hub, linking the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia to Oman\u2019s expanding semiconductor and communication industry. The project aims to attract leading global companies and investors by leveraging Oman\u2019s strategic location and robust digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur vision is for Oman to emerge as a regional design and research and development (R&#038;D) centre, supporting not only American enterprises but also partners from Asia and Africa,\u201d Al Mandhari noted. \u201cThe expertise we bring in will drive innovation, secure patents, and generate high-value exports.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He further revealed that Movandi, which holds more than 120 patents, will collaborate with Omani engineers to file new patents developed through the Muscat innovation centre, thereby enhancing Oman\u2019s intellectual property portfolio and research output.<\/p>\n<p>Al Mandhari described this initiative as a cornerstone of ITHCA Group\u2019s long-term strategy, under the ownership of OIA, to diversify Oman\u2019s economy and strengthen its digital capabilities. \u201cWe are investing in future-oriented industries such as semiconductors, AI, and smart connectivity. The innovation centre will serve as a foundation for national growth in these sectors and will bolster Oman\u2019s reputation as a trusted regional partner in advanced technological fields.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitl8gakw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/p>\n<p>The establishment of Oman&#8217;s National Innovation Centre signifies a <strong>strategic leap toward becoming a regional powerhouse in semiconductor design and smart communication technologies<\/strong>, directly aligning with Oman Vision 2040. For businesses, this opens <strong>opportunities in knowledge-driven industries and high-tech exports<\/strong>, while smart investors should consider the growing ecosystem supported by government coordination and global technology partnerships as a <strong>fertile ground for innovation and long-term digital economy growth<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The National Innovation Centre in Oman, backed by a $20M investment, aims to position the country as a regional hub for semiconductor design, smart communication, and AI-driven networks. It focuses on building Omani talent, partnering with universities, and attracting global tech firms to boost innovation and exports.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5482,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[2438,161,2439],"class_list":["post-5481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-national-innovation-centre","tag-oman","tag-semiconductor-design"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3159957.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5481"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5483,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5481\/revisions\/5483"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5482"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}