Oman launches center to boost national cybersecurity industry

20/10/2025 03:50 AST

Oman has launched the Hadatha Center for Cybersecurity Manufacturing at Middle East College, marking a major step toward advancing the country's digital economy.

The initiative - spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology through the National Information Security Center, in collaboration with Middle East College - forms part of the National Executive Program for Cybersecurity Manufacturing.

According to the Oman News Agency, the Hadatha Center aims to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship while building a robust research and development ecosystem in cybersecurity. It seeks to create an integrated framework connecting the government, private sector, investors, innovators, and academia to generate income-generating opportunities and drive technological self-reliance.

"The ministry believes in the importance of supporting the innovation ecosystem in cybersecurity in Oman, as innovation has become an urgent necessity in modern societies," said Aziza Sultan Al-Rashidia, assistant director general of cybersecurity programs at the ministry.

She added that innovation remains key to enhancing vital projects and ensuring they evolve in line with global developments.

Al-Rashidia noted that the Hadatha Center aspires to position Oman as a regional hub for cybersecurity and digital innovation by fostering a specialized national industry focused on developing local talent and encouraging creative solutions.

The center will collaborate closely with government agencies, private enterprises, and academic institutions to provide a platform for researchers and innovators to design and implement cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies. This collaboration is expected to cultivate national industries, support local startups, and create new economic opportunities for Omanis.

The center's operational plan includes specialized training programs and applied workshops under the supervision of the National Information Security Center.

Key upcoming activities include the "Hadatha Hackathon," aimed at driving innovation through real-world cybersecurity challenges, as well as accelerator and incubator programs to support promising startups.

In addition, the center will partner with Oman's Fourth Industrial Revolution Center to promote the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into cybersecurity solutions, further strengthening the Sultanate's digital economy.

Arab News