Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has launched the "Sas for Excellence" initiative as part of the "Sas" program aimed at supporting tech companies. This initiative is a significant effort to enhance digital sovereignty, localize technologies, and cultivate an Omani digital industry with added value.
According to Oman News Agency, the initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labour, Oman Investment Authority, the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and the Development Bank. It aims to empower Omani tech companies to create local solutions that are capable of growth and global expansion.
The "Sas for Excellence" initiative focuses on enhancing local digital self-sufficiency. By supporting national tech companies to develop and own digital products and services, the initiative seeks to bolster digital sovereignty and enhance local content. Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the role of this initiative in supporting the localization of technologies and strengthening the national digital industry.
Dr. Al Shidhani highlighted that the initiative represents a model of advanced partnership between government entities, financing and investment institutions, and the private sector. It aims to unify efforts to build a national tech ecosystem capable of innovation and global expansion, contributing to the national economy and enhancing local digital content.
The initiative will select Omani tech companies based on specific criteria and provide them with benefits and incentives to accelerate growth and expand into regional markets. Priority will be given to companies specializing in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, electronic systems development, and emerging technologies. Support includes wage aid for up to 40 Omani employees per company and providing up to RO one million in cash liquidity.
Mahmoud Abdullah Al Awaini, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance, confirmed the ministry's support for the initiative as part of the effort to achieve Oman Vision 2040. He expressed confidence in the capabilities of Omani companies to reach competitive levels and expand regionally and globally.
Eng. Badr Salim Al Maamari, Chairman of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, explained that the initiative will grant priority to local IT companies in specific government competitions and contracts to support tech transformation and innovation.
Ammar Salim Al Saadi, Director General of the General Directorate of Labour, stated that the initiative aligns with the vision of transforming Omani talents into leaders of the digital economy. This will bolster Oman's presence on the global innovation and technology map.
Hussein Ali Al Lawati, CEO of the Development Bank, emphasized the bank's commitment to providing financing solutions and procedures that support the tech sector's growth and innovation.
Ahmed Abdullah Al Abri, Director of Digital Solutions at Petroleum Development Oman, remarked that the initiative is a strategic opportunity to accelerate digital transformation and align with Oman Vision 2040. He stressed the importance of building a thriving national ecosystem for technology and innovation to enhance Oman's competitiveness.
The selection process for participating companies is based on criteria such as being 100 percent Omani, having practiced a tech activity for at least three years, achieving a certain Omanisation rate, and having a locally developed tech product with a clear plan for market expansion.