Latest news with #AinMediaPlatform
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman deploys AI to drive Vision 2040 goals
MUSCAT, JUNE 2 The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, has launched a portfolio of artificial intelligence (AI) pilot projects across strategic sectors, as part of the 'AI Economics' initiative under Oman's National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies. According to the MTCIT's 2024 annual report, the initiative seeks to embed AI tools within priority sectors including healthcare, energy, investment, public administration, and tourism. The overarching aim is to accelerate economic diversification, build national digital capabilities, and align with the long-term objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The newly introduced projects are designed to improve decision-making, service delivery, and operational efficiency across both public and private sectors. Each initiative reflects the government's strategic intent to position Oman as a regional leader in the digital economy. One of the flagship initiatives is the National Center for Virtual Health, which leverages AI to provide remote specialised healthcare services. The project aims to expand access to medical care, particularly in remote areas, while reducing the overall burden on physical health infrastructure. In the field of energy and natural resources, the Geological Data Analysis project applies AI to enhance the accuracy of identifying oil, gas, and mineral deposits, as well as locating potential sites for renewable energy development. The government has also launched an Environmental Information Bank, which combines AI and blockchain technologies to create a secure and intelligent system for managing environmental data. This platform is expected to support more informed policymaking in areas such as climate change, conservation, and pollution control. In the media sector, the Ain Media Platform has been introduced to improve the quality and personalisation of media services offered to users. The platform uses AI algorithms to streamline content delivery and tailor experiences based on user preferences. Another key initiative is the Investment Data Dashboard, an interactive tool powered by AI that enables real-time analysis of investment flows and economic indicators. This dashboard is designed to support evidence-based policymaking and attract foreign direct investment by improving data transparency. To support tourism and transport, the Smart Gates in Dhofar project has been rolled out to monitor vehicle movements, congestion levels, and tourist volumes, particularly during high season. The initiative is expected to enhance traffic management and facilitate more efficient planning for tourism services in the southern governorate. Within the realm of public sector reform, the Smart Administration programme focuses on automating administrative procedures to improve efficiency and responsiveness in government services. The project aligns with national efforts to digitise service delivery and reduce bureaucratic delays. The Training Workshop Management system is another AI-enabled platform designed to optimise content organisation and evaluate the effectiveness of capacity-building programmes. It will provide real-time feedback and analytics to improve training outcomes across government institutions. To stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, the government has introduced a Support Programme for Promising Omani Companies. Implemented in coordination with the Promising Omani Startups Programme, the initiative offers targeted financial and technical assistance to startups developing AI-based solutions. Together, these projects reflect a coordinated national approach to harnessing the economic potential of AI and advanced digital technologies. By fostering innovation, enhancing institutional efficiency, and enabling smarter public services, the AI Economics initiative is poised to support Oman's transition toward a knowledge-based economy. As implementation progresses, the integration of AI into economic planning and service delivery is expected to open new pathways for growth, investment, and competitiveness. These developments reinforce the Sultanate's ambition to lead digital transformation efforts across the region.
Observer
07-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman fast-tracks Artificial Intelligence for economic transformation
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is intensifying efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across various economic sectors as part of its broader digital economy strategy. Central to this initiative is the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, which promotes AI adoption in economic and development sectors, localises AI technologies, and ensures responsible governance with a human-centered approach. Oman's focus on AI is yielding results. In 2024, the country climbed five spots to rank 45th globally out of 193 countries on the Government AI Readiness Index. The national AI programme has led to several milestones, including the 'Engineer It with AI' competition, which generated eight qualified generative AI applications now available on digital platforms. To foster innovation and reduce implementation risks, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) has piloted a range of AI-powered experiments in controlled settings. These include facial recognition systems, air quality monitoring, AI-driven agricultural census, smart urban planning, drone-based surveying, and intelligent systems for fish farming and construction. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation is backing academic research aligned with national AI priorities. A standout project from the National University of Science and Technology—focused on maximising benefits and minimising risks of generative AI in education—has made notable progress. The research involves building smart models and analysing educational data to create a national framework for AI's impact in the sector. In a bid to accelerate economic diversification, Oman is implementing the 'Artificial Intelligence Economics' initiative, which supports government innovation and AI-based solutions across sectors. Among the approved projects are the National Centre for Virtual Health, Geological Data Analysis, Environmental Information Bank, Ain Media Platform, Investment Dashboard, smart governance portals, and a support program for Omani startups. Dr Salem bin Humaid al Shuaili, Director of AI and Advanced Technologies Projects at MoTCIT, revealed that Oman allocated RO 10 million in 2023 and RO 15 million in 2024 for AI projects. Between 2021 and 2024, total investment in the AI sector reached RO 60 million. Dr Al Shuaili also highlighted the ongoing development of 'Oman GPT,' a national language model to improve public sector efficiency using generative AI. Additionally, the upcoming 'Studio Oman' AI Centre will serve as a platform to bridge innovators with market needs, boost GDP contributions from AI, and localise key digital technologies. Oman is also setting up a Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre—the sixth in the Middle East and 22nd globally—to drive AI localisation and benefit from international expertise. The move underscores Oman's ambition to become a leading nation in AI readiness, attract more startups, and increase annual AI investment by 20%.
