Omantel’s transformation is not merely an evolution in product offerings but a fundamental shift in it’s core operational model. The company is redefining connectivity by integrating cloud computing, Internet of Things, Generative AI, cybersecurity, and fintech into its portfolio, enabling a more robust digital ecosystem that supports businesses and individuals in Oman.
Investments in Network and Digital Infrastructure
Omantel’s extensive investments in network expansion and digital infrastructure have strengthened its position as Oman’s leading connectivity and digital solutions provider. Over the past three years, the company has invested more than 355 million OMR in infrastructure enhancements, facilitating faster and more resilient connectivity.
With 98% 4G and 92% 5G coverage, Omantel has solidified its role as a key driver of digital transformation. The fiber-optic network spans over 10,000 kilometers, covering 92% of households in populated areas, ensuring seamless high-speed internet accessibility. Recent speed tests on Omantel’s 5G network recorded 11.5 Gbps, demonstrating unprecedented connectivity performance and capacity.
Omantel has also pioneered Oman’s first virtual 5G network, integrating cloud-based computing into its telecom infrastructure. Additionally, Wi-Fi calling has been introduced to enhance seamless communication experiences. Approximately 90% of internet traffic in Oman is now managed locally, ensuring data security and optimized performance. Further supporting Oman’s digitalization, Omantel has connected over 500,000 smart electricity meters and 300,000 smart water meters using Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, reinforcing its contribution to smart city initiatives.
The CEO of Omantel highlighted that the number of Omantel Group subscribers, including Zain, across various markets in the region has surpassed 54 million. The Group's revenue has exceeded R.O 3 billion as of the end of 2024. He elaborated that Zain Omantel International (ZOI) - the Group's wholesale arm - has expanded its terrestrial links to 16,000 km, covering numerous countries in the Middle East. This expansion contributes significantly to reinforcing the leadership position of Omantel Group and Zain in the business sector.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance digital infrastructure, Omantel has recently inaugurated the SN1 Data Center, Oman's second neutral data centre, in partnership with Equinix. Situated in Salalah, this new facility strengthens Oman's connectivity to global networks and reinforces Salalah's emerging status as a promising connectivity hub in the Middle East. Omantel intends to lay ten international submarine cables in Salalah, positioning it as the second most connected city in the region.
Innovation and Digital Entrepreneurship
As part of its efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, Omantel has established Omantel Innovation Labs, an incubator for startups. In 2024, it supported 30 companies in sectors such as fintech, cybersecurity, and edtech, while also offering advanced funding mechanisms in collaboration with Future Fund Oman. Additionally, Omantel introduced specialized accelerators designed to aid startups in the fields of artificial intelligence and logistics, thereby enhancing digital entrepreneurship within the Sultanate. The incubated startups have created 200 new job opportunities, and their market value has reached $ 170 million, underscoring the effectiveness of these labs in achieving their objectives.
Innovation as a Pillar of Future Growth
Omantel’s strategy centers around developing an integrated digital ecosystem, incorporating AI-driven automation, secure cloud solutions, and next-generation cybersecurity to facilitate smarter, more efficient operations. The company’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division has achieved remarkable success, reporting a 55.5% revenue growth, underscoring Omantel’s expansion into enterprise technology services.
A pivotal initiative in Omantel’s transformation is its investment consolidation strategy, designed to streamline technological products and solutions under a unified platform encompassing cloud, cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT, and managed and professional services. This approach enhances operational efficiency, fosters innovation, and ensures seamless service delivery. The company’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) & Enterprise division has achieved remarkable success, reporting a 55.5% revenue growth, underscoring Omantel’s expansion into enterprise technology services.
Sustainability and Environmental Commitment
Beyond its digital advancements, Omantel Group remains committed to sustainability, with clear objectives to reduce emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company has initiated solar-powered data centers, reinforcing its commitment to environmentally conscious operations. Over 200 tons of electronic waste have been recycled as part of its eco-conscious efforts, accompanied by a comprehensive roadmap aimed at improving energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Omantel has unveiled its 2024 Sustainability Report, underscoring its unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and robust governance practices. This comprehensive report showcases the company’s ongoing initiatives and strategic commitments to driving sustainable growth while fostering a positive impact on communities and the environment.
Local Development and SME Support
Omantel actively supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs), contributing to their growth through procurement contracts and funding programs. The total allocated procurement contracts for SMEs have reached 13.1 million OMR, with 2.5 million OMR assigned as subcontracts, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering local businesses. Over the last three years, Omantel has contributed 2 million OMR in corporate social responsibility initiatives, further strengthening Oman’s economic ecosystem.
Empowering Omani Talent in the Digital Economy
Talent development remains a key priority for Omantel, as the company continues to invest in programs that equip Omani professionals with the expertise needed to thrive in a digital economy. The company maintains a 94% Omanization rate, ensuring local expertise remains integral to its workforce. In 2024, Omantel created 71 direct job opportunities for Omanis, alongside 17 positions through job replacement initiatives.
As part of its commitment to fostering young talent, Omantel has trained 625 graduates, while its flagship Gen Z program has successfully graduated 182 professionals since its launch in 2020. Additionally, Omantel has launched Nova, a program dedicated to women’s empowerment in technology, along with Mashoora, an initiative supporting new technology leaders, reinforcing the company’s role in cultivating a dynamic and innovative workforce.
Redefining Digital Commerce
Al Maamari emphasized Omantel's commitment to redefining digital commerce in the Sultanate. He highlighted the launch of the e-marketplace platform designed to support SMEs and promote e-commerce through integrated digital logistics and payment solutions, with plans to expand to the MENA region. Al Maamari underscored that Omantel Group remains dedicated to digital innovation, utilizing ambitious strategies to reinforce its position as a leading driver of technological progress in Oman and the broader region.
Discussion Panel on Omantel Ecosystem Role in Empowering Digital Economy
The Media Meet included a dedicated panel discussion titled “The Role of Omantel Ecosystem in Empowering the Digital Economy,” featuring three key leaders from Omantel’s Enterprise ecosystem. The session explored Omantel’s pivotal role in shaping Oman’s digital transformation through its integrated technology solutions, strategic investments, and innovation-driven approach. The panelists highlighted Omantel’s contributions to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and IoT, underscoring how these advancements enable businesses, startups, and government entities to accelerate their digital capabilities. Discussions also covered the significance of Omantel’s partnerships with global technology leaders, the impact of its infrastructure expansion, and the company’s commitment to fostering digital entrepreneurship. The session provided valuable insights into Omantel’s vision for empowering a more connected, efficient, and secure digital economy in Oman and beyond.
As Omantel continues its digital evolution, its forward-thinking strategies and commitment to technological advancement position it as a key enabler of Oman’s progress toward a future fueled by innovation, connectivity, and sustainability.
Omantel has succeeded, through the integration of its operations, processes, and extensive expertise in the field of communications and digital technology, in establishing its position as a leading telecommunications company within the Sultanate of Oman and beyond. The company's innovative approaches have contributed to providing state-of-the-art solutions to different consumer and business sectors. The company aims to deliver an unparalleled, exceptional experience to its customers and strives to always exceed their expectations. To achieve the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, Omantel invests in emerging technologies and provides cutting-edge ICT solutions, such as cloud solutions, AI, Smart solutions, cybersecurity, and much more, in addition to harnessing its technological capabilities to enhance innovation and leadership in new and advanced technologies.
