Omantel, Oman’s leading telecommunications provider, has announced the launch of its AI Centre of Excellence, a new platform designed to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies within the Sultanate. The initiative is paired with a dedicated AI Startups Program aimed at fostering collaboration and growth for early-stage tech companies.
Quick Facts
- New AI Centre of Excellence launched.
- Dedicated AI Startups Program initiated.
- First cohort includes five Omani startups.
Inside the “Everyone AI” Strategy
The dual launch is a core component of Omantel’s wider “Everyone AI” strategy. This plan aims to make AI applications more accessible and scalable across various sectors, building up a more advanced digital ecosystem in Oman. The Centre of Excellence provides the necessary infrastructure, integrated data environments, and operational expertise to help turn AI concepts into market-ready digital products.
Aladdin Baitfadhil, Chief Executive Officer of Omantel, commented on the initiative, stating, “Omantel’s ‘Everyone AI’ strategy represents an ambitious vision to drive the practical and scalable adoption of artificial intelligence in a way that supports digital transformation and creates sustainable value. Through the AI Centre of Excellence and the AI Startups Program, we are building an integrated innovation ecosystem that brings together technology startups, operational expertise, and real-world implementation environments to accelerate the development of digital products capable of competing regionally and globally.”
A Launchpad for Omani AI Startups
The AI Startups Program directly connects emerging tech companies with Omantel’s internal teams, giving them access to live operational environments to co-create and scale their solutions.
The program’s initial cohort already includes five startups accelerated through Omantel Innovation Labs: Decoil, Remedy, ORKI, DeepAstra, and Wiya. These companies will leverage Omantel’s resources to develop and expand their AI products within the telco’s commercial ecosystem, helping them move from the testing phase to commercial growth.
Participating startups gain access to Omantel’s infrastructure, data, technical teams, and partnership networks. The program is designed to support their expansion into high-growth markets, including telecommunications, financial services, energy, healthcare, and government services.
Aligning with Oman Vision 2040
This move reinforces Omantel’s commitment to supporting tech entrepreneurship and enabling Oman’s digital transformation goals. By investing in emerging technologies like AI, the company is actively contributing to the objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the nation’s economy and build a knowledge-based future.
About Omantel
Omantel is the leading provider of integrated telecommunication services in the Sultanate of Oman. The company offers a wide range of solutions for consumers and businesses, including mobile and fixed broadband, cloud services, AI, smart solutions, and cybersecurity. It plays a central role in supporting Oman Vision 2040 by advancing the country’s technological capabilities and innovation ecosystem.
Source: Zawya
