
8-week digital transformation hackathon launched in Oman
Being held over a period of eight weeks at National Museum, the hackathon seeks to highlight the capacity of Omani youth to devise practical and innovative digital tools for institutional use, while encouraging creative engagement with digital transformation processes.
The ministry stated that the initiative serves as a platform for empowering youth and fostering collaboration between government entities and the wider community in developing effective solutions that support digitalisation in the public sector.
Participants will undergo a series of technical challenges and guided training sessions designed to steer their efforts towards outputs that can be applied within government and private sector frameworks.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
Omani startup targets onboarding of 5,000 drone pilots
MUSCAT, JULY 28 Omani drone startup SERB, backed by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) through Future Fund Oman (FFO), plans to onboard 5,000 drone pilots as part of its mission to build a comprehensive drone management ecosystem in the Sultanate. One of the most prominent drone-based service providers in the country, SERB is currently partnering with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the development and operation of the 'SERB Platform', a centralized system for drone registration and management. Formally unveiled by the CAA on January 28, 2025, the platform aims to enhance air navigation safety, regulate drone usage, and streamline the permitting process for drone operators. On the first anniversary of its launch, FFO highlighted its partnership with SERB as a model of high-impact economic growth. 'SERB is leading the transformation of drone management in the Sultanate. With support from FFO and strategic collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority, SERB aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040—aiming to enhance airspace safety, foster innovation in drone technology, and support the broad use of drones across the economy,' FFO noted in an Impact Report compiled by Oxford Business Group. As part of its strategic goal to foster skills development and industry growth, SERB aims to initially onboard around 5,000 drone pilots. It has also laid the groundwork for collaboration with 13 government entities to build the regulatory framework underpinning the platform. Once fully operational, the SERB Platform will offer a range of services including safe zone identification to help drone operators locate authorized areas for activities, a registration portal to simplify drone registration and permit acquisition, air traffic management capabilities to ensure safe integration into existing airspace, and environmental protection compliance mechanisms to uphold safety standards for people, property, and the natural environment. Looking ahead, SERB has ambitions to expand its regional footprint. 'SERB aims to extend its operations to regional markets, including Abu Dhabi, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. It plans to onboard major players in drone delivery, broaden the platform's capabilities, and position itself as a leader in technological innovation and ecosystem acceleration,' FFO added. Oman's domestic drone industry has seen strong momentum in recent years, attracting tens of millions of dollars in investment. A wave of startups and tech ventures now specialize in areas such as aerial inspection, precision agriculture, logistics, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure surveying. An increasing number of government ministries, oilfield operators, and logistics companies are partnering with local drone firms to implement innovative services—for example, deploying pesticide-spraying drones in date farms. Regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), have introduced technical standards and frameworks to nurture innovation within the sector. The continued growth of the drone ecosystem also supports youth entrepreneurship and the integration of advanced technologies—such as AI-powered logistics and smart agriculture—into national development strategies.


Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
UTAS students return from academic tour in Beijing
MUSCAT, JULY 28 The first student delegation from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) has returned to Oman after a successful academic journey to Beijing. This pioneering trip was part of the prestigious Royal Grant Programme for Student Trips, launched under the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The initiative aims to foster innovation and global exposure among Omani students through hands-on, international learning experiences. This year's itinerary spans three key destinations — Beijing and Shanghai in China, and Russia. The Beijing leg served as the inaugural chapter of the journey, offering a dynamic blend of scientific, technological and cultural immersion designed to broaden students' horizons and introduce them to global innovation landscapes. A key highlight of the visit was a field trip to the headquarters of Huawei, a global leader in information and communication technology. Students explored state-of-the-art developments in artificial intelligence, 5G networks, cloud computing, smart cities and e-learning platforms. Real-world tech projects from various global markets provided students with practical insights into the transformative power of modern technology. The delegation also experienced China's renowned high-speed rail by travelling to Tianjin aboard the iconic bullet train — cutting a two-hour journey to just 30 minutes through stunning scenery. Student Taqwa al Rawahi described it as 'an unforgettable experience', highlighting the fusion of nature and urban beauty. Raghad al Ajeeli added: 'Tianjin blends modernity and heritage - from Italian Culture Street to the illuminated Joliang Bridge. Its use of smart technologies makes it a model for sustainability.' In Tianjin, the group toured the Airbus A320 assembly plant and the BYD-D Space Center, delving into the realms of aircraft manufacturing and electric mobility. 'Visiting both factories deepened my appreciation for China's technological prowess,' said Firas al Zadjali. Cultural exposure was equally central to the program. At Beijing's historic Summer Palace, students were captivated by ancient Chinese architecture and serene landscapes. 'Walking through the Summer Palace felt like entering another era,' said Reem al Nabhani. The delegation also visited the Olympic Park — home to the 2008 Summer Olympics — where they explored iconic landmarks such as the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube. Dr Janan al Eisa, Media and Documentation Officer, noted: 'Seeing these venues in person brought the Olympic legacy to life — it was truly inspiring.' Another key stop was a visit to a leading AI and voice recognition tech firm, where students interacted with experts on cutting-edge applications in speech and artificial intelligence. 'This visit gave me fresh ideas for applying AI in engineering,' said student Al Muntasir al Kalbani. Mohammed al Mayahi, Sports Activity Specialist and delegation supervisor, emphasised the long-term impact of the programme: 'These experiences help students align with Oman Vision 2040 by building innovation-driven skills. We hope they return as role models for their peers.' To balance academics with leisure, students also explored Universal Studios Beijing and local markets, gaining a holistic taste of Chinese culture. Following the success of the Beijing leg, UTAS is preparing to send student delegations to Shanghai and Russia, continuing its commitment to global engagement and transformative learning under the Royal Grant Programme.


Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Digital hackathon kicks off,focuseson Youth
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has launched the 'Barmajan' Digital Transformation Hackathon, with the participation of 105 individuals representing 28 teams of developers, programmers, UX/UI designers and business analysts. The event aims to deliver innovative and implementable digital solutions for the ministry's sectors. Through this hackathon, which will run for eight full weeks at the National Museum, the ministry seeks to convey several key messages — most notably, that youth are capable of developing digital solutions for institutions while empowering them to harness their creativity in the field of digital transformation. The hackathon also aims to strengthen community engagement by involving them in creating solutions that support government institutions and drive digital transformation. The participants will face numerous technical challenges and training sessions designed to guide them in achieving results and developing suitable solutions that will serve both government and private institutions. - ONA