Oman’s $265M AI Hub Aims to Ignite MENA Tech Innovation

Tech innovation in the Middle East just got a solid boost, with Oman’s Afouq Developments joining forces with Egypt’s Prime Group to roll out the country’s very first Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies Zone right in the heart of Muscat. Teaming up with Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, the project was unveiled at the COMEX International Exhibition, and the numbers alone are enough to turn anyone’s head—a whopping $265 million is being poured into creating a 100,000-square-metre tech hub.

I’ve seen several similar news stories pass through Arageek over the years, but, I’ll admit, this one has a bit more bite. The aim is bold: turn Muscat into a leading centre for advanced technological innovation not just in Oman, but across the region. That’s music to the ears of anyone who thinks the MENA startup scene deserves a proper shot in the arm (and let’s be honest, it does). As the Chairperson of Afouq Developments, Siham Al-Harthi, put it, the vision is to craft an environment that can be both an “architectural icon” and a practical launchpad for startups, blending global tech flair with Omani traditions. Spot on, really—there’s no rule that says local spirit can’t walk hand in hand with the latest innovations.

On the flip side, Mahmoud Farrag, CEO of the Egyptian partner, talked up the project’s global ambitions. He made it clear that they’re already building bridges with big-name international partners, a smart move considering that developing an AI hub worth its salt is a bit of a faff without world-class expertise. No flying solo here—Prime Group, with its work spanning Vietnam, the UAE, and beyond, brings not just flashy credentials but proper know-how from work across Asia and Africa.

What really struck me, though, is their shared nod towards Oman Vision 2040—the long-term national agenda for economic diversity and digital transformation. In this game, those theoretical frameworks often get bandied about and then quietly shelved; but there’s a genuine sense of weight behind this partnership’s alignment to the roadmap. I reckon if they manage to bring their promises to life, we’re looking at more than just another construction site. Muscat could turn into the sort of playground for regional and international tech startups that we’ve all been waiting for.

Still, it’s early days. Setting up a massive zone from scratch is not child’s play, and nurturing an ecosystem that attracts both local and international talent is, well… no picnic. But from what’s been outlined so far, the project seems to have its priorities straight and money in the right place—a rare combination, especially in projects of this scale.

All said and done, there’s a good buzz around this news (and, yes, even at Arageek we’re chuffed to bits to see such developments coming to the region we’re so passionate about energising). Only time will tell if Muscat becomes the tech hotspot the backers are dreaming of, but for now, hope springs eternal in MENA’s entrepreneurial heart.

🚀 Got exciting news to share?

If you're a startup founder, VC, or PR agency with big updates—funding rounds, product launches 📢, or company milestones 🎉 — AraGeek English wants to hear from you!

✉️ Send Us Your Story 👇

https://en.arageek.com/send-us-your-story-or-a-news-tip