Latest news with #AlibinAmeralShidhani
Muscat Daily
18-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman unveils policy for safe, ethical use of AI
Muscat – Oman has presented a document – Public Policy for the Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems – setting a comprehensive regulatory framework for responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. Announced by Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), the policy aims to ensure the secure and ethical use of AI while fostering innovation and enhancing the sultanate's global competitiveness. In a statement, the ministry said the policy integrates technical safeguards and ethical guidelines to build public trust in AI systems. It applies to all government entities and private sector institutions regulated by relevant authorities that develop or use AI technologies. The policy covers critical areas, including systems security, ethical compliance, transparency in AI decision-making and robust data privacy protection. It also outlines legal responsibilities of stakeholders involved in AI development and deployment, and promotes fairness by guarding against bias and discrimination. Additionally, it encourages sustainable innovation that benefits society and the environment. In parallel, MTCIT is advancing a national programme aimed at positioning the digital economy as a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness. This initiative seeks to attract foreign investment, expand digital industries and localise cutting-edge technologies in Oman. As part of this effort, the ministry has secured several high-impact ICT projects that contribute to economic diversification and generate employment for Omani professionals and opportunities for startups. H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary in MTCIT, announced that Dhofar now hosts multiple data centre projects, representing foreign investments of up to RO80mn. These centres focus on data processing, blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency mining – areas aligned with Oman's broader digital transformation goals. The projects have led to over 25 contracts of value exceeding RO22mn being awarded to local companies.
Observer
18-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Semiconductor design hub launched in Oman
The Sultanate of Oman has taken a significant step toward strengthening its position in the global digital economy with the signing of a cooperation programme to establish a large-scale integrated circuit (IC) design company in the country. The agreement was inked on Sunday, May 18 by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) and the Ministry of Labour with Indian technology firm Kinesis Semicon. The initiative aims to boost innovation in semiconductor design while nurturing local engineering talent. As part of the programme, 80 Omani engineers will undergo a 12-month intensive training in semiconductor design, funded by the Ministry of Labour. The initiative is aligned with efforts to build a skilled national workforce capable of contributing to Oman's digital transformation. 'This cooperation is a milestone in building a robust semiconductor industry in Oman,' said Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology at MoTCIT . 'The new company will serve as a regional hub for chip design and will be powered by trained Omani professionals,' he added. Kinesis Semicon, a global player in semiconductor design and manufacturing, is committed to transferring advanced technological expertise to Oman, supporting the localisation of high-tech industries. The partnership is a cornerstone of the Digital Industry Program, a key component of the National Digital Economy Programme, which seeks to increase the digital sector's contribution to GDP, attract strategic investments, and enhance youth competitiveness in emerging technologies. Sayyid Salim bin Musallam al Busaidi, Undersecretary for for Human Resources Development at the Ministry of Labour, emphasised that the programme supports national objectives to build a future-ready workforce. 'This partnership reflects our commitment to equipping Omani talent with skills aligned to global market needs,' he said. 'It's a major step toward realizing Oman Vision 2040, positioning the Sultanate of Oman as an innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy.' The memorandum was signed by Dr Al Shidhani for MoTCIT, Sayyid al Busaidi for the Ministry of Labour, and Raju Panicker, CEO of Kinesis Semicon. — ONA
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman, Rwanda to strengthen ties in technology and digital economy
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. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
05-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
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.
Zawya
18-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: MoU signed to set up AI chip unit in Salalah
Muscat: The sultanate is set to start an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor chip manufacturing project in Salalah Free Zone, Dhofar following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on Monday. The agreement, between Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and AONH Private Holdings, is supported by regional and international investment funds. The project aims to consolidate Oman's position in the global semiconductor industry, addressing the rising demand for AI technologies. It will also help develop local expertise in chip design and manufacturing, while attracting international talent, particularly from Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology in MTCIT, stated that the project aligns with the Digital Industry Programme under the National Programme for Digital Economy and Oman Vision 2040. 'This project will contribute to attracting new investments in the semiconductor industry, stimulating local technical innovation and advancing research in microelectronics. It will support economic growth, technological progress and sustainable development in Oman,' he said. He noted that the global semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing demand for AI, the Internet of Things, 5G networks and autonomous driving technologies. According to global management consultants McKinsey, the market is expected to reach US$1tn valuation by 2030. Ali Steve Chao, Chairman of AONH Private Holdings, highlighted Oman's strategic location and investor-friendly environment as key factors in selecting the country for the project. 'With this initiative, Oman is set to make its mark on the world stage of chip manufacturing, developing advanced memory solutions and next-generation AI chips,' he said. He added that the company aims to attract top global talent, creating a hub for researchers, engineers and developers to drive innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, data centres and AI industries. Production operations are expected to begin three years after the project's launch. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
