Muscat – Omani engineers have achieved a significant milestone by successfully designing the first-ever advanced electronic chips, known as Oman-1 and Oman-2, as confirmed by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT).

The Global Semiconductor and Microelectronics Company (GSME) organised an event on Monday to celebrate the development of the chips, which was done under the National Programme for Digital Economy with the support of MTCIT and the Ministry of Labour.

The occasion marked the successful completion of the initial design phase of Oman-1 and Oman-2 crafted by Omani designers following an intensive technical training.

“The chips and designs will undergo a thorough testing and verification to ensure their readiness for production at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in Taiwan,” said an official at MTCIT.

Highlighting the impressive growth of the semiconductor industry, the official said that the volume of global sales of semiconductors and electronic chips rose to US$601.7bn in 2022, posting 1.1% growth from US$595bn in 2021.

H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology at MTCIT, hailed the development as a momentous achievement in the realm of semiconductors and electronic chips production in Oman.

“This achievement serves as a testament to the capabilities and talents of Omani youth in designing integrated circuits within locally equipped laboratories.”

This breakthrough, Dr Shidhani believed, “will pave the way for both local and global investments in research, development, and manufacturing of these advanced chips; and provide valuable employment opportunities to our ambitious youth.”

It will also foster the growth of semiconductor and chip-related industries in the country.
“Overall, the success of GSME Oman will contribute to the establishment of an integrated ecosystem that may support the semiconductor and electronic chips industry in the sultanate,” Dr Shidhani added.

Farhat Jahangir, CEO of GSME Oman and a semiconductor expert, expressed pride in Oman having this achievement.

“The successful design of the first chip entirely created by Omani engineers is a testament to our commitment to fostering technological growth and innovation in Oman through strategic investments in developing local talent and expertise.”

He revealed that GSME Oman has conducted a comprehensive chip design training programme, benefiting over 90 engineers in Oman.

In June 2022, MTCIT and MoL signed a cooperation agreement with the Semiconductor Development and Investment Company (SDIC), an affiliate of GSME. They joined hands together to support the establishment of Oman’s pioneering project focused on the design and manufacturing of semiconductors.

SDIC has submitted to MTCIT a provisional business and investment plan spread over five years. SDIC plans to establish a specialised factory for manufacturing, packaging, and exporting semiconductor chips that are integral to the production of electronic devices and equipment.