Oman Launches AI Special Zone, Bets on Becoming Gulf's Third AI Hub

Oman established an AI Special Zone under Royal Decree 50/2026, part of a push under Oman Vision 2040 to shift from consuming imported AI technology to developing and exporting AI-driven capabilities. The bet rests on digital sovereignty, global connectivity, and lower infrastructure costs versus its larger Gulf neighbors. It lands amid a broader regional trend: Gulf states and investors are increasingly financing AI infrastructure (chips, data centers) directly rather than just importing services, with MENA tech spending forecast at $169 billion in 2026 per Gartner.