Senior officials and global technology leaders convened in Muscat for the Connected Futures forum, focusing on the role of advanced connectivity in supporting Oman’s key economic sectors. The event gathered representatives from energy, transport and logistics, infrastructure, public safety, and technology firms including Airbus, Celona, and RugGear.
Held under the patronage of Dr Ali al Shidhani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for ICT, the forum examined developments in private 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and mission-critical communications. Discussions drew on international experiences and aligned these with the specific operational needs of Oman’s industries.
As digital adoption accelerates, businesses across various sectors are seeking ways to leverage technology to enhance performance. In industries where safety, operational continuity, and coordination are vital, there is a growing need to connect field activities, assets, applications, and operational systems. This trend places increased demands on communications infrastructure to deliver reliable and secure connectivity.
The forum highlighted how advanced connectivity is becoming essential for safety, operational control, and real-time decision-making. Modern network design now integrates with broader operational architectures to ensure the seamless and secure exchange of information among personnel, equipment, and control centers.
Eng Bader al Zidi, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Oman, emphasized the broader economic impact of connectivity. He noted that the value of advanced networks extends beyond their physical infrastructure, contributing to increased productivity, resilience, and competitiveness across Oman’s economic sectors. According to al Zidi, telecommunications providers will be measured not only by their network capabilities but also by their ability to support the wider economy’s growth and diversification efforts.