Omantel invests $1.3bn in digital infrastructure to strengthen Oman’s economy

Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) has invested more than RO500 million (US$1.3 billion) in digital infrastructure across the Sultanate of Oman over the past six years, as part of a long-term strategy to support the national economy and expand the country’s digital capabilities.

Speaking to the Oman News Agency (ONA), Eng. Aladdin Baitfadhil, chief executive officer of Omantel, said the company has developed into a national digital platform and an integrated regional technology group.

Its services now extend beyond traditional telecommunications to include cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data centres and enterprise solutions, alongside initiatives to support youth empowerment, innovation and entrepreneurship.

He said Omantel’s acquisition of a strategic stake in Zain Group has strengthened the company’s regional footprint, extending its presence into eight markets and serving more than 54 million subscribers.

Baitfadhil said global developments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things had accelerated the need for advanced digital infrastructure.

He added that Omantel’s sustained investment had enabled the Sultanate of Oman to improve its position within the global digital economy, helping to attract high-quality investments and support its ambitions to become a regional hub for data and communications.

Omantel backs Oman’s digital economy

Among the key achievements in 2025, the chief executive highlighted the launch of enhanced 5G technology, making Omantel the first operator in the country to introduce the upgrade. The move, he said, improved network readiness to support next-generation digital services.

The company also reported its strongest financial and operational performance to date. By the end of September 2025, Omantel’s revenues had reached approximately RO2.3 billion ($5.96 billion), while net profit stood at RO243.4 million ($633 million). The contribution of subsidiary companies to group revenues increased to 22 per cent, up from 9 per cent in 2018.

International connectivity remains a central pillar of Omantel’s strategy. Baitfadhil said Oman’s geographic location had been transformed into a digital advantage through partnerships with global technology and communications firms.

Omantel has become the most connected operator to submarine cables in the Middle East, using more than 20 cables linking Oman to more than 120 cities across 50 countries and three continents.

He added that neutral data centres in Muscat and Salalah now form a core part of the national digital infrastructure, hosting content for more than 40 international companies and supporting cloud services, cybersecurity and cross-border digital trade.