IFC backs Yamna’s $1.3 bn AI data centre in Oman

MUSCAT, NOV 10
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, has signed an advisory services agreement with international energy and infrastructure developer Yamna to support the development of its proposed $1.3 billion Salalah Al Khadra Digital project in Dhofar Governorate.
The agreement represents a significant step towards advancing the AI-ready data centre campus, while underscoring IFC's expanding engagement with Oman in sustainable infrastructure, private sector investment and economic diversification.
Under the arrangement, IFC will advise Yamna on strengthening the project's sustainability credentials and financing preparedness, including readiness for internationally recognised EDGE green building certification, sustainable financing frameworks, and preliminary environmental, social and climate risk assessments.
The engagement will also draw on IFC's expertise in data centre development and renewable energy integration, helping position the project to attract international investors, financiers and hyperscale customers.
Abdelaziz Yatribi, Founder and CEO of Yamna, welcomed the partnership, stating: 'Working with IFC will support our efforts to develop the project in line with international best practice and the expectations of global customers and financing partners.'
He described the agreement as an important step towards establishing Oman as a leading data centre destination, building on Yamna's recent strategic cooperation memorandum with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT).
Wendy Werner, World Bank Group Country Manager in Oman, commented: 'As demand for AI and digital services accelerates, the infrastructure that underpins them must be built with sustainability at its core.'
She added that IFC's involvement would help align the development with international standards and attract investment.
Salalah Al Khadra Digital envisages the establishment of a large-scale, renewable energy-integrated data centre platform designed to accommodate AI computing, cloud infrastructure and hyperscale digital services. The project builds on Yamna's existing involvement in Oman's renewable energy sector, notably its participation in a major green hydrogen development in Dhofar.
IFC's involvement also reflects its widening investment footprint in Oman. In January 2026, the institution announced an IFC-led financing package of up to $480 million for United Solar's $1.6 billion polysilicon manufacturing plant in Sohar, including $200 million from its own account.
Other commitments include a $200 million climate-finance facility for Sohar International Bank and up to $120 million for National Finance Company to support sustainable lending to SMEs and individuals.
IFC has additionally partnered with Future Fund Oman to explore investments in green manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, logistics, agribusiness and healthcare, reinforcing its support for Oman Vision 2040.