On a mission to provide the best IT services, Oman Data Park delivers cutting-edge solutions with the highest standards of reliability, security, and responsiveness. We speak with Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO, to learn more about the company’s seamless technology integration.
POWERFUL SOLUTIONS FOR ANY BUSINESS
“At Oman Data Park, we’re not just building data centres – we’re building ecosystems.”
Evidently, Maqbool Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Data Park (ODP), is confident in his company’s ability to provide a premium IT offering and highly advanced solutions.
ODP is a premier regional provider of cloud and data centre services, committed to transforming businesses’ digital landscapes.
Established in 2012, the company offers a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge solutions, including cloud hosting, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and managed services, tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across industries.
“With state-of-the-art facilities and a robust infrastructure, we ensure unparalleled reliability, security, and efficiency whilst being dedicated to empowering organisations with innovative technology that drives growth and enhances operational agility,” Al Wahaibi confirms.
Currently, the global data centre industry is experiencing a surge in development. However, with increased demand comes higher expectations and greater technological feats to overcome.
ODP is not only addressing these concerns but mastering them with exceptional expertise.
“The Middle East’s data centre industry is both thrilling and transformative – a rare convergence of opportunity and challenge,” he states.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are sprinting towards digital sovereignty, fuelled by AI adoption, smart cities, and Saudi Vision 2030.
Similarly, Oman Vision 2040 prioritises technology infrastructure, with data centres as the backbone. The country’s location is a neutral gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa, thus making it ideal for hyperscalers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft Azure, which are expanding regionally.
“Balancing rising power demands with sustainability mandates requires rethinking traditional designs. We’re therefore piloting solar-hybrid systems to cut carbon footprints whilst ensuring uptime,” furthers Al Wahaibi.
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY PROVISION
As the first data centre in Oman with a 90 percent market share, ODP’s dominance isn’t just about being the frontrunner; it’s about rewriting the rules of regional competition.
“Whilst others retrofit global models, we built Oman’s first Tier 3+ sovereign cloud, ensuring data residency compliance for sectors like banking and government,” Al Wahaibi expands.
Unlike competitors tied to single providers, ODP offers multi-cloud neutrality, which is critical for enterprises avoiding vendor lock-in, as it allows for seamless integration regardless of the cloud or workload.
“We’re not just a vendor but a national digital partner, co-designing infrastructure for Oman’s future,” Al Wahaibi prides.
With the region’s cyberattacks increasing by 62 percent in 2023, the company’s AI-driven security operations centre protects over 90 Omani enterprises, from oil giants to start-ups.
ODP is proud to be an Omani-majority technological team delivering 24/7 support with unmatched cultural fluency and a deep understanding of local enterprise needs, able to address security risks with confidence and ease.
“In short, we blend global technological rigour with Omani DNA – a recipe no foreign player can replicate.”
Additionally, the company is advancing its capabilities even further by constructing three new data centres. This is due to the growing demand generated by the adoption of AI and the cloud in the business community.
These new data centres will help prepare the nation for the future, facilitating Oman’s digital transformation journey and building confidence in hyperscalers and international technology companies to invest in the country.
Given the significance of cloud, AI, and digital transformation in this Fourth Industrial Revolution, Oman possesses unparalleled growth potential in the data centre industry.
“With our strategic location, access to open global waters, and proactive government policies, we are positioned as a promising technology hub,” asserts Al Wahaibi.
The presence of major international hyperscalers, extensive submarine cable networks, and significant investments in data centres and cloud solutions also underscore the country’s potential to become a central player in the global digital economy.
PROPELLING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
To continue its upward momentum, ODP has recently invested in a Centre for Excellence. This strategic move will nurture local talent, drive innovation, and establish a knowledge hub that supports the digital transformation of Oman and the broader region.
“The centre will serve as a platform for training, research, and collaboration with academia, government, and international partners,” Al Wahaibi imparts.
“It’s all about creating sustainable capabilities that will power our digital future from within.”
Additionally, ODP has invested in the Kemet Data Centre in the Suez Canal Economic Zone as part of its regional expansion strategy. With Egypt acting as a key digital gateway between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, the company’s latest partnership offers clients greater connectivity, redundancy, and access to international fibre routes.
ODP believes investing beyond its borders can bring global best practices home, whilst positioning Oman as a serious contender in the international data economy.
“It’s about creating value locally and regionally and doing so in a way that’s smart, scalable, and sustainable,” Al Wahaibi explains.
Equally as important as its international expansion is the company’s investment in the digital and software elements of its supply chain.
Whilst its core business is centred around world-class data centre infrastructure, ODP recognises that the future of digital transformation isn’t just about physical assets – it’s increasingly about the software, systems, and digital ecosystems that power its operations and enable seamless service delivery.
As such, the company’s investment in digital and software capabilities revolves around future-proofing its operations, enhancing resilience, and delivering even greater value to partners and customers.
“We see this as a critical enabler of Oman’s broader digital ambitions, and we’re committed to leading by example,” dictates Al Wahaibi.
PAVING A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
As ODP continues to embrace the massive wave of digital transformation, it recognises the incomparable significance of its staff members, who enable the company to flourish.
“Our people are our greatest asset. We invest in their growth through continuous training, mentorship programmes, and opportunities to lead innovation projects,” asserts Al Wahaibi.
He believes recognition is key and celebrates wins through awards, public acknowledgements, and career advancement. Therefore, by fostering ownership and prioritising well-being, ODP ensures its team feels valued, capable, and motivated to drive the company forwards together.
In parallel, ODP values and engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“CSR is deeply embedded in our DNA. We believe that driving digital transformation goes hand-in-hand with uplifting communities and contributing to Oman’s long-term vision,” he informs.
Additionally, the company is investing heavily in building the country’s digital talent pipeline. In 2024, it inducted and trained over 100 young Omanis in data centre technology, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, many of whom went on to join leading technology firms or launch start-ups.
Alongside partnering with schools and universities, ODP’s experts have worked diligently to create accessible digital literacy through panel discussions, podcasts, interviews, and events.
“Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind in Oman’s digital leap,” Al Wahaibi outlines.
With the future of data centres promising continued growth, the company is on the verge of entering a new era.
“Our priorities are laser-focused on scaling Oman’s digital ecosystem whilst staying true to our national vision,” details Al Wahaibi.
The company aspires to move away from being a pure-play data centre provider to a full-stack digital infrastructure partner. This entails offering cloud services, AI-driven analytics, and managed solutions along with professional services.
“AI isn’t just a buzzword for us – it’s our next frontier.”
Indeed, ODP is integrating AI into its operations and launching AI tools for clients, including large language models, smart city analytics, and automated customer service platforms.
Its goal is to make the country a regional leader in practical AI adoption, helping businesses unlock efficiency and innovation.
“It’s not just about infrastructure – it’s about impact. By expanding our capabilities, empowering people, and fostering innovation, we’re building the foundation for a smarter, more connected Oman. And that’s exactly where we need to be,” Al Wahaibi concludes.
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