Overview
Digital readiness encompasses the infrastructure, human capital, regulatory frameworks, and institutional capacity needed to thrive in an increasingly digital global economy. For GCC nations, digital transformation is both an economic diversification strategy and a governance modernisation imperative. The pandemic accelerated digital adoption across the region, but significant differences in readiness and ambition persist.
Oman’s Position
Oman’s digital readiness reflects solid infrastructure foundations with room for acceleration. Mobile penetration exceeds 150 percent, 4G coverage is near-universal, and 5G rollout is progressing through Omantel and Ooredoo. The e.oman initiative has digitised most government services. However, digital skills gaps, limited tech sector employment, modest venture capital availability, and a small domestic market constrain the growth of a vibrant digital economy. The Information Technology Authority drives coordination but implementation varies across government entities.
Regional Comparison
The UAE is the clear GCC leader, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi functioning as regional tech hubs hosting major global companies, thriving startup ecosystems, and advanced smart city infrastructure. Saudi Arabia is investing massively through NEOM’s technology ambitions and a dedicated digital economy authority. Bahrain has positioned itself as a fintech hub with progressive regulatory sandboxes. Qatar’s smart infrastructure investments are substantial. Oman’s digital infrastructure is competitive, but ecosystem development – startups, venture capital, tech talent – trails the leaders.
Trajectory
Oman’s Digital Economy Strategy targets the technology sector reaching 5 percent of GDP by 2040. Key enablers include data centre development, cloud computing adoption, fintech regulation, coding education in schools, and incubator support for tech startups. The Oman Technology Fund and the National Business Centre provide institutional support. Realising these ambitions requires attracting international tech talent, building digital skills at scale, and creating regulatory conditions that enable innovation while maintaining cybersecurity.