The project was unveiled on the sidelines of the COMEX International Exhibition in Muscat.
It is positioned as a flagship initiative to establish Oman as a regional and global hub for technology, innovation, and investment, while creating an enabling environment for local and international tech start-ups.
Siham Al-Harthi, chairperson of Afouq Developments, said the zone would integrate the most advanced global technologies and future-ready solutions, while drawing inspiration from Omani heritage.
“This zone is designed to meet the needs of tech start-ups and place Oman among leading nations in adopting and hosting cutting-edge companies,” she added.
Meanwhile, Prime Group CEO Mahmoud Farrag highlighted the firm’s experience in developing major international projects, noting that global partnerships have already been initiated to support the zone’s development.
“Our network of corporations, research centres, and accelerators will help create a global platform for technology companies and future investments,” Farrag said.
This year, Egypt launched the National AI Strategy 2025–2030, which is built on six main pillars.
The strategy emphasizes the expansion of computing infrastructure to support AI model development, the establishment of data governance frameworks to ensure accessibility and responsible use, and the deployment of AI-powered systems for practical, real-world applications.
It also prioritizes talent development and capacity-building to meet market demand, the introduction of ethical and regulatory frameworks to guide AI policies, and the growth of an innovation ecosystem that connects startups, enterprises, and investors.
Moreover, Egypt will host the inaugural Middle East and Africa AI World Exhibition and Summit from 10 to 12 February 2026, in a move that cements its position as a leading regional hub for AI.
The event highlights Egypt’s increasing presence in the AI landscape across Africa and beyond, supported by a national roadmap for AI-driven transformation.
Egypt is the only African country ranked among the world’s top 10 nations in AI and machine learning, according to the 2024 Global Competitiveness Index published by GBS.
The government is actively integrating AI applications across critical sectors under its National AI Strategy 2025–2030.
Organized under the auspices of Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), the summit will bring together leading AI companies, startups, thought leaders, and policymakers from over 60 countries.
GITEX Global, the world’s largest tech and AI events network, will manage the landmark summit, making it the most prominent AI technology event in the Middle East and Africa.
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