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Launch of COMEX 2025: Announcement of the Green Artificial Intelligence Alliance and Unveiling of the “AI Designated Zone” and “Digital Triangle” Projects


Date Published: 08 September 2025

Artificial Intelligence Digital Infrastructure Digital Transformation

His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs, today officiated the opening ceremony of the 34th edition of the COMEX Global Technology Exhibition, “COMEX 2025,” organized by Al Dar Al Arabiya for Data Analytics and supported by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT). The four-day event is held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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During the ceremony, several strategic projects aimed at attracting local and international digital investments were announced, including the Digital Triangle project, the AI Designated Zone, and the Green Artificial Intelligence Alliance. Additionally, agreements worth OMR 42 million were unveiled.

 

The exhibition hosted more than 140 technology startups, alongside over 200 government and private entities and international delegations in the fields of technology and digital transformation. The event showcased the latest electronic services and technologies, reflecting the high confidence and interest in this vital sector. COMEX 2025 aims to provide investment and consultancy opportunities in data governance, policy development, metadata management, capacity building, workforce training, and advanced AI-powered data analytics.

 

Digital Technology

 

In his speech, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for Communications and IT, stated: “His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has shown utmost attention to digital technology, issuing directives to accelerate digital transformation, adopt artificial intelligence, and advanced digital technologies, making them a key enabler for the national economy and supporting Oman Vision 2040 objectives.”

 

Digital Economy

 

Dr. Al Shidhani emphasized that the National Digital Economy Program serves as an executive roadmap supporting Oman Vision 2040, aiming for “a diversified and sustainable economy based on technology, knowledge, and innovation.” The program encompasses interconnected tracks in digital transformation, AI, advanced digital technologies, the digital industry space, digital infrastructure, e-commerce, and cybersecurity.

 

He noted that the digital economy is projected to contribute 10% to Oman’s GDP by 2040. Oman has witnessed remarkable growth in digital investment, with agreements signed at COMEX 2024 valued at OMR 200 million, and Omani tech companies signing agreements worth OMR 40 million at the LEAP 2025 conference in Saudi Arabia.

 

Digital Investments

 

H.E. Dr. Al Shidhani highlighted Oman’s investment activity in semiconductors, data centers, AI, space technologies, and the growth of Omani SMEs. He also mentioned Oman’s first Middle East space launch mission, Ducum-1, executed with 80% Omani localization of technical expertise in the implementing company.

 

Three Major Technology Projects

 

During COMEX 2025, a visual presentation highlighted several key technology initiatives. Among these were the launch of 30 new services on the unified digital services portal, designed to streamline access to government services. In addition, a new mobile application and smart assistant were introduced to enhance user convenience and engagement. The National Open Data Portal was unveiled as a central platform to promote transparency and accountability by making government data openly accessible to the public. Furthermore, the “Thiqah” digital authentication services were launched, offering secure, reliable, and easily accessible digital verification for government services at any time and from anywhere.

 

Green Artificial Intelligence Alliance

 

Dr. Al Shidhani announced the first-of-its-kind regional initiative supporting AI development while preserving the environment, the Green Artificial Intelligence Alliance. The alliance focuses on strategic areas including green data centers, large language model efficiency, advanced processors, and clean energy solutions for AI and high-performance computing.

 

The alliance serves as a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together government entities, policymakers, energy and technology companies, and investors to adopt sustainability and renewable energy principles. This initiative positions Oman as a regional hub for green AI and sustainable digital infrastructure, promoting advanced computing solutions powered by renewable and low-carbon energy.

 

The alliance will focus on sustainable AI and processors (GPU, TPU), optimizing AI algorithms and large models (LLMs), designing and operating environmentally friendly green data centers, promoting green software, high-efficiency servers, advanced cooling, heat and water reuse, reliance on clean energy (solar, wind, storage, hydrogen), establishing global standards and metrics (PUE, MRV), building national skills, adopting a circular economy for e-waste, and launching pilot renewable-powered data centers.

 

The alliance invites government entities, tech and energy companies, investors, and research communities to join, fostering a sustainable digital future and strengthening Oman’s global innovation position.

 

AI Designated Zone Project

 

To attract tech investments, MTCIT revealed the “AI Designated Zone” project in Al Seeb, Muscat Governorate. This specialized zone aims to attract AI-focused institutions and startups from Oman, the Middle East, and Africa, supporting the local digital economy, enhancing infrastructure, providing a flexible business environment, promoting high-quality AI investments, fostering startups’ growth regionally and globally, creating specialized job opportunities, and positioning Oman as a regional AI hub.

 

The implementation and supervision of the AI Designated Zone will be managed by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, while MTCIT will serve as the technical partner responsible for selecting implementing companies through a global tender for operational and financial models.

 

Digital Triangle Project

 

The Digital Triangle is a pioneering national initiative to develop three interconnected digital zones, forming a regional hub for cloud computing, AI, and advanced digital services. The project features green data centers, world-class connectivity via submarine cables and fiber optics, and a strong regulatory environment promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

AI Studio

 

COMEX 2025 also launched the AI Studio, a hub for AI specialists and companies seeking to leverage AI technologies to address operational challenges.

 

Omani Language Model “Moein”

 

The launch of “Moein,” Oman’s first national language AI model, was announced. Moein supports digital sovereignty, reflecting Omani language and culture, and enhances operational efficiency in government institutions by understanding local context and handling official texts. The model will initially serve 20,000 government employees.

 

Technology Evolution

 

Professor Abdullah Baabboud, CEO of Al Dar Al Arabiya for Data Analytics, thanked MTCIT for its continued support of COMEX, highlighting the public-private partnership in developing this event. He emphasized that Oman Vision 2040 guides national transformation with innovation, sustainability, and global openness.

 

He added that AI is reshaping daily life, cybersecurity protects data and privacy, data is the “new oil,” and 5G underpins the digital economy, enabling autonomous vehicles, telehealth, smart industries, and smart cities, leading to more efficient and connected communities.

 

New Ministry Website

 

MTCIT officially launched its new website, enhancing smart government services, institutional efficiency, and public engagement. The platform supports the National Government Digital Transformation Program, offering advanced digital experiences combining smart services, proactive processes, and technological innovation.

 

COMEX 2025 Sections

 

COMEX serves as a leading annual platform showcasing global innovations in technology, digital transformation, AI, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies, alongside Oman’s national initiatives, reflecting the strategic focus on building a sustainable digital economy.

 

Main sections include: e-Government, Business, Tech Startups, Banking and FinTech, eSports, and International Delegations. The event attracts global, regional, and local companies, entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech enthusiasts, promoting knowledge exchange and smart solutions that strengthen Oman’s position as a regional digital innovation hub.

 

Complementary activities include the COMEX Awards, COMEX Summit, workshops, interactive experiences, eSports competitions, and the COMEX Hackathon. Visitors also explore the latest tech products and services.

 

The exhibition is organized in partnership with Oman Branding, Oman Air, Visit Oman, and the Oman IT Association.

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