Oman’s Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) is expanding to provide more facilities for high-tech companies.
“The US$ 31.2 million expansion program provides an additional 45,000 square metres of office accommodation to support established and developing hi-tech businesses,” says Mohammed Al Maskari, director general, Knowledge Oasis Muscat.
“Amongst a number of new tenants from Europe and the Middle East, the technology park’s recently opened office space is home to Microsoft, Motorola, Qatar Airways and the Information Technology Authority (ITA),” he says.
The expansion comes on the back of continued growth for the information and technology park.
“There is a fantastic spirit of entrepreneurship and inspiration running through KOM. This has helped establish the Park and the wider Rusayl area as a centre of excellence for knowledge-based industries and a great place for innovative businesses to develop and thrive,” Al Maskari says.
“However, it is vital that we keep that momentum going and continue to offer the facilities and support systems that allow our tenants to be creative and thrive”, Al Maskari warns.
The Rusayl area has attracted a raft of knowledge-based companies, many of which are involved in information communication technology (ICT) and manufacturing, clustered around KOM, PEIE’s Rusayl Industrial Estate, Sultan Qaboos University and its teaching hospital.
Nasser Al Rahbi, KOM’s stand manager at GITEX Technology Week says the park’s new office facilities will “bring together science, industry and education in an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. We’re thrilled with the response from local as well as international firms to take up residency on KOM.”
The Park’s management is participating at GITEX this year to reach a broader international audience, spread news of the expansion and attract new tenants.
Al Rahbi says its objective is “maintaining momentum and quality face time with interested parties” and meeting potential tenants to demonstrate how KOM can meet their commercial needs. Rahbi.
KOM is also behind a number of high-profile ICT initiatives, including the TKM – Ernst & Young Big Business Idea Competition, a national business plan event aimed at raising awareness of the start-up culture amongst Oman’s youth.
