Source: Al Arabiya
The Sultanate of Oman has announced the establishment of a special economic zone in the country’s capital, Muscat, named the “Special Artificial Intelligence Zone,” on the specified land area. Projects established within the Special Artificial Intelligence Zone are granted the incentives, advantages, exemptions, and facilities stipulated in the Law of Special Economic Zones and Free Zones.
Information indicates that the new zone, according to the project’s master plan, will be established with a total area of approximately 104,000 square meters in the Wilayat of Seeb in Muscat Governorate, parallel to the building of the Civil Aviation Authority.
In a related context, the Oman News Agency stated that the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, has commenced developing the executive roadmap for the zone in a manner that ensures a smooth transition from the establishment phase to the operational phase. This will be achieved through an integrated governance framework that defines roles and responsibilities, a flexible organizational structure, and a package of investment-attracting policies and procedures, in addition to a system of performance indicators that ensures the measurement of the zone’s economic, investment, and developmental impact, and guarantees its alignment with national priorities and investors’ aspirations alike.
The Oman News Agency added that the establishment of the Special Artificial Intelligence Zone in Muscat Governorate enhances investment in the knowledge economy, accelerates the implementation of innovation projects, and supports the development of a digital economy related to economic diversification under the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030). The Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones will appoint the entity responsible for managing, operating, and developing this zone in coordination with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.