According to Times of Oman, published in June 2026, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology launched the Sas for Excellence programme in Muscat to support Oman tech companies through funding, wage subsidies, and tender incentives, helping strengthen digital innovation, Omanisation, and technology localisation.
Sas for excellence initiative supports Omani tech companies growth
The new programme forms part of the wider Sas initiative for technology businesses. It brings together the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labour, Oman Investment Authority, Petroleum Development Oman, the Development Bank, and other partners to support Oman tech companies with growth potential.
The initiative focuses on developing locally owned digital products and services. It also aims to increase digital self-sufficiency and strengthen local content within the technology sector. Through this approach, participating companies can build solutions that address local market needs while creating opportunities for expansion beyond Oman.
The programme encourages collaboration between government entities, investors, and technology firms. It seeks to create an environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and product development. These efforts align with national goals to strengthen the digital economy and increase the contribution of technology-driven businesses.
Oman tech companies receive financial and workforce support
Selected firms will gain access to several support measures designed to accelerate expansion. These include wage support for up to 40 Omani employees per company and cash liquidity of up to RO1 million for eligible businesses. The support package aims to help companies strengthen operations, invest in product development, and pursue new market opportunities.
The programme will prioritize Oman tech companies operating in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, electronic systems development, and emerging technologies. Government institutions will also provide competitive advantages in selected tenders and procurement opportunities. These incentives are intended to improve business competitiveness and create pathways for sustained growth.
In addition, participating companies will receive assistance through programmes that support innovation and market expansion. The initiative seeks to help firms enhance their technology offerings, increase their commercial reach, and build stronger positions within regional and global markets. By combining financial support with procurement opportunities, the programme creates a framework for the continued growth of Oman’s technology sector.
Digital sovereignty drives technology localisation and innovation
Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, said the initiative supports technology localisation by helping companies develop and own digital solutions created in Oman. He noted that national talent remains central to building competitive technology products. The programme also encourages businesses to rely on local expertise while developing innovative solutions that can serve both domestic and international markets.
The initiative focuses on strengthening the capabilities of Oman tech companies through a combination of support mechanisms and strategic partnerships. By promoting local ownership of digital products and services, it aims to reinforce digital sovereignty and increase the contribution of the technology sector to the national economy.
The programme also seeks to create stronger links between government entities, investors, financing institutions, and the private sector. These partnerships aim to support innovation, business growth, and expansion into regional and international markets. Through coordinated efforts, stakeholders are working to build a technology ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, attracts investment, and enhances the global presence of Omani technology companies.
Eligibility criteria target high growth businesses for regional expansion
To qualify, companies must be fully Omani-owned and operate in the technology sector for at least three years. They must maintain an Omanisation rate of at least 50 percent and employ a minimum of 15 Omani staff members. These conditions are intended to ensure that participating businesses have an established operational foundation and a strong commitment to developing national talent.
Applicants must also own a locally developed technology product or service, present a foreign market expansion strategy, and record revenue growth of at least 15 percent over the previous two years. The selection criteria focus on companies that demonstrate both innovation and readiness for regional or international growth.
The programme evaluates businesses based on their ability to scale operations and contribute to the national digital economy. Through these requirements, Oman tech companies can access resources designed to strengthen competitiveness, expand market opportunities, and support long-term growth. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to encourage technology localisation, innovation, and sustainable business development across Oman.
