Muscat - October 20, 2025: Omantel Innovation Labs and inspireU, the startup accelerator arm of stc group have signed a strategic partnership during GITEX GLOBAL, aimed at fostering innovation and accelerating the growth of digital startups across the region. The partnership underscores the shared commitment of both entities to nurture a thriving innovative ecosystem, empower entrepreneurs, and drive growth through technology and knowledge exchange between the two countries. Both parties will collaborate to support startups accelerated within their respective programs by providing access to expert mentorship, technical guidance, and market expansion opportunities. The partnership also aims to facilitate smoother entry into regional markets, enabling Omani startups to benefit from inspireU’s network in Saudi Arabia and stc group’s ecosystem, while offering Saudi startups access to Omantel’s innovation ecosystem in Sultanate of Oman. Her Highness Sayyida Ghada Al Said, Senior Manager of Omantel Innovation Labs, said: “This partnership represents a strategic milestone in our mission to empower innovators and advance the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. Through our collaboration with inspireU, we aim to unlock new opportunities for startups to scale beyond borders, leveraging our shared strengths to shape the future of business and technology in the region.” Mr. Abdulrahman Al Zuhair, Director of inspireU at stc group, added: “We are pleased to partner with Omantel Innovation Labs to connect ecosystems and open new investment horizons across the GCC. Such collaboration enables access to emerging technologies and opens the path for entrepreneurs to scale regionally and compete globally. Together, we are building a stronger regional ecosystem aimed at supporting startup growth, expanding investments, and strengthening the GCC’s position as a global hub for digital innovation.” -ends- About Omantel Innovation Labs Omantel Innovation Labs is the startup support and corporate venture capitalist arm of Omantel. Since its establishment in 2021, Omantel Innovation Labs has played a central role in supporting Oman Vision 2040 by nurturing over 60 technology startups through its accelerator and innovation programs. Omantel Innovation Labs also manages a joint fund between Omantel and Future Fund Oman and has invested approximately 3 million OMR in promising ventures. About Omantel Omantel has succeeded, through the integration of its operations, processes, and extensive expertise in the field of communications and digital technology, in establishing its position as a leading telecommunications company within the Sultanate of Oman and beyond. The company's innovative approaches have contributed to providing state-of-the-art solutions to different consumer and business sectors. The company aims to deliver an unparalleled, exceptional experience to its customers and strives to always exceed their expectations. To achieve the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, Omantel invests in emerging technologies and provides cutting-edge ICT solutions, such as cloud solutions, AI, Smart solutions, cybersecurity, and much more, in addition to harnessing its technological capabilities to enhance innovation and leadership in new and advanced technologies. About inspireU inspireU was launched by stc group in 2015 as the first corporate accelerator in the region, with the goal of empowering startups in the fields of ICT and digital innovation. inspireU enables entrepreneurs through financial support, mentorship, growth opportunities, and access to stc’s ecosystem, enabling them to develop innovative solutions that strengthen the digital economy. The accelerator has successfully supported more than 150 startups, which have attracted investments exceeding one billion Saudi riyals, and their solutions have served over 52 million users, reflecting its significant impact in fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. About stc group stc group is the leading digital enabler in the region, offering comprehensive solutions that encompass digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital payments. Through its integrated innovation ecosystem, which includes colab, inspireU and tali ventures, the Group continues to empower entrepreneurs and drive the development of innovative digital solutions that contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. stc has established itself as a pioneering force in technology and telecommunications, leveraging its capabilities and expertise to advance digital transformation and accelerate innovation across the Kingdom and the wider region.

The initiative featured a specially designed booth where children were introduced to the basics of programming and data analysis through hands-on activities, alongside awareness sessions on safe digital practices. The experience aimed to nurture logical thinking, inspire creativity, and encourage children to explore technology in a fun and accessible way.

Families responded enthusiastically to the initiative, which attracted a large turnout with the number of child visitors 2400. Many praised Omantel’s innovative approach in presenting educational content that blended technology with entertainment, reflecting the success of the event in offering an inspiring learning journey that supports the development of a digitally capable generation.

The event was held under the theme “The Digital Hero” as part of Omantel’s wider efforts to equip younger generations with future-ready skills and raise awareness about the safe use of technology. Activities were carefully tailored to suit different age groups, encouraging children to learn through play and active participation. Several Omantel employees also volunteered in organizing the activities, highlighting teamwork and the company’s commitment to its community role.

This initiative reflects Omantel’s strategy to transform technology into an effective enabler for community development and skills empowerment. Beyond its investments in artificial intelligence, programming, and innovation, the company also supports education and social initiatives, reaffirming its belief in the role of technology in building an informed, creative, and competitive generation.

It also forms part of Omantel’s broader approach to leverage its advanced digital capabilities, including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented reality, to serve the community through innovative programs that target all age groups. Through its partnerships with educational institutions and innovation centers, Omantel continues to develop programs that enhance the digital skills of children and youth, supporting its vision of cultivating a digitally capable generation ready to thrive in the digital economy.

With such initiatives, Omantel reinforces its national commitment to driving digital transformation and empowering society with the tools of the future, extending beyond economic growth to raising awareness and encouraging responsible digital behavior, particularly among children who represent the foundation of a safer and more sustainable future.