Muscat: The ceremony highlighted quantitative and qualitative indicators recorded between 2023 and 2025, underscoring the programme’s role in transforming innovative ideas into viable startups, empowering entrepreneurs, and building companies with long-term growth potential. It also showcased the growing contribution of startups to economic diversification and local value creation.
According to figures presented, the number of technology- and innovation-based promising Omani startups has reached 205, with a combined market valuation of approximately USD 395 million. The programme has also generated 549 job opportunities for Omani youth across various economic sectors, reflecting its tangible impact on employment and enterprise development.
The event also witnessed the launch of the programme’s sustainability plan titled “An Innovation Journey That Begins with an Idea, Building a Sustainable Economy.” This marks the transition of the initiative from a phased implementation model to a stage of institutional sustainability, supported by a governance framework designed to ensure continuity of impact, maximise long-term economic returns, and connect startups with real growth opportunities.
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Speakers at the ceremony reviewed the role of partnerships between government entities, the private sector, investors, and the wider entrepreneurship ecosystem in driving the programme’s success. Entrepreneurs were recognised as the central pillar in converting ideas into measurable economic outcomes.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, startup founders presented a commemorative gift to His Highness Sayyid Bal’arab bin Haitham Al Said, expressing their appreciation for his continued support in empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening Oman’s innovation ecosystem.
Through the “Horizons” ceremony, the Promising Omani Startups Program reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Omani startups and positioning innovation and technology as a sustainable national pathway, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
The event also marked the conclusion of the programme’s first phase, implemented in cooperation with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada), the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and the Omani Group for Communications and Information Technology “Idhaa”.
