Muscat, October 20, 2025 — The Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) has expanded its collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman, reinforcing its mission to drive inclusive, cross-border digital growth among its 16 member states. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Riyadh, the DCO represents a collective GDP of $3.5 trillion and a population exceeding 800 million, positioning it as the world’s leading intergovernmental body focused on the digital economy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the partnership expansion, Dr. Hajar El Haddaoui, Director General of the DCO, emphasized the organization’s unique role:
“The DCO is the only intergovernmental organisation dedicated to helping member states bridge the digital divide and advance sustainable digital economies. We connect policymakers, regulators, and innovators to ensure that technology serves as a force for inclusive development.”
The DCO operates through “tech diplomacy” — a framework uniting governments, regulators, and private sector leaders to translate digital policy into practical cooperation. The organization’s council of ministers and 55 observers, including major global corporations and local champions, contribute to a unified digital vision across the member states.
During Comex 2025 in Muscat, the DCO convened its Observer Committee meeting, bringing together over 50 international and regional CEOs to discuss innovation and investment opportunities. The event also marked the launch of STRIDE, a flagship DCO initiative that empowers startups with access to markets, funding, mentorship, and regulatory support. To date, STRIDE has supported more than 300 startups, attracted over $20 million in investment, and partnered with 30+ global entities.
Another key milestone was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on data privacy, which aims to harmonize cross-border data governance under the DCO’s Data Embassy initiative. Dr. Haddaoui described it as “a starting point for building resilience among member states” through trusted data frameworks.
In parallel, the DCO is working with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) on the Digital Foreign Direct Investment (Digital FDI) project. The initiative is designed to identify Oman’s digital strengths, attract foreign investment in infrastructure and innovation, and promote the country as a regional hub for digital investment. A joint report showcasing Oman’s digital readiness and investment potential will be released soon.
Through initiatives like STRIDE, the Digital FDI project, and cross-border data frameworks, the DCO continues to cement its position as a catalyst for global digital cooperation, fostering innovation, investment, and sustainable growth across the digital economies of its member nations.
