University of Technology and Applied Sciences - Mussanah hosts Semi-Final of the Oman IoT & AI Challenge 2025
Muscat: The University of Technology and Applied Sciences - Mussanah hosted the semi-final round of the Oman IoT & AI Challenge 2025 on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, under the patronage of H.E Dr. Juma bin Khalifa Al Busaidi, Member of the State Council, with the presence of distinguished academics, specialists, and entrepreneurs.
The competition included innovative and high-quality projects in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). Participants competed in three main tracks: Graduation Projects, Scientific Posters, and Startups. They presented their ideas before a specialized judging panel, which evaluated the projects based on innovation, quality, and practical applicability.
In her speech during the event, Dr. Nihad Al-Zadjali, Deputy Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UTAS-Mussanah, emphasized that this competition serves as a crucial platform to encourage technological innovation and develop smart solutions that enhance digital transformation in Oman. She highlighted the university's strong commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and empowering Omani talents in modern technological fields. She further stated that the competition aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry to develop projects and transform them into market-ready solutions.
The semi-final round showcased creative and practical projects, with the most outstanding teams in the Graduation Projects and Startups categories advancing to the final round, which will be held in the coming period. The judging panel praised the high level of innovation demonstrated by the participants, which reflects the technical creativity of Omani youth and their ability to compete at regional and international levels.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the valuable experience, which allowed them to present their ideas before industry experts and benefit from valuable guidance to enhance their projects.
This challenge marks a significant step in fostering digital innovation in Oman, as the university continues to empower young talents and equip them with the necessary skills to achieve technological advancements that reinforce Oman's position as a hub for technological innovation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Dhofar gears up for khareef with 100 tourist sites, 7,300 rooms
SALALAH, June 7 Dhofar Governorate is gearing up for its signature tourism season with a marked increase in hospitality capacity, as the number of licensed establishments reaches 100, offering 7,300 rooms, the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed. The expansion — driven by new hotel openings in Salalah, Taqah and Mirbat — is part of wider preparations for Khareef 2025, a key period for tourism in Oman. 'This capacity growth reflects our strategic focus on readiness and service excellence,' said Abdullah bin Omar al Sabbah Baaboud, Assistant Director of the Promotion Department in Dhofar. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, he noted, is working in tandem with stakeholders to upgrade tourism infrastructure and attract further investment into the hospitality sector. These efforts align with Oman Vision 2040, which positions tourism as a vital contributor to economic diversification and local development. According to official data, Dhofar welcomed 1.048 million visitors during the Khareef 2024 season, a 9 per cent year-on-year increase. Omani visitors surged by 70.1 per cent to over 734,500, while Gulf visitors rose 16.9 per cent, reaching nearly 177,000. Visitors from other Arab nations also posted a modest increase of 3.6 per cent. By end-2024, Dhofar had 83 licensed hotel properties offering 6,537 rooms. The additional supply — set to reach 100 hotels by summer 2025 — aims to meet rising demand and expand accommodation options for a diverse visitor base. The 2024 season also featured a significantly extended calendar of events, running for 90 consecutive days. Activities ranged from cultural showcases and family entertainment to sporting attractions such as the Salalah International Cycling Tour, drawing broad audience engagement across the governorate. The ministry implemented targeted marketing campaigns, participated in international travel exhibitions; and organised media and trade familiarisation trips. Social media outreach also intensified, partnering with regional influencers to reinforce Dhofar's profile as a leading monsoon destination. Officials expect further growth in visitor arrivals over the coming seasons, supported by continuous infrastructure upgrades and broader investment in tourism services. With Khareef tourism now a centrepiece of Dhofar's economic strategy, the governorate is on track to solidify its standing as a premier destination in the Arabian Peninsula.
Observer
10 hours ago
- Observer
IMF backs Oman's reforms, warns of global risks
A recent visit by a staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held in Muscat from May 21 to 29, 2025, has provided a timely and comprehensive assessment of Oman's macroeconomic trajectory. Led by César Serra, the mission engaged with national authorities on key developments, fiscal performance, structural reforms and medium-term outlooks. The statement issued at the end of the visit presents a cautiously optimistic picture of Oman's economy — one marked by resilience, reform and prudent policymaking — while also highlighting emerging risks that require close attention. According to the IMF, Oman's real GDP expanded by 1.7 per cent in 2024, up from 1.2 per cent the previous year. This growth was achieved despite reduced hydrocarbon output, in line with Opec+ production curbs. The performance reflects strong non-oil sector activity — especially in manufacturing, logistics, tourism and services — all core areas targeted under Oman Vision 2040's diversification agenda. Looking ahead, GDP growth is forecast to accelerate to 2.4 per cent in 2025 and 3.7 per cent in 2026, supported by the expected phase-out of production limits and sustained investment in strategic sectors. Inflation remains well contained, registering 0.9 per cent year-on-year during January–April 2025, providing a stable environment for consumers and investors alike. The IMF notes that Oman's fiscal surplus stood at 3.3 per cent of GDP in 2024, although this figure was slightly lower than earlier estimates due to accelerated public investment in infrastructure, health, education and water services. In parallel, Energy Development Oman (EDO) redirected a portion of its dividend payments to long-term investment, further contributing to the temporary narrowing of fiscal space. Over the short term, the fiscal surplus is projected to moderate to an average of 0.5 per cent of GDP during 2025–2026, before recovering in the medium term as oil output increases and reform measures take hold. Importantly, Oman continues to make significant progress in public debt reduction. Central government debt declined to 35.5 per cent of GDP in 2024, down from 37.5 per cent the previous year. State-owned enterprise (SOE) debt also fell to approximately 31 per cent of GDP, reflecting continued progress on governance and operational reform under the Oman Investment Authority. Oman's current account posted a surplus of 2.2 per cent of GDP in 2024 but is expected to shift