Oman, Rwanda to strengthen ties in tech sector
Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Rwanda have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fields of communications, information technology, and digital economy development.
The MoU was signed during Oman's participation in the Global AI Summit under the theme 'Artificial Intelligence and Africa's Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa's Workforce', in Kigali on Friday.
On behalf of Oman, the MoU was signed by H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. On the Rwandan side, the agreement was signed by Yves Iradukunda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Information Technology, and Innovation.
The MoU outlines a framework for enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange in areas such as digitising government services, digital transformation, and the application of artificial intelligence.
Additionally, it seeks to expand private sector involvement and systems integration in communications, information technology, and innovation. Key components of the MoU include promoting joint research initiatives focused on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. It also includes measures to enhance cybersecurity and develop the information technology sector in both nations.
The agreement envisions strengthening the capabilities of emerging tech companies and small and medium enterprises, improving data protection expertise, and advancing personal data protection and digital economy initiatives.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
New public transport hub to come up in Buraimi
Buraimi – The Governorate of Buraimi and Mwasalat signed an agreement last week to establish a new integrated public transport station in the wilayat of Buraimi. The project forms part of efforts to expand sustainable mobility infrastructure under Oman Vision 2040. The new transport station will be developed in the North Aqda area on a 56,000sqm plot, serving both intercity and local routes. Facilities will include a smart taxi terminal, micro-mobility options, air-conditioned waiting areas, commercial and logistics spaces, parking for buses and private vehicles, as well as dedicated offices for operations. The agreement was signed in the presence of H E Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport in the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Buraimi, signed on behalf of the governorate, while Eng Bader bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, represented the company. Under the terms of the agreement, Mwasalat will take on technical responsibilities including design specifications and implementation oversight. The company will also manage and operate the station once it is completed. The governorate will provide funding and manage regulatory aspects such as land allocation and zoning approvals. Busaidi said the station would support a shift in the public transport landscape in Buraimi. 'The station will serve a large number of passengers, especially with the 12 daily trips between Muscat and Buraimi,' he said. 'It will also reinforce Buraimi's position as a key transit point along the Muscat-Abu Dhabi corridor.' Eng Nadabi said the project also has commercial potential. 'A tender for the station's development and operation will be issued shortly,' he said. 'Construction is due to begin within three months and is expected to be completed in three years.' The initiative aligns with Oman's national objective to enhance domestic connectivity and promote governorates as regional centres for transport and logistics.
Observer
6 days ago
- Observer
Pact signed to build integrated public bus station in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Al Buraimi Governorate and national transport operator Mwasalat have signed an agreement to establish a modern, integrated public bus station in the Al Uqda Al Shamaliya area of Al Buraimi. The facility will span 56,000 square metres and aims to enhance the public transport network in line with Oman Vision 2040. The project will feature an eco-friendly design and provide both inter-city and intra-city transport services. Key components include a smart taxi hub, a micro-mobility station, air-conditioned waiting areas, dedicated bus bays, offices for transport operators, retail shops, logistics services, and ample parking for cars and buses. The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The agreement was signed by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, and Engineer Badr bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat. According to the agreement, Mwasalat will act as the technical lead, responsible for the station's design standards, supervision, and eventual operation and management. The governorate will provide funding for infrastructure works and facilitate administrative and regulatory processes, including land use modifications. The site will be designated as the exclusive hub for public transport services in the governorate. Governor Al Busaidi highlighted the project's economic and social impact, stating that the new station will cater to a large number of public transport users. Currently, around 12 daily bus services run on the Muscat–Al Buraimi route, along with cross-border services to Abu Dhabi via Al Buraimi. Mwasalat CEO Al Nadabi added that the agreement also includes investment opportunities, with a tender to be floated for private sector participation. Construction is expected to begin within three months, with completion targeted within three years. — ONA
Observer
03-06-2025
- Observer
Space Engineering Lab under development in Oman
MUSCAT, JUNE 3 The National Space Programme is currently developing a space engineering laboratory in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University (SQ), according to a key official associated with the initiative. Dr Saud bin Humaid al Shueili, Head of the National Space Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), the Space Engineering Lab initiative underscores Oman's investment in local talent and research. 'Oman has the personal talent and the Universities in the country with the clear potential to deliver and sustain a space industry. The national space programme is working closely with Sultan Qaboos University to develop the Oman Space Engineering Laboratory. This is an important national project for developing domestic capability and building space skills for the Omani population. Oman has many excellent universities producing graduates in relevant science subjects,' Dr Al Shueili added in an interview featured in SpaceTech Gulf. The official also shared that the programme is working closely with academic establishments and the private sector to explore opportunities for incorporating space education into existing courses. 'The National Programme is working with private companies and universities to understand how we can further integrate space specific elements into existing courses such as engineers, data science, and GIS,' he added. Capacity building has been identified as a key pillar of the Oman Space Policy and Executive Programme, a 10-year framework aimed at positioning Oman as a regional and global hub for space applications. The policy outlines a national strategy to upskill graduates, embed space content into academic programmes, and strengthen academia-industry cooperation. It also encourages the creation of mentorship, business coaching, and technical training opportunities that reflect real market demand. Last September, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology unveiled a tender for the development of a space accelerator programme which aims to support entrepreneurs and local startups in the sector by providing resources, funding and guidance to help them expand and bring innovative products to the local and global markets. According to the ministry, the programme will focus on various activities in the space sector including communications, earth observation, geospatial analytics, drones, artificial intelligence and machine learning, big data processing, data storage and preservation, space sustainability and spacecraft simulation.
