MUSCAT: 34th COMEX Set to Showcase Oman’s Digital Future with Global Tech Leaders

MUSCAT : The Sultanate of Oman is gearing up to host the 34th edition of COMEX – the International Technology Exhibition, a premier event that continues to solidify its position as a key platform for digital transformation and investment in the region. Organised in collaboration with the Arabian Research Bureau, the exhibition will bring together over 300 local and international companies, highlighting the nation’s growing stature in the ICT sector.

At a press conference, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, described COMEX as a strategic driver of investment in communications, information technology, and emerging digital industries. He emphasised the event’s role in nurturing tech startups, encouraging public-private partnerships, and strengthening international cooperation.

Reflecting on the success of COMEX 2024, Dr. Al-Shidhani said the previous edition surpassed expectations, with more than 60 agreements and MoUs signed valued at over RO 85 million—a 112% increase from 2023. The event featured 60 workshops, 25 startup-focused sessions, and over 100 expert speakers, drawing in over 80,000 visitors and 350 entities.

Oman’s ICT sector grew by 10.6% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Local investment in artificial intelligence also reached RO 60 million by the end of last year, fuelled by initiatives under the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies.

COMEX 2025 is expected to see broad participation from both local and global stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology will host its own pavilion, spotlighting projects aligned with the National Digital Economy Program.

A wide array of specialised zones and events will be featured, focusing on digital investment, e-gaming, digital tourism, and creative content industries. Notably, the Ministry will organise:

Cybersecurity Investment and Local Products Forum – Showcasing national achievements in cybersecurity and fostering youth-led innovation.

Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing Forum – Aimed at enhancing awareness, promoting collaboration between research and industry, and developing national capabilities in these emerging technologies.

Cybersecurity Hackathon – Designed to produce innovative solutions for future cyber challenges.

One of the highlights will be the Digital Investment Corner, which aims to attract international and domestic investors, promote technology localization, and position Oman as a regional hub for digital innovation. A dedicated Emerging Technologies Pavilion will also support startups with focused workshops on venture capital, growth strategies, and success stories.

A visual presentation during the conference outlined COMEX 2025’s key sections, including:

International Delegations Pavilion

Space Technology

Renewable Energy

Smart Cities

Health Technologies

And other cutting-edge sectors driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The exhibition is set to play a transformative role in Oman’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered and innovation-driven economy.