Latest news with #GhazibinSaeedalHamar
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Salalah seminar explores future of sustainable energy and smart facilities
SALALAH: The Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in collaboration with Global Chemical Systems and Maintenance Limited, hosted an economic seminar in Salalah on 'The Future of Sustainable Energy and Facilities Management.' The event brought together decision-makers, innovators and specialists to examine transformative trends and solutions in the energy sector and smart facilities management. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, the seminar featured speeches from sector leaders. Ghazi bin Saeed al Hamar, Director of OCCI's Dhofar branch, stressed that renewable energy and smart facilities management are now key pillars for energy security and resource sustainability. He described the seminar as a platform for exchanging best practices, addressing challenges and formulating practical recommendations. Engineer Shawqi bin Noor Mohammed al Balushi, Advisor to Global Chemical Systems and Maintenance Limited, highlighted the crucial role of sustainable energy in developing a strong, balanced and cost-efficient economy, noting its alignment with the green transition goals of Oman Vision 2040. The programme covered five key themes: renewable energy transition, smart facility management, innovation in infrastructure, enabling policies and legislation, and future challenges and opportunities in sustainable energy. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Asyad Group, Oman Water Association, Felix Pharmaceutical Industries, and several academic institutions. The seminar aimed to enhance partnerships with scientific and service institutions, showcase the latest innovations in energy, water and facilities management, and promote operational efficiency in line with Oman Vision 2040 and Oman's target of net zero emissions by 2050. — ONA—
Observer
23-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Ramadhan evening explores business future in AI, cybersecurity
SALALAH: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) — Dhofar Branch hosted an insightful Ramadhan evening titled 'The Future of Business in Light of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: Opportunities and Challenges.' The event, held in Salalah, was organised as part of ongoing efforts to foster discussions on technological advancements and their implications for businesses. It was conducted under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar. The evening brought together experts, business leaders and technology enthusiasts to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing importance of cybersecurity in today's digital economy. In his opening address, Ghazi bin Saeed al Hamar, Director of the Chamber's Dhofar branch, emphasised the significance of such discussions in preparing businesses for the evolving technological landscape. "This evening serves as a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge-sharing on the opportunities AI presents and the challenges it poses to businesses amid rapid digital advancements. It also highlights the essential role of cybersecurity in protecting data, digital assets and critical infrastructure," he said. The discussions centred around three key themes: 1. Introduction to AI Programmes, Advanced Technologies and the Digital Economy — Experts elaborated on how AI is reshaping industries, driving efficiency and transforming traditional business models. 2. AI Agents and the Future of Work — Panelists explored the role of AI-powered automation, its impact on employment and how businesses can adapt to a workforce increasingly influenced by AI-driven solutions. 3. AI Legislation and Regulatory Frameworks — Legal experts delved into the evolving landscape of AI governance, discussing regulatory measures, ethical considerations and the need for compliance with international best practices. The evening also featured an interactive discussion on cybersecurity, with a special presentation from an Omani startup specialising in the field. The startup shared its insights on emerging cyber threats and best practices for securing digital infrastructure in an AI-driven economy. The event underscored the Chamber's commitment to raising awareness about AI adoption and digital security, with a focus on enhancing business efficiency, improving service quality and ensuring sustainable digital transformation in Oman. Participants acknowledged the importance of fostering AI-driven innovation while simultaneously addressing the risks associated with cybersecurity vulnerabilities. By engaging stakeholders from various sectors, the Ramadhan evening in Dhofar contributed to a deeper understanding of how AI and cybersecurity are shaping the future of business. The discussions reinforced the need for collaboration between policymakers, businesses and technology experts to harness AI's potential while ensuring data protection and regulatory compliance. As AI continues to evolve, the event highlighted the necessity for businesses to remain agile and proactive in adopting new technologies while prioritising cybersecurity as a fundamental pillar of digital growth. — ONA
