Omantel Group Reshapes the Future
with a Strategic Evolution Towards Technology

Muscat, 18 May (ONA) — Omantel
today held its annual media gathering, bringing together journalists and
industry professionals to showcase its strategic evolution from a conventional
telecom provider to a pioneering regional digital technology powerhouse.

This transition aligns with
Oman Vision 2040, reinforcing the company’s commitment to driving innovation,
expanding digital infrastructure, and positioning itself at the forefront of
technological leadership in the region.

Talal Said Al Maamari, CEO of
Omantel said, “Omantel Group transcends traditional telecom services, evolving
into a leading regional provider of Generative AI-driven and advanced
technological products and solutions”

Al Maamari added that 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.

“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 16,000 kilometers, ensuring seamless high-speed
internet accessibility,” he pointed out.

Al Maamari said that 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.

He further noted that with
the aim of 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 RO 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 efforts to
foster innovation and entrepreneurship, he elaborated, the company has
established the 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 of Oman. The incubated
startups have created 200 new job opportunities, and their market value has
reached USD 172 million, underscoring the effectiveness of these labs in
achieving their objectives.

Talal Said Al Maamari, CEO of
Omantel added that 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.

Al Maamari noted that “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.

Moreover, he said that 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 RO 13.1 million, with RO 2.5
million assigned as subcontracts, reinforcing the company’s commitment to
fostering local businesses. Over the last three years, Omantel has contributed
RO 2 million in corporate social responsibility initiatives, further
strengthening Oman’s economic ecosystem.

Furthermore, he noted that 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. 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.

Al Maamari emphasized
Omantel’s commitment to redefining digital commerce in the Sultanate of Oman.
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.

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.

—Ends/AG