Oman is accelerating its entry into the global semiconductor market. Through its ICT investment arm, ITHCA Group, the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) has successfully brought three international technology firms into the country to localize key components of the chip value chain.
Quick Facts
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OIA invested in GSME, Lumotive, and Movandi.
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Program trained 92 Omani engineers in chip design.
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Strategy aligns with the economic goals of Vision 2040.
Securing Intellectual Property and Advanced Chip Technology
The OIA directed a $13 million investment into US-based GSME, resulting in the launch of a dedicated semiconductor design center within Oman. This operational hub serves as a foundational element for the country’s domestic tech infrastructure.
Expanding its deep tech portfolio, the authority also allocated $5 million to Lumotive. The investment brings programmable optics and AI-driven 3D sensing technologies to the Omani market.
Additionally, a $20 million capital injection went to Movandi. This funding supports the development of RF chipsets, beamforming systems, and advanced 5G connectivity solutions, anchoring high-level hardware development in the region.
Building Local Engineering Talent for the Digital Economy
A central pillar of the OIA’s “Omani Angle” strategy is a strict focus on technology transfer and human capital development. The investments are actively translating into high-value employment opportunities for local professionals.
Through the GSME partnership, the initiative has already trained 92 Omani engineers in specialized chip design. From this initial cohort, 67 engineers have secured full-time roles in electronic engineering and semiconductor design.
To further consolidate its position, Oman recently hosted a semiconductor investment forum. The event brought global industry leaders to the Sultanate, elevating the country’s visibility within the international hardware and communications sectors.
About Oman Investment Authority (OIA)
The Oman Investment Authority is the sovereign wealth fund of the Sultanate of Oman. It manages the nation’s commercial assets and executes strategic investments both domestically and internationally. Through its ICT arm, ITHCA Group, the OIA focuses on developing Oman’s digital infrastructure, backing advanced technologies, and driving economic diversification in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
