Oman’s cybersecurity market is projected to reach $214.27 million by 2031, reflecting sustained growth driven by the country’s digital transformation efforts, data residency requirements, and the expansion of locally developed cybersecurity solutions. According to the Cybersecurity Market and Investment Report 2026, the market is expected to increase from $135.33 million in 2025 to $146.12 million in 2026, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 7.97% through 2031.

The report, produced through collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman National CERT, Hadatha Cybersecurity Industry Programme, and Invest Oman, highlights the nation’s strategy to position cybersecurity not only as a protective measure but also as a driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and service exports.

“The Sultanate of Oman is rapidly emerging as a regional leader in cybersecurity, driven by the strategic mandates of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Digital Economy Programme,” said Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Communications and Information Technology. Oman currently holds a Tier 1 global ranking in cybersecurity readiness, underscoring its capacity to protect critical digital infrastructure.

Since the launch of the Hadatha Cybersecurity Industry Programme in 2021, Oman’s local cybersecurity industry has expanded significantly. The number of local cybersecurity firms grew from 16 in 2020 to 48 by 2025, while total companies providing cybersecurity services in the country reached 56, comprising 34 local and 22 international entities. Additionally, accredited cybersecurity service providers increased from four in 2021 to 11 by the end of 2025.

The report also documents progress in the development of indigenous cybersecurity products and expertise. Seventeen locally developed cybersecurity products have been identified, and three local companies earned international accreditations, signaling a maturing ecosystem moving beyond consultancy and managed services toward product innovation, certification, and specialized capabilities.

“Oman has pioneered the region’s first national programme dedicated to cybersecurity industry development, strategically shifting the paradigm from purely defensive measures to cybersecurity as a core economic enabler,” said Eng Badar al Salehi, Director-General of Oman National CERT.

Human capital development remains integral to sector growth, with 18 academic institutions offering cybersecurity majors, currently educating 445 students. The sector also includes approximately 1,870 job seekers. The Hadatha programme has supported roughly 13,000 beneficiaries over five years through training, events, workshops, and competitions.

Between 2021 and 2025, Hadatha launched 36 approved initiatives, held 120 events and competitions, fostered six new startups, developed 36 frameworks and studies, signed 32 memorandums of cooperation, earned two international awards, and established three cybersecurity industry centers.

Looking ahead to 2026-2030, the programme aims to bolster the sector further by supporting the development of 15 local cybersecurity products, establishing eight additional local companies, and increasing cybersecurity employment and income opportunities by 28%. The plan will be executed through eight strategic tracks and 22 initiatives focused on capability building, startup incubation, product development, investment promotion, digital trust enhancement, partnerships, and performance excellence.