Al Rawas started his professional career in the private sector in July 2002 when he was appointed Executive Vice President of Oman Telecommunications Company (OMANTEL) [17] with the aim of preparing the government-owned company for market liberalization through privatization and the introduction of competition.[18] In 2004, he contributed to the launch of Oman Mobile and became its first managing director until 2009.[19] Oman Mobile was established by the Omani government to operate as an independent company in charge of the mobile license, while the wire line license remained with Omantel.[19]