Overview
The digital sector in Oman employs ~12,000 direct in ICT workers with an Omanisation rate of ~78%. Workforce development is a critical enabler of Vision 2040 objectives, requiring targeted interventions in skills training, career pathway development, and nationalisation policies tailored to sector-specific needs.
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Current | 2040 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Employment | ~12,000 direct in ICT | See 2040 targets |
| Omanisation Rate | ~78% | See 2040 targets |
| Key Employers | Omantel, Ooredoo Oman, ITA (Information … | Expanding |
Analysis
Workforce composition in Oman’s digital sector reflects both historical development patterns and emerging skill requirements. The current Omanisation rate of ~78% indicates strong progress toward nationalisation targets. Key employers including Omantel, Ooredoo Oman, ITA (Information Technology Authority), 4IR Centre, MTCIT are implementing structured training programmes. However, skills gaps persist in technical specialisations, middle management, and digital competencies. The sector must balance rapid Omanisation with maintaining operational excellence and international competitiveness.
Challenges
Skills mismatch between education outputs and sector requirements remains the primary workforce challenge. Brain drain of tech talent to UAE, limited venture capital for startups, cybersecurity readiness gaps, digital literacy disparities outside Muscat, and slow enterprise cloud adoption. Additionally, retaining Omani talent in the face of competition from government and higher-paying sectors requires innovative compensation and career development frameworks.
Opportunities
Structured apprenticeship programmes, industry-academia partnerships, and TVET alignment with sector needs can accelerate workforce readiness. Government-as-a-platform digital services, smart city projects (Madinat Al Irfan), AI-driven oil field optimisation, cybersecurity services for GCC, edtech and healthtech verticals, and data centre expansion leveraging submarine cable connectivity.
Vision 2040 Targets
Raise digital GDP share to 8-10 percent; achieve 95 percent 5G population coverage; train 100,000 digital professionals; launch 500+ tech startups; position Oman as a GCC cybersecurity hub.