Omantel has activated its AI Centre of Excellence, positioning the platform as a national engine for turning artificial intelligence ideas into practical, commercially viable solutions. The initiative is designed to connect advanced digital infrastructure, innovation support, technical expertise, and skills development within one integrated ecosystem. Through the centre, Omani startups will be supported in building scalable products that can serve local needs while preparing for expansion into regional and international markets.
Strengthening Oman’s AI Ecosystem
The centre reflects Omantel’s broader strategy to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across business sectors and public-interest areas. By providing a structured environment for experimentation, development, and deployment, it aims to strengthen national capabilities and help organisations improve efficiency through advanced technologies. The initiative also supports Oman Vision 2040 by encouraging future-ready business models, digital transformation, and innovation-led economic growth.
The announcement was made as Omantel hosted the 10th Rawabet Forum, organised by the Oman Investment Authority. The forum brings together portfolio companies each year to reinforce strategic alignment, highlight achievements, and promote joint initiatives that support national development priorities. Omantel used the platform to showcase how its AI Centre of Excellence can serve as a bridge between emerging technologies, entrepreneurial talent, and real market demand.
Partnerships With Omani Startups
As part of the activation, Omantel signed collaboration agreements with five Omani startups that were accelerated through its Innovation Labs: Remedy, ORKI, Decoil, DeepAstra, and Wiya. The partnerships focus on developing and launching advanced solutions that respond to the changing needs of business sectors in Oman and the wider region. By giving startups access to practical deployment environments, the programme is intended to move promising concepts beyond the pilot stage and into market-ready implementation.
Eng. Aladdin Baitfadhil, Chief Executive Officer of Omantel, said the company’s AI strategy is not limited to a strategic framework but is aimed at making artificial intelligence more accessible and easier to adopt. He noted that the partnerships with local startups represent an important step in building an innovation ecosystem that places people at the centre and converts ideas into tangible outcomes. According to Omantel, this approach will help the company continue leading digital transformation in Oman and across the region.
From Development to Deployment
Startups participating in the centre will work within a structured programme designed to shorten the journey from solution development to commercial deployment. They will gain access to Omantel’s advanced infrastructure, integrated data environments, specialised technical knowledge, and executive mentorship. This support is expected to improve product readiness, reduce time to market, and increase the potential for sustainable commercial value.
The centre also gives participating startups a pathway to scale beyond Oman by leveraging Omantel’s regional presence and international partnerships. This includes support for go-to-market planning, access to new customer segments, and opportunities to enter high-growth markets more quickly. For emerging companies, the model offers both technical enablement and commercial exposure, two factors that are often critical in transforming innovation into long-term business growth.
Omantel’s AI Centre of Excellence marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to advance Oman’s digital economy and strengthen the country’s position in artificial intelligence. By combining infrastructure, mentorship, startup collaboration, and market access, the centre is intended to create solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and scalable. As demand for AI-driven services continues to grow across industries, the platform could become an important contributor to Oman’s innovation landscape and regional technology ambitions.