Oman and IDCA Partner to Establish Groundbreaking Digital Economy Hubs

Oman Sets Sails for Digital Transformation with IDCA

In a compelling move to establish itself as a leader in the burgeoning digital economy, the Sultanate of Oman has signed a significant agreement with the International Data Center Authority (IDCA). This partnership aims to develop the "Oman Digital Triangle” – a pioneering initiative designed to create three interconnected digital hubs that focus on artificial intelligence (AI) super-clusters.

The signing, which took place on September 8, 2025, at the Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre in Muscat, reflects a culmination of several months of dialogue between IDCA and key governmental bodies, including the Ministries of Energy and Economy. The digital economy development agreement sets the stage for Oman to build an advanced digital infrastructure tailored to meet the growing global demand for data center capabilities.

Objectives of the Agreement

Under the terms of this national agreement, IDCA will be responsible for launching a comprehensive National Digital Infrastructure Roadmap. This includes establishing national standards for digital infrastructure, creating education programs tailored to this new landscape, and setting up the Oman Digital Triangle – a global first in interconnected digital ecosystems.

The initiative promises to deliver both the data center capacities and the human resources necessary to support AI-focused data centers. The unique geographical diversity and resilience of Oman aim to house the necessary infrastructures for these cutting-edge facilities, which are expected to attract global AI cloud providers to the region.

Ministerial Insights

His Excellency, Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud Al-Mawali, Oman’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, expressed optimism about the agreement, stating, "Through this partnership with IDCA, Oman is prepared to meet the ever-growing global demand for AI and data centers in the most robust and dynamic way." He emphasized the invitation to leading AI and data center companies to engage with what promises to be one of the largest digital hub projects globally.

Similarly, Dr. Ali Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, conveyed confidence in the collaboration, stating, "Oman will become the first nation globally to systematically align strategy, policy, and knowledge while building a cutting-edge digital ecosystem. We warmly welcome all builders and operators to contribute to this pioneering initiative."

IDCA's Vision for Oman

IDCA Chairman and CEO, Mehdi Paryavi, praised Oman’s strategic stability, noting that "data thrives in an environment of trust and peace." He remarked on the nation’s potential to leverage its long-standing stability to propel its digital economy forward. Paryavi also highlighted the importance of Oman’s talented workforce in this collaboration, suggesting it positions the country uniquely to become a benchmark for digital ecosystems worldwide.

Buddy Rizer, Chief Digital Hub Development Officer at IDCA added his experience, having previously developed the world's largest digital hub in Loudoun County, Virginia. He views the partnership as an opportunity to replicate this success in Oman, underscoring the ambition to construct three national digital hubs and nurture AI super-clusters that will shape the future of global data center cities.

Setting Global Standards

Gordon Gillerman, Chairman of the Technical Standards Committee at IDCA, commented on the initiative as a compelling opportunity to create robust governance and policy frameworks aligned with current technological advancements. IDCA’s Global Head of Strategic Investments, Moncef Heddad, spoke about tailoring national investment strategies aimed at advancing AI and digital infrastructure, aiming to attract sovereign wealth funds and other investment entities.

A Future Defined by Digital Potential

The collaboration between the Sultanate of Oman and IDCA is expected to rapidly transform the nation’s landscape, stimulating the development of AI data centers and expanding its electrical and connectivity grids to handle anticipated demands.

As Oman stands on the brink of this transformational journey, this strategic partnership is expected to introduce advanced practices in AI and data management across the nation, offering unparalleled opportunities for investors and operators. The initiative marks a decisive step for the Sultanate, aiming to position itself as a pivotal player in the global digital economy.