Muscat:The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has launched the second phase of the National Program for Digital Economy, covering the period from 2026 to 2030. This initiative aims to significantly boost the digital economy's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP), targeting RO 1.5 billion, and to attract technological investments worth RO 300 million. Additionally, the program seeks to create 3,000 direct jobs annually through digital economy initiatives.
According to Oman News Agency, the launch event was presided over by Sultan Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance. During the ceremony, it was revealed that the digital economy's contribution rate to the GDP has reached 9 percent. This figure is based on survey results conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
The second phase will focus on digitizing strategic economic sectors and promoting the adoption of digital solutions, e-commerce, and electronic payment systems. The program also aims to encourage small and medium enterprises to embrace digital transformation and expand the use of artificial intelligence applications. This is expected to enhance efficiency, drive innovation, and develop national digital industries.
The event also marked the launch of a strategic intelligence platform in partnership with the World Economic Forum. This platform is designed to monitor future trends and support policy-making and decision-making processes, thereby advancing national priorities and digital transformation efforts in Oman.
Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry, highlighted the program's emphasis on developing national digital competencies and skills, aiming to increase the Omanisation rate in technological activities from 33 percent in 2022 to 46 percent in 2026. The program also seeks to boost Omanisation in technological professions from 50 percent to 72 percent within the same period, creating over 5,000 new technological jobs for Omanis in the past five years.
The Ministry has achieved several milestones in digital innovation and national industries, including developing a specialized zone for AI startups, establishing an AI studio, and supporting local startups in the space sector. Furthermore, the Ministry has enhanced the participation of small and medium enterprises in government projects, established business incubators, and provided substantial funding to support tech startups.
Dr. Al Shidhani also noted the advancement of Oman's digital infrastructure, with the country moving to the 22nd position globally in the United Nations Telecommunication Infrastructure Index for 2024. The program supports the establishment of data centers for AI with a capacity of up to 500 megawatts, reinforcing digital infrastructure readiness for advanced technologies.
In terms of digital investment and trade, the COMEX 2025 exhibition saw RO 116 million in investment deals, with 200 tech companies participating in international exhibitions. The volume of e-commerce in Oman reached RO 288 million in 2025, and the semiconductor sector saw investments of RO 88 million. Non-cash transactions increased significantly during the period from 2020 to 2025.
Eng. Ghalib Said Al Maamari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasized that the second phase signifies a new milestone toward a sustainable digital economy. The program aims to create economic opportunities for businesses and broaden market access for Omani products and services.
The National Program for Digital Economy is part of "Oman Vision 2040" and includes various strategic programs. The second phase builds on previous efforts to integrate government institutions and the private sector, leveraging digital technologies to foster a knowledge-based economy and enhance Oman's regional and international competitiveness in the digital economy.
Source Oman News Agency