Oman's digital transformation progress reaches 73 per cent
MUSCAT: The National Government Digital Transformation Programme, known as "Tahweel," has achieved an overall performance rate of 73% by the end of November 2024, a significant increase from 53% in 2023. Government institutions demonstrated an average performance of 77% in meeting digital transformation requirements, while governorates averaged 71%. A total of 49 government entities and governorates were assessed as part of the transformation process.
According to the annual report on digital transformation issued by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, government institutions have made remarkable progress in implementing digital transformation requirements. Four government entities — Muscat Governorate, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and the Oman Investment Authority — achieved the advanced level for the first time, representing 8% of the total institutions evaluated. Additionally, 38 government entities, accounting for 78%, attained above-average performance, while six institutions (12%) reached the average level. Only one institution (2%) fell below average and none were classified at the low level.
The report highlighted the top-performing service institutions in digital transformation, with Muscat Governorate, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, and the Royal Oman Police leading the rankings. Among non-service institutions, the Follow-up Unit for the Implementation of Oman Vision 2040, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and the Oman Investment Authority were recognised as the best-performing entities. These institutions have demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing digital efficiency and improving government services in line with international standards.
Between 2021 and 2024, the government simplified procedures for 2,680 services out of a targeted 2,869, achieving a 93% completion rate. In 2024 alone, 481 services underwent simplification. Meanwhile, digitalisation efforts resulted in 1,700 services being digitised, including automated permit activities, out of a total 2,523 services targeted for digitisation by the end of 2025. This represents a 67% achievement rate for priority digital services, with 355 services digitised in 2024 alone.
Recognising the importance of digital platforms in improving service accessibility, the report emphasised the role of digital initiatives in boosting efficiency across government institutions. In 2024, government entities developed and launched 11 new mobile applications designed to enhance service delivery for citizens and residents. Several key digital platforms were introduced, including the "Rehabilitation" platform by the Ministry of Social Development, the "Development" and "Amlak" platforms by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and the electronic portal for judicial services by the Supreme Judicial Council. Other significant platforms included the Environment Authority's "Naqi" National Air Quality Index, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals' "Energy" platform, and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion's "Hazm" and "Marouf Oman" platforms. Additionally, electronic portals were launched for Al Buraimi, Al Wusta, and Al Batinah South Governorates, reinforcing Oman's commitment to digital transformation under Oman Vision 2040.
The report outlined major achievements in central digital projects, including the Unified Portal for Government Services, which is being developed to offer a centralised platform for all government services. By the end of 2024, the portal's development had reached 73% completion, with the first phase of user experience enhancements finalised and the design phase of a unified mobile application completed. A technical integration guide for the portal was introduced, alongside a strategy for developing digital content for government services. The portal's initial phase, integrating services from 10 government institutions, is expected to launch by the end of February.
Oman's National Open Data Platform, which aims to centralise and publish open data across multiple sectors, has reached 63% completion. Testing and content reviews are currently underway, with 20 government institutions targeted in its first rollout. Additionally, integration efforts through the National Platform for Digital Integration have led to the exchange of over 471 million data records between January and November 2024, marking a 73% increase from the previous year. Since the platform's inception in 2017, approximately 1.4 billion records have been exchanged.
The impact of Oman's digital transformation is evident in the sharp rise in e-government transactions. Between January and November 2024, over 26.9 million government transactions were completed digitally, compared to 9.4 million in 2023. The number of institutions implementing technical solutions for remote access increased to 88% in 2024, up from 56% in 2023. Furthermore, 267 automated government services were introduced, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Beneficiary satisfaction with digital services across 48 government institutions averaged 77% in 2024. The number of institutions with an approved change management plan for digital transformation rose to 55%, a substantial increase from 17% in 2023. — ONA
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