Currently, several Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Qatar, have emerged as frontrunners in the deployment and adoption of fiber optic technology. These nations have seen their rankings in the Ookla Speedtest Global Index for fixed broadband soar, thanks to the introduction of gigabit packages and the enhancement of entry-level speeds.
The Sultanate of Oman is no stranger to continuous development and improvement as an independent country. In 2010, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ranked Oman as the most-improved country in the world in terms of development during the preceding four decades. Known for its economic prowess in tourism, maritime trading and other agricultural exports, the World Bank has categorized Oman as a high-income economy, and as of 2023, Oman has been ranked as the 48th most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index.
What steps must we take to protect our environment? All eyes are on Saudi Arabia for World Environment Day 2024, where the focus will be on the critical need for global investments in conserving nature, restoring lands, and pursuing sustainability.
What if Oman could unlock its full economic potential by embracing financial technology (fintech)? With a thriving fintech ecosystem, Oman has the opportunity to revolutionize its financial landscape, driving financial inclusion, empowering businesses, and accelerating economic growth.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) recently issued the third edition of the Telecommunications Network Box Specification Manual for buildings, which sets out the technical specifications and standards adopted for the design of internal and external networks in new buildings and areas.
In line with Oman’s Vision 2040, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information (MTCIT) has developed a digital economy strategy to contribute to the economic diversification priority by enhancing the contribution of the ICT sector to the national economy. However, it is crucial for the country to successfully put the right enablers of the digital innovation ecosystem into all its existing and upcoming strategies to propel the vision for a digital economy in Oman.
The UAE Ministry of Economy and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have jointly committed to bilateral cooperation, aiming to catalyze further economic growth, entrepreneurship, and social and cultural development between the UAE and the US.
Investing in ICT talents is crucial for Oman's sustainable development, economic diversification, and prosperity in the digital age. Notably, Oman Vision 2040 calls for the enhancement of national technical capabilities.
Around mid-2024, 3GPP’s Release 18 standards are set to be finalized, paving the way for the advent of 5G-Advanced (5G-A). Anticipated for deployment from 2024 onwards, 5G-A heralds a new era of possibilities for mobile network operators (MNOs). As deployments begin and momentum builds over the next few years, the widespread availability of 5G-Advanced promises enhanced wireless capabilities and a plethora of innovative services tailored for enterprise clients, reshaping the landscape of connectivity.
The transformation to a digital government requires the design of a strategic direction and a long-term organizational and digital change process. Oman encourages collaboration in the public and private sectors to achieve a unified vision.
