The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) hosted the second CEOs’ Forum for technology and telecommunications startups in Muscat on December 23, under the patronage of Abdulsalam bin Mohammed al Murshidi, President of the Oman Investment Authority. The event gathered senior government officials, chief executives, and digital economy experts to support the growth of Oman’s technology sector and advance a knowledge-based economy.
OCCI Chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas said the forum reflects the Chamber’s belief that technology is a key driver of economic growth and private-sector competitiveness. He stressed that digital transformation has become essential for diversifying income sources, creating quality opportunities, and empowering Omani youth to participate in a globally competitive economy.
Eng Ibrahim bin Abdullah al Hawsani, OCCI Board Member and Chairman of the Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence Committee, highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue between policymakers and sector leaders. He noted that the forum builds on earlier engagements to form effective partnerships that strengthen Oman’s national technology ecosystem, in line with the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Speakers also pointed to Oman’s improving international rankings, including 41st globally in the UN E-Government Development Index, 35th in AI readiness, and 50th in network readiness, alongside strong performance in cybersecurity. The forum featured expert presentations on artificial intelligence, leadership in the AI era, and the impact of AI on intellectual property and economic models, as well as panel discussions on digitalisation and innovation.
Alongside the main sessions, a startup corner showcased innovative technology projects by emerging companies, highlighting the growing momentum of Oman’s tech and telecom startup ecosystem.
