Page 78 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Starlink Internet Service Now

Operational in Qatar

Starlink, the satellite internet service engineered by SpaceX, is now
operational throughout Qatar, marking a significant milestone for
connectivity in the region. The announcement came directly from
Elon Musk, who took to his social media platform X, declaring
the start of the service in Qatar. Starlink’s arrival is expected to
benefit both consumers and businesses, offering reliable internet
even in areas previously underserved by traditional providers.
Previously, Qatar Airways has begun equipping its fleet with
Starlink, providing passengers with complimentary, ultra-fast Wi-
Fi on select flights, further cementing the country’s reputation for
technological leadership in aviation. With the arrival of this service,
Qatar becomes one of the first countries in the Middle East to
offer Starlink’s advanced satellite internet, positioning itself as a
regional leader in digital infrastructure.

Oman Ranks Fourth Globally Among Developing Economies in Attracting Digital

Infrastructure Investment

Oman has been ranked fourth global-
ly among developing economies for at-
tracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in
greenfield projects related to information
and communications technology (ICT) in-
frastructure between 2020 and 2024, ac-
cording to the United Nations Conference
on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD)
World Investment Report 2025. The report
highlights Oman’s emergence as a region-
al hub for digital infrastructure, innovation,
and advanced technologies. The country’s
impressive ranking underscores its suc-
cess in drawing significant digital-related
investments, surpassing many advanced
economies. The Government Communica-
tion Centre revealed that Oman attracted
approximately US$1.7 billion in foreign in- as a destination for technology-driven in- digital skills among youth, and creating a
vestment for digital infrastructure projects vestment. It also demonstrates the effec- national open data platform to support en-
during this period. The volume of new in- tiveness of national policies focused on trepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.
vestments in the digital economy nearly boosting digital readiness and fostering an Additionally, Oman plans to establish a
tripled, propelled by the National Digital innovation-led competitive environment. national research centre dedicated to AI to
Economy Programme and broader efforts In 2024, Oman launched the National Pro- advance academic and scientific research,
to transform Oman into a knowledge-based gramme for Artificial Intelligence and Ad- along with an AI studio offering sector-spe-
economy. Mexico leads the list with US$5.2 vanced Digital Technologies, scheduled to cific solutions to professionals and insti-
billion in ICT infrastructure investment, fol- run through 2026. The programme seeks tutions. The programme aims to improve
lowed by Nigeria (US$4.3 billion), Malaysia to elevate the ICT sector’s contribution to Oman’s ranking in the global Government
(US$2.2 billion), Oman (US$1.7 billion), and the economy and align Oman’s capabilities Readiness Index for AI and increase the
Brazil (US$1.6 billion). This achievement re- with global advancements in artificial intel- digital economy’s GDP contribution from
flects Oman’s strategic vision under Oman ligence (AI). Key elements of the initiative 2% in 2021 to 10% by 2040, showcasing
Vision 2040, aimed at economic diversifi- include integrating AI and data analysis Oman’s commitment to building a resilient,
cation and enhancing the country’s appeal into school curricula to develop essential technology-driven economy.

78 JUNE-JULY 2025