The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, in cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion; the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority; the Central Bank of Oman; and the Office of the Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, organised an introductory tour of the National Digital Economy Program. The tour highlights key programs, including government digital transformation, e-commerce, financial technologies and digital infrastructure.
The tour began in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate and will extend to the other governorates of Oman. It aims to introduce government initiatives and projects related to the digital economy.
Presentations on the National Digital Economy Program, its objectives, and indicators were made, followed by an open discussion session. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion presented a paper on the executive program for e-commerce, reviewing the achievements of the national plan and future objectives aimed at building trust between consumers and merchants.
The Central Bank of Oman presented its executive program for financial technologies, outlining its role in fostering innovation in the sector and initiatives to support emerging fintech companies.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority presented a paper on the executive program for digital infrastructure, focusing on communications network improvements, including optical fibres, 4G and 5G technologies, submarine cables and data centres.
Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Balushi, Head of Programs and Projects Department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, outlined the three main areas of the National Digital Economy Program: digital government, digital society and business digitisation. These areas aim to simplify e-government services, create income-generating opportunities, increase Omanization in IT-related jobs and improve business operations and services.
Al Balushi added that the program, aligned with Oman Vision 2040, includes eight executive programs: government digital transformation, digital industry, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies, space, cybersecurity industry, financial technologies and digital infrastructure.
Azza bint Ibrahim Al Kindi, Director of the Department of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, discussed the National E-Commerce Plan, approved in 2021 and running until 2027. The plan includes 30 initiatives across eight axes to transform Oman into a regional centre for e-commerce and diversify the national economy.
She noted that e-commerce is a platform for economic growth, particularly for small and medium enterprises, and aims to increase consumer awareness and update regulations in the sector. The “Maroof Oman” platform, launched in early 2024, was highlighted for documenting licensed online stores and enhancing consumer trust.
