The Road to 10%: Decoding Oman’s Digital Economy GDP Target for 2040

In the heart of the Middle East, a silent revolution is unfolding. It’s not one of brick and mortar, but of bits and bytes. The Sultanate of Oman, traditionally known for its majestic mountains and rich maritime history, is now charting a course toward a new horizon: a self-sustaining, AI-driven digital economy. At the center of this transformation is a singular, ambitious number: 10%. This represents the national goal for the digital economy's contribution to Oman’s total GDP by 2040.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) recently unveiled the 2026-2030 Digital Economy Roadmap, a sweeping five-year plan that signals the transition from establishing a digital foundation to empowering a fully integrated tech ecosystem. With RO 800 million already contributed to the GDP in 2023, the momentum is undeniable.

How will Oman achieve the 10% GDP digital economy target?

Oman plans to reach the 10% target by executing a six-pillar strategy focusing on decentralization, AI sovereignty, local manufacturing of cloud infrastructure, and massive human capital investment through initiatives like Makeen.

The Six Pillars of the 2026-2030 Roadmap

The new roadmap is not just a theoretical document; it is a battle plan for economic diversification. Here are the six core pillars that will drive growth over the next five years:

• Governorate Digital Centers: Decentralizing innovation by establishing tech hubs in all 11 governorates, tailored to local industries like tourism in Dhofar or logistics in Al Batinah.
• National AI Platform (Ma'een): Deploying a sovereign AI platform for government decision-making, built on the locally trained Ma'een language model.
• Sovereign Cloud & Local Manufacturing: Reducing dependence on foreign tech by manufacturing server components locally and leveraging platforms like Omantel's Otech.
• Cybersecurity Expansion: Supporting local cybersecurity firms and training thousands of specialists to protect the national digital infrastructure.
• Satellite Data Integration: Utilizing AI-equipped satellites for high-resolution imaging and data processing, aligned with the Oman Lens space program.
• National Payment Infrastructure: Enhancing financial independence with a domestic payment card system to reduce reliance on global networks.

"We are building a sustainable and advanced digital economy, aligned with the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, to ensure Oman remains competitive on the global stage." — Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of MTCIT.

What role does Artificial Intelligence play in Oman’s Vision 2040?

AI is the engine of the digital economy, with RO 79 million invested to date. It powers "Ma'een," the national LLM, and drives efficiency in sectors ranging from space tech to government administration.

Ma'een AI: The Pulse of Digital Sovereignty

One of the most significant breakthroughs in Oman’s digital journey is the development of Ma'een AI. Unlike generic global models, Ma'een is trained on local data, understanding the cultural nuances and specific requirements of the Omani government and business landscape. By prioritizing digital sovereignty, Oman ensures that its most sensitive data remains within its borders, processed by models that reflect its national values.

This focus on local tech is further supported by the upcoming launch of an AI-equipped satellite by Oman Lens. This satellite will provide real-time, AI-processed imaging for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and maritime security, positioning Oman as a leader in regional space technology.

How is Oman preparing its workforce for the digital age?

Through the 'Makeen' initiative, Oman has already trained 11,000 citizens in IT skills, achieving a 69% Omanisation rate in technical roles to ensure the digital future is built by Omani hands.

The success of any digital roadmap depends on the people who navigate it. The Makeen initiative has been a cornerstone of the 2021-2025 phase, bridging the skills gap and empowering the local workforce. With 69% of IT roles now held by Omani nationals, the Sultanate is successfully building a domestic talent pipeline that reduces reliance on expatriate expertise and fosters long-term innovation.

Fawtara: The Next Frontier in Business Automation

For business owners in Oman, the most immediate change will be the Fawtara platform. This national e-invoicing system, launching its first phase in August 2026, will digitize tax compliance for over 100 large companies before expanding to all VAT-registered businesses by 2028. This move not only improves transparency but also forces a nationwide upgrade in digital accounting infrastructure, providing a massive boost to the local B2B tech sector.

Why does the 10% target matter for local business owners?

The 10% target creates a massive market for local tech startups, ensures better digital infrastructure for SMEs, and positions Oman as a low-risk, high-tech hub for foreign investment.

As Oman climbs 16 places in global digital competitiveness rankings—now sitting at 18th globally among the fastest-growing digital economies—the message to the world is clear: Oman is open for business, and that business is digital. For the Omani manager or entrepreneur, this is the time to leverage AI and automation. The government is not just setting targets; it is providing the infrastructure, the talent, and the legal framework (like the Fawtara platform) to make those targets a reality.

The road to 10% is paved with opportunity. Whether you are in Muscat, Salalah, or Sohar, the digital economy is coming to your governorate. At AI Profit Lab, we are committed to helping you navigate this transition, turning these national goals into your business’s ROI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 10% GDP target for Oman's digital economy?

The 10% GDP target is a national goal set by Oman Vision 2040 to ensure the digital economy contributes at least 10% to the Sultanate's total Gross Domestic Product by the year 2040.

What is the MTCIT 2026-2030 Digital Economy Roadmap?

It is a five-year strategic plan launched by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) to accelerate digital transformation, AI adoption, and sovereign infrastructure in Oman.

How much has Oman invested in AI so far?

As of early 2026, Oman has invested approximately RO 79 million in artificial intelligence, fostering a growing ecosystem of over 22 specialized AI companies.

What is Ma'een AI?

Ma'een AI is Oman's national large language model (LLM), trained on local data to support Arabic language processing and digital sovereignty for government and private sectors.

What is the Fawtara platform?

Fawtara is Oman's national e-invoicing platform, designed to digitize tax compliance for businesses, starting its first phase for large taxpayers in August 2026.

How many government services have been digitized in Oman?

Over 2,277 government services have been digitized as of the 2021-2025 National Digital Economy Programme harvest report.

What is the 'Makeen' initiative?

Makeen is a human capital development initiative that has trained over 11,000 Omanis in advanced digital skills to support the Sultanate's technology labor market.

Where does Oman rank in the global digital economy?

Oman ranks 18th globally among the fastest-growing digital economies and 2nd in the GCC, following the UAE.

What is a 'Sovereign Cloud' in the Omani context?

It refers to cloud infrastructure located within Oman, such as Omantel's Otech platform, ensuring data remains within national borders and complies with local regulations.

What role do governorates play in the new roadmap?

The 2026-2030 roadmap includes establishing digital transformation centers in all 11 governorates to decentralize innovation and tailor tech solutions to local regional needs.

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