Latest news with #MTCIT
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman backs 55 tech startups under Nomu programme
Muscat – Fifty-five technology startups have been accepted into the second edition of the Nomu Programme, an initiative by Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) aimed at accelerating the growth of promising early-stage companies. At an introductory meeting held by the ministry on Wednesday, participating startups were briefed on the programme's services, including workshops, one-on-one consultations, marketing support, and business development opportunities. Representatives from key partner organisations – including the 'Madar' platform and the Capital Market Incentive Programme – gave presentations outlining the tools and resources available to participants. The event also featured dialogue sessions with startups from the first edition of the programme, offering an opportunity to share experiences and insights. Ministry officials said the initiative is designed to build an ecosystem where startups in the initial and accelerated growth stages can thrive. 'The programme provides participating companies with the necessary knowledge and skills to grow and expand, both locally and regionally,' a ministry official said. Nomu targets startups with a functioning prototype and a proven user base, as well as those that have secured early-stage funding. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
21-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
MTCIT to intensify efforts to get street taxis to join apps
Muscat: With its efforts to get Orange and White Street taxis to join licensed app-based companies, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) intends to launch a public awareness campaign to educate drivers on the importance of joining the application with the help of specialized international and regional companies. According to the sources in the industry, despite repeated deadlines, getting everyone on board has been challenging, even though thousands of drivers are already operating under app-based companies. MTCIT has been stressing that taxi apps are essential to ensure transparency by setting fixed prices before the trip, and security by tracking and monitoring the route. The licensed companies will guarantee drivers that services are available quickly. The clear pricing and payment systems will benefit both drivers and customers, apart from the ease of use and privacy of the user's data. MTCIT wanted all Orange and White taxis should be part of the licensed companies from April 1, 2025, but efforts are yet to yield results. But several owners are reluctant to adapt to the new system, including the conditions and fares set by the companies and the ministry. Individual taxi operators can join OTaxi, Tasleem, Marhaba, Oman Taxi, Hala, and Taxi Muscat, which operate via mobile applications. The government said it has determined to improve and raise the level of taxi services in the country. As of January 2025, there are 28,241 registered taxis in the Sultanate of Oman, and several of them operate under companies. Speaking to the Observer, Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, said, 'We focus a lot on streamlining taxi services as part of our plans to improve public transport and the main objective is to ensure that all taxis should be metered (even orange and white street taxis ) through applications.' He said that there have been challenges, but progress has been made on that front. 'Today, we have eight app-based taxi companies operating in the country.'
21-05-2025
- Business
Oman backs 55 tech startups under Nomu programme
Muscat – Fifty-five technology startups have been accepted into the second edition of the Nomu Programme, an initiative by Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) aimed at accelerating the growth of promising early-stage companies. At an introductory meeting held by the ministry on Wednesday, participating startups were briefed on the programme's services, including workshops, one-on-one consultations, marketing support, and business development opportunities. Representatives from key partner organisations – including the 'Madar' platform and the Capital Market Incentive Programme – gave presentations outlining the tools and resources available to participants. The event also featured dialogue sessions with startups from the first edition of the programme, offering an opportunity to share experiences and insights. Ministry officials said the initiative is designed to build an ecosystem where startups in the initial and accelerated growth stages can thrive. 'The programme provides participating companies with the necessary knowledge and skills to grow and expand, both locally and regionally,' a ministry official said. Nomu targets startups with a functioning prototype and a proven user base, as well as those that have secured early-stage funding.
18-05-2025
- Business
Indian firm to train 80 engineers in semiconductor industry push
Muscat – Oman has signed a strategic collaboration programme with India's Kaynes Semicon to establish a company specialising in very-large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuit design, as part of its broader push to position itself as a regional hub for advanced technologies. The agreement, facilitated by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) and the Ministry of Labour, aims to promote semiconductor design innovation and develop local expertise in the sector. Under the programme, Kaynes Semicon will run a 12-month qualification programme, funded by the Ministry of Labour, to train 80 Omani engineers in semiconductor design techniques. This initiative is expected to equip local engineers with specialised skills, aligning them with global industry standards and preparing them for the evolving demands of the digital economy. The partnership is part of MTCIT's National Programme for Digital Economy, which seeks to attract international technology projects, localise critical technologies. It also aims to strengthen Oman's digital infrastructure and enhance the semiconductor ecosystem. The agreement was signed by H E Dr Ali Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology in MTCIT; H E Salim Musallam al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Human Resources at the Ministry of Labour; and Raju Panicker, CEO of Kaynes Semicon.
18-05-2025
- Business
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.
