Muscat – Oman has been ranked fourth globally among developing economies for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in greenfield projects related to information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure between 2020 and 2024, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2025.
The report highlights Oman’s emergence as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, innovation, and advanced technologies. The country’s impressive ranking underscores its success in drawing significant digital-related investments, surpassing many advanced economies.
The Government Communication Centre revealed that Oman attracted approximately US$1.7 billion in foreign investment for digital infrastructure projects during this period. The volume of new investments in the digital economy nearly tripled, propelled by the National Digital Economy Programme and broader efforts to transform Oman into a knowledge-based economy.
Mexico leads the list with US$5.2 billion in ICT infrastructure investment, followed by Nigeria (US$4.3 billion), Malaysia (US$2.2 billion), Oman (US$1.7 billion), and Brazil (US$1.6 billion).
This achievement reflects Oman’s strategic vision under Oman Vision 2040, aimed at economic diversification and enhancing the country’s appeal as a destination for technology-driven investment. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of national policies focused on boosting digital readiness and fostering an innovation-led competitive environment.
In 2024, Oman launched the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, scheduled to run through 2026. The programme seeks to elevate the ICT sector’s contribution to the economy and align Oman’s capabilities with global advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
Key elements of the initiative include integrating AI and data analysis into school curricula to develop essential digital skills among youth, and creating a national open data platform to support entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
Additionally, Oman plans to establish a national research centre dedicated to AI to advance academic and scientific research, along with an AI studio offering sector-specific solutions to professionals and institutions.
The programme aims to improve Oman’s ranking in the global Government Readiness Index for AI and increase the digital economy’s GDP contribution from 2% in 2021 to 10% by 2040, showcasing Oman’s commitment to building a resilient, technology-driven economy.