into a moderate deficit of around 2 per cent of GDP during 2025–2026, due to softer oil prices and more subdued non-oil export growth. Nonetheless, the IMF expects a return to surplus thereafter, contingent on higher oil production and stronger trade performance. On the financial front, the banking sector remains robust. Omani banks are well-capitalised, profitable, and maintain strong liquidity positions. The sector continues to support private sector credit growth, backed by an expanding deposit base and a positive net foreign asset position. The IMF report underscores that structural reforms are advancing across multiple fronts. The Tax Authority is implementing its Tax Administration Modernisation Programme, the Central Bank of Oman is refining its liquidity management framework, and efforts are underway to expand access to finance through a well-structured financial development agenda. One of the most significant milestones is the operational launch of Future Fund Oman, a new investment platform designed to mobilise private capital into key economic sectors. Several projects have already been approved, and substantial co-investment from the private sector has been secured. Simultaneously, Oman is intensifying its efforts in renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen. These initiatives are vital for future energy security, export diversification and industrial development. The finalisation of the 11th Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030) — framed under the objectives of Vision 2040 — is expected to play a critical role in consolidating these reform gains and accelerating economic diversification. Despite a broadly favourable outlook, the IMF warns of downside risks. Geopolitical tensions, global trade disruptions and prolonged weakness in oil prices could all undermine fiscal and external stability. Furthermore, elevated global interest rates could raise borrowing costs and dampen private investment, particularly if hydrocarbon revenues soften. To mitigate these risks, the IMF recommends that Oman sustain its current reform momentum, enhance private sector participation and continue building fiscal buffers. Policy consistency and timely implementation will be essential to navigating this uncertain landscape. The IMF's mission affirms that Oman has made tangible progress in strengthening its economic fundamentals. Growth is returning, inflation is low, debt is declining and reforms are deepening. The economy is now better positioned to respond to external shocks and capitalise on long-term opportunities. As Oman prepares to launch its next development cycle, the focus must remain on execution. Maintaining investor confidence, advancing green energy initiatives and ensuring inclusive growth will be critical to achieving Vision 2040's long-term goals. Oman's economic strategy is evolving with purpose. The challenge now is to maintain momentum, institutionalise reform, and drive the transition from a hydrocarbon-dependent model to a resilient, diversified and sustainable economy.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Pact to advance urban air mobility in Oman
MUSCAT, JUNE 6 AeroVecto, an Oman-based startup specialising in sustainable air mobility solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Romanian-based LYNEports, a digital planning platform for advanced air mobility infrastructure, to support the rollout of hybrid electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aviation services in Oman and the wider GCC region. The partnership is set to take advanced air mobility services, currently in its nascency in Oman, to the next level. A number of Omani startups, in partnership with key players in the global international, are gearing up to introduce uncrewed air mobility services for, among other fields, cargo deliveries, passenger transportation, ambulance services, medical deliveries and even disaster relief. AeroVecto is credited with developing Shuttle, a hybrid eVTOL aircraft purposely built for mass public transportation. According to the company, the high-capacity aircraft will enhance current ground-based public transport by enabling convenient point-to-point travel. With a focus on passenger volume and comfort, Shuttle aims to revolutionise urban and intercity mobility, introducing a new era of clean, efficient and scalable air transport. Through the partnership, LYNEports will assist in planning and simulating AeroVecto's Shuttle network, ensuring each site meets aviation-grade safety standards, operational viability and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, by leveraging LYNEports' AI-driven platform, AeroVecto can evaluate ideal locations, model flight routes and visualise integrated transport systems, accelerating the adoption of advanced air mobility across Oman. 'At AeroVecto, our vision is to make high-capacity aerial commuting a practical reality for cities across the region. We are excited to partner with LYNEports to advance vertiport planning and route optimisation of the Shuttle network, enabling efficient urban air transport for the masses,' said Fahad al Riyami, CEO of AeroVecto, in a statement. 'We're excited to support AeroVecto in bringing their innovative vision to life,' said Rasha Alshami, CEO of LYNEports. 'Their commitment to solving real public transport challenges in the region aligns perfectly with our mission to make AAM infrastructure accessible, safe and well-planned from day one.' AeroVecto's vision extends beyond aircraft development; the company is also designing "Shuttle Hubs" — dedicated vertiports strategically located in urban centres, coastal areas and atop buildings to facilitate seamless boarding and integration with existing transport networks. The Shuttle platform includes variants for cargo delivery, emergency response and premium travel, showcasing its versatility across sectors. Oman is making significant strides in developing its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable and smart transportation. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has initiated the formulation of a national AAM strategy. This strategy focuses on integrating drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into urban transport systems to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity. Last July, Oman's national passenger transportation company Mwasalat announced a partnership with US VTOL aircraft manufacturer Odys Aviation to support the development of Aerial Logistics Programmes in the GCC based on the latter's hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, Laila. Additionally, with the goal of supporting workforce development linked to this emerging sector, a leading college in Muscat has announced a partnership with aircraft maker Boeing to launch the an Air Taxis and Advanced Air Mobility programme designed to provide undergraduate aviation students with opportunities for research, curriculum enrichment and participation in business challenges related to urban air mobility. Together with regulatory support from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other stakeholder agencies, these developments underscore Oman's ambitions to become a regional leader in advanced air mobility. HIGHLIGHTS Oman is making significant strides in developing its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, aligning with the Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable and smart transportation
