DATA MASTERS
Oman Data Park provides outsourced ICT services, cybersecurity, and virtual data centers to help all businesses stay ahead of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
BIOGRAPHY
Maqbool Al Wahaibi is the CEO of ODP, the first managed and cloud service provider in Oman, as part of the executive management and founding team to establish ODP. He previously worked with the government of Oman for over 20 years on strategic national IT initiatives and projects in the area of information security, consulting for organizations in the public sector such as the Information Technology Authority (ITA), Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Justice, and others. He holds a master's degree in computer software engineering from the University of York and a bachelor's degree in information technology engineering from Staffordshire University.
What have been the major highlights in the past year for ODP?
With the goal of diversification and gaining a competitive advantage over international players, we introduced Professional Services as a Service (PSaaS) to our portfolio. Since having begun our operations in 2012, ODP has accumulated a host of expertise both in the lines of top-notch certifications and local know-how in managing the various ICT challenges that are associated in this fast-paced, technologically-driven world. We understand that businesses of today have enough challenges focused on their growth, and we would like to address their ICT challenges through our PSaaS through offering advocacy and consultations for infrastructure, software, disaster recovery, back-up, collocation, monitoring and classical services, so that businesses can focus on their core services. The banking sector, as well as the public sectors, have shown great interest in outsourcing as much as possible to reduce operational costs, and our PSaaS are at the forefront in guiding them to the right decisions. 2019 was also when we introduced our Cyber Security Centre, the first of its kind in Oman. Implementing a key element of our diversification strategy, ODP's Cyber Security Centre helped in turning a costly center into a profit-making center by sharing our knowledge with clients based on our three data centers. Security sits in the DNA of ODP, and the trust element is our competitive advantage in the cybersecurity field. For now, many of these cybersecurity initiatives are more reactive; however, with AI, the Fourth Industrial Revolution will be more proactive, and we aim to use these industrial developments to serve our nation and our customers better. We are also proud of our engagement with Microsoft after we launched Azure Stack Services, making it another first for Oman. This introduction of such world-class cloud solutions locally means that clients can save money and can offer better quality services, since their data can now stay within Oman's national boundaries.
What are the main implications of the first virtual data center (VDC) as a service?
We have launched Nebula, the first VDC in Oman that offers a full range of data center facilities from computing, storage, and networking to network security services on an OPEX model. Through Nebula, ODP provides data center infrastructure and facilities for rent or lease, along with the ability for customers to increase their usage requirements on demand. We offer two additional options of Nebula services: Lagoon Nebula offers a very competitive pricing model to meet the most stringent budgets, while Eagle Nebula targets entities wanting their own dedicated VDC, which we can set up in less than a day and ship to customers anywhere in the world. Future plans include expanding and introducing Eagle Nebula to other Middle East countries, Africa, and eventually other international markets. The physical data center will vanish in the next 10 years, and virtual cloud data centers will take over, as we are jumping into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with 5G as the catalyst.
What will be the main implications and risks of the full adoption of IoT?
As with any technologies, such as the introduction of GSM or the internet, there are pros and cons; however, the advantages always come up top. 5G and the Fourth Industrial Revolution will control and speed up our lives, transforming health, transport, and business operations. The revolution will be real; it just needs the proper infrastructure and time. Security will be a major concern, taking into account what is happening geopolitically today. Hacking disrupts systems, and, without an empowered cyber security in place, data can easily be compromised. The role of the government will thus be more shaped around the legislative aspect, to ensure this sector becomes more process-oriented and satisfies legal measures in terms of preserving and securing data. Data will dominate the whole world, be it from a business, economic, social, or political perspective. Data will have a deep impact, not only on assets, but also on health, which is why there needs to be proper legislative measures and an international effort mandated by international organizations around the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
DATA MASTERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Focus: Future foreign policy
Friends to all, enemy to none
In championing the late Sultan Qaboos' non-interference foreign policy, the new ruler of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, is determined to work for friendship and peace, justice and harmony, and coexistence and positive constructive dialogue.
read articleInterview
David Kalife, CEO, Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO)
Despite Oman's fuel market slowing down, OOMCO increased its sales volume of lubricants by 36% in 2019 and is constructing a greenfield bunker terminal at the Port of Duqm. The company has transformed while growing its expertise in Marketing and Digital.
read articleInterview
Azzan Al Busaidi, CEO, Ithraa
Azzan Al Busaidi is an expert in competitiveness and economic growth. He was appointed CEO of Ithraa in 2019 after 17 years spent covering managerial roles in the organization. Al Busaidi was previously Ithraa's director general of planning and studies and is a strong advocate of the potential of digitization. He holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde and a BSc in Economics from Sultan Qaboos University.
read articleInterview
Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion & Former Chairman, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Private Omani companies will be able to benefit greatly from the Fourth Industrial Revolution by enhancing their local value-added strategies and upskilling the workforce.
read articleInterview
Tahir Bin Salim Bin Abdullah Al Amri, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman (CBO)
The Central Bank of Oman's job is to ensure there is adequate liquidity in the system and that banks remain robust and resilient to meet the credit requirements of all segments without undermining financial stability.
read articleB2B
Capital markets
CMA and MSM are supporting Vision 2040 by providing financing to government companies that intend to go public, financing expansion of existing and new IPOs, and widening the investors base in Oman by enhancing and developing the investment funds and insurance industries.
read articleInterview
Khalid Al Balushi, CEO, Khazaen Economic City
International investors and business owners can benefit from Khazaen Economic City's strategic location and its close proximity to the main gateways of the country to import, process, manufacture, distribute locally, and export their goods and services.
read articleFocus: Port 4.0
Destined for greatness
Investments in world-class infrastructure have generated huge rewards for Oman. The goal now is to leverage technology as a disruptive enabler, build human capacity across the public and private logistics sectors, and drive operational efficiencies to build an integrated logistics business environment that is benchmarked against the world's best.
read articleFocus: Gap in tourism services
All bases covered
An amalgamation of local companies and unique experiences in Oman has created an original flavor that is further differentiating Oman's tourism offering from other countries and in the process attracting scores of tourists from all across the world.
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Engineering design
Renardet Engineering Consultants and Design Unit Engineering are recognized experts in their fields. While the former is an international company strongly committed to excellent engineering consultancy services and environmental practices, the latter is an Oman-based team of architects and engineers that incorporates local culture and traditions.
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Construction materials
Oman's construction sector is facing a host of challenges, but Hempel Paints and Al Maha Ceramics are confident that a mix of forward-thinking business models, unique products, and strong government initiatives will help them through turbulent times and generate positive returns in the long run.
read articleInterview
Salim Razvi, CEO, Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA)
Focusing on higher education institutional accreditation, program accreditation, and the updating and maintaining of the Oman Qualifications Framework, OAAA is helping further advance higher education in the Sultanate.
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