Haitham bin Tarik has issued a new Royal Decree establishing an Artificial Intelligence Special Zone in Muscat, marking a major step in Oman’s efforts to strengthen its digital economy and technology sector.
According to reports from the Oman News Agency, the new zone will be created under Royal Decree No. (50/2026) and will focus on supporting artificial intelligence projects, innovation, and technology investment within the Sultanate.
The decree states that the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones will appoint an entity responsible for managing, operating, and developing the AI Special Zone. This process will be coordinated with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.
Projects established within the new AI zone will receive a range of incentives, privileges, and exemptions under Oman’s Special Economic Zones and Free Zones Law introduced through Royal Decree No. (38/2025).
The initiative reflects Oman’s increasing focus on advanced technologies as part of its long-term economic diversification plans under Oman Vision 2040. Officials believe the new zone will help attract technology companies, startups, researchers, and international investors interested in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Industry experts say the creation of a dedicated AI zone could strengthen Oman’s position as a regional technology hub while encouraging the development of local digital talent and innovation ecosystems.
The new zone is also expected to support collaboration between government entities, private sector companies, and international technology partners in areas such as AI research, smart infrastructure, automation, and digital services.
The Royal Decree will officially come into effect from the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.
The launch of the Artificial Intelligence Special Zone highlights Oman’s broader strategy to accelerate digital transformation and build a more knowledge-based economy in the coming years.
Source: Oman News Agency and regional technology reports
