Oman’s AI Startups Surge 91% to 42 Companies by August 2026

Oman’s Artificial Intelligence Sector Expands with 42 Local Startups

Muscat:  The artificial intelligence (AI) sector in the Sultanate of Oman is witnessing rapid growth, supported by national efforts to expand the use of AI technologies and applications across economic and development sectors.

The growing adoption of AI is also creating new opportunities for Omani talents to establish knowledge-based businesses and develop innovative technological solutions.

Taw’a bint Abdullah Al Dawood, Head of the Development and Studies Department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said Omani startups specialising in AI are playing an increasingly important role in supporting digital transformation in Oman by developing innovative solutions and products that improve business efficiency, enhance services, automate processes and support data-driven decision-making.

In a statement to Oman News Agency (ONA), she explained that these companies are helping transform AI from an emerging technology into practical applications across government and private-sector fields, supporting the development of a knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Al Dawood noted that the number of Omani companies operating in the AI sector reached 42 by the end of August 2026, compared with 22 companies in the previous year, representing growth of approximately 91%.

She said the increase reflects the rapid development of Oman’s local AI business ecosystem and the ability of Omani companies to move beyond ideas and prototypes towards delivering practical technological solutions and products across various sectors.

She added that efforts are underway to strengthen the data and indicators system related to the AI sector, which will support more comprehensive and accurate measurement of the size and growth of investments in the field in the future.

Al Dawood said AI companies are contributing to the localisation of knowledge and technical expertise by developing local solutions and building national capabilities in artificial intelligence, data and software development. They are also creating opportunities for Omani professionals to work in advanced technical specialisations and gain practical experience.

She explained that the growth of AI startups and their ability to deliver commercially viable solutions are strengthening private-sector confidence in the economic opportunities offered by AI, encouraging wider adoption and investment and supporting an ecosystem that brings together innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, research and development.

Omani AI startups also have growing opportunities to access regional and international markets, particularly because AI-based digital solutions can be scaled beyond national borders.

Al Dawood noted that participation by Omani companies in regional and international events, exhibitions, programmes and technology competitions, alongside partnerships with companies, investors and technology institutions, contributes to showcasing national capabilities and creating new opportunities for growth and expansion.

She concluded that the growing number of Omani companies specialising in AI strengthens Oman’s position as a supportive environment for innovation and advanced technologies and enhances its potential as a destination for companies and investors seeking opportunities in the digital economy and AI, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and national efforts to promote investment in future technologies.