Page 14 - SAMENA Trends - Oct-Nov 2023

INTERVIEW SAMENA TRENDS

increased to more than OMR 276 million Q. Progress is being made in achieving the largest possible space in the Country.
since its establishment in 2014. Omanization since the company's In this regard, we affirm that the company
inception. What is the current Omanization is committed to further expanding and
Moreover, the company has achieved ratio? improving the network's infrastructure,
several positive results, most notable is the A. Omanization in the company reached to provide a large-scale and high-speed
total reliance on external funding for project a stunning level, amounted to 99%, which internet access to populations and to
implementation rather than government means more than 200 Omani employees in participate in the sustainable growth of the
support. all specialties. national economy.

The company also succeeded in Along with Omanization, the company Q. The company is gearing up to initiate
establishing infrastructure used by all is keen to involve employees in various an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Could you
licensed telecommunications operators training programs to convey their expertise elaborate on the significance of this move
in Oman, along with other initiatives to young people wishing to receive training and its role in fostering the company's
through which it has been keen to support and practical experience. The company's expansion?
and empower Omani youth through the contribution to training and qualification A. The company is willing to start an initial
fulfilment of programs, such as “Tamkeen” opportunities has reached more than 760 public offering (IPO) in order to increase the
(Empowerment). training opportunities, including those company's public property base, providing
offered by the "Tamkeen" program to new liquidity for planned expansions requiring
We provide unique ser- graduates and job seekers. further continuous modernization as an

vices in the Telecom- The company continues to encourage element of attracting foreign investment to
Oman, as well as offering savings tools to
munications sector, employees to participate in “Masar” (Path) shareholders, which will support the State's
which includes provid- program, which is a specialized program plans to promote financial inclusion.
in leadership development, additionally,
ing support to key tele- there are various opportunities accessible The IPO arrangements are under way,
communications ser- for employees, whether within or outside AlWahaibi added, mentioning that as
a preliminary step before the IPO, the
Oman, with the aim of enhancing their
vice providers in Oman, skills. company have witnessed the acquisition
as well as operating Q. What is the company's role in developing of Oman Infrastructure Investments Fund
“Rakiza” on 39% of ITHCA Group shares
Oman's largest fiberop- telecommunications services in Oman? in Oman Broadband, the government arm

tics network, through A. We provide unique services in this sector, in building and developing broadband
infrastructure in Oman. Before the end of
which includes providing support to key
competent and qualified telecommunications service providers in this year, a partial exit of approximately
Omani specialists and a Oman, as well as operating Oman's largest 10% to 26% will take place, depending on
fiberoptics network, through competent
the ability to finalize negotiations with other
number of contractors and qualified Omani specialists and a investors. This will help to enhance the
and technicians in all number of contractors and technicians in all confidence of investors and shareholders
governorates. The company also provides
further, as well as strengthening the private
governorates. all training and enabling requirements to sector's contribution in Oman Broadband.
ensure fiberoptics network coverage to
Q. What are the company’s efforts to
enhance supporting SMEs in parallel with
the government policies to leverage this
sector?
A. There is no doubt that government efforts
to uplift small and medium enterprises are
evident. Therefore, at Oman Broadband
Company, and in accordance with a
comprehensive strategic vision, we have
taken it upon ourselves to empower small
and medium enterprises. This is achieved
by assigning several projects directly or
indirectly to entrepreneurs with expertise
in our field. The value of projects directly
assigned to small and medium enterprises
has reached over OMR 43 million.

14 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2023