Oman Digital Economy Guide
Digital transformation is a cross-cutting enabler of Oman Vision 2040. The Sultanate has invested heavily in ICT infrastructure, e-government services, and digital skills development. The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology leads the national digital strategy with the goal of making Oman a regional leader in the digital economy.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Internet Penetration | ~95% |
| Mobile Penetration | ~150% |
| 5G Coverage (Urban) | ~85% |
| E-Government Services | 1,000+ |
| ICT Sector GDP Target | 5% by 2040 |
ICT Infrastructure
Oman’s telecommunications sector is served by Omantel and Ooredoo Oman, both offering extensive 4G and 5G networks. Submarine cable connections through the Gulf of Oman provide high-capacity international bandwidth. Data centre capacity has expanded with facilities in the Knowledge Oasis Muscat and Barka.
E-Government
The e-Oman initiative has digitised over 1,000 government services accessible through the unified portal. The digital ID system enables secure access to government services, banking, and healthcare. The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) provides open data platforms supporting evidence-based policy.
Startup Ecosystem
The Oman Technology Fund and Al Raffd Fund provide venture capital and seed funding for technology startups. Knowledge Oasis Muscat serves as the primary technology incubator, while the National Business Centre supports early-stage entrepreneurs. Annual events like the Oman Innovation Challenge connect startups with corporate partners and investors.
Cybersecurity
The Information Technology Authority oversees national cybersecurity through the Oman National CERT (Computer Emergency Readiness Team). The Cybersecurity Law establishes mandatory security standards for critical infrastructure and data protection requirements aligned with international best practices.
Smart Cities
Smart city initiatives in Muscat include intelligent traffic management, smart utility metering, and digital public services. The Madinat Al Irfan urban development project incorporates smart city technologies from inception, serving as a model for future urban planning across the Sultanate.