Oman is making a strategic push to transform its cybersecurity sector from a defensive necessity into a core economic engine, outlining a roadmap to grow the domestic market to $214.27 million by 2031. A new government report details the plan, which is driven by national digitalization efforts, data residency laws, and a series of high-value investment projects in areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The initiative is steered by entities including the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Oman National CERT.
Quick Facts
- Market projected to reach $214.27 million by 2031.
- Six high-potential investment projects identified, including AI and Quantum.
- Local cybersecurity firms tripled from 16 in 2020 to 48.
From Defense to Economic Driver
Oman’s strategy marks a significant shift in thinking, framing cybersecurity as a sector for investment, job creation, and service exports, directly aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. The market is forecasted to grow from $135.33 million in 2025 to $146.12 million in 2026, advancing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.97% through 2031.
“The Sultanate of Oman is rapidly emerging as a regional leader in cybersecurity, driven by the strategic mandates of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Digital Economy Programme,” said Dr Ali al Shidhani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
This new direction has already earned the country a Tier 1 global ranking in cybersecurity readiness.
“Oman has pioneered the region’s first national programme dedicated to cybersecurity industry development, strategically shifting the paradigm from purely defensive measures to cybersecurity as a core economic enabler,” noted Eng Badar al Salehi, Director-General of Oman National CERT.
Hadatha Programme Fuels Local Innovation
At the heart of this growth is the Hadatha Cybersecurity Industry Programme, which has significantly expanded the local ecosystem. The number of Omani cybersecurity companies has jumped from 16 in 2020 to 48. The total number of providers in the country now stands at 56, including 34 local and 22 global firms.
The program’s success is also measured in tangible outputs, with the report identifying 17 locally developed cybersecurity products and three local companies that have secured international accreditation. This indicates a maturing industry moving beyond basic services into specialized product development.
New Projects Target AI and Quantum Frontiers
To accelerate growth, the government has identified six flagship investment opportunities. These include a $10 million AI-powered Security Operations Centre (AI SOC) in Muscat, designed to serve up to 400 organizations.
Another ambitious project is a quantum cybersecurity centre, requiring an investment between $5 million and $15 million, aimed at a global market expected to hit $8.8 billion by the end of the decade.
Other key projects include:
- A $19.5 million Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CaaS) platform to support over 141,000 SMEs.
- Regional cyber firewall laboratories in Muscat and Suhar.
- A data recovery and secure electronic device disposal lab.
- Development of a domestic cyber insurance industry.
Building a Talent Pipeline
Human capital is a central pillar of the strategy. Currently, 18 academic institutions in Oman offer cybersecurity majors, with 445 students enrolled and 1,870 job seekers in the field.
Over the last five years, the Hadatha programme has reached approximately 13,000 beneficiaries through training, workshops, and competitions. Between 2021 and 2025, the program helped launch six new startups and delivered 120 events. The next phase, from 2026 to 2030, aims to support the development of 15 more local products and establish eight new cybersecurity companies.
About Hadatha Cybersecurity Industry Programme
The Hadatha programme is a national initiative by Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, designed to develop and specialize the country’s cybersecurity industry. Its vision is to establish a sector that enhances and diversifies economic growth, focusing on innovation, creativity, and excellence. The program works to build local capabilities, launch startups, stimulate investment, and foster partnerships to position Oman as a regional hub for cybersecurity.
Source: Oman Observer
