Latest news with #MuscatGlobalKnowledgeDialogue
Observer
13-02-2025
- Health
- Observer
Digital drugs and role of AI in combating them
Two weeks ago, I met Omani researcher Dr Mohammed al Husseini at the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue hosted by the Sultanate of Oman. We discussed digital drugs and their unknown risks. In this context, Dr Al Husseini and a group of researchers published a paper with IEEE last year. Titled 'Detection of Digital Drugs Using Artificial Intelligence Deep Learning', the study examines how advanced deep learning models can detect 'digital drugs', auditory effects produced by delivering slightly different frequencies to each ear, which in turn alter mental status. Given AI's ability to address such digital risks, the study confirmed the effectiveness of Inception MV4 in detecting digital drugs. The researchers employed the Inception MV4 model to analyse and characterise audio data. Their dataset comprised 7,000 audio files: 5,000 containing digital drugs and 2,000 original files (including music, animal sounds and Quran recitations). The methodology converted the audio into visual representations (frequency spectra) using the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT), a mathematical technique for analysing audio and time signals. The Inception MV4 model was then trained on these images to classify them. The results revealed an impressive classification accuracy of about 99.97 per cent using three different learning rates, with Inception MV4 outperforming the ResNet-50 model in terms of accuracy and true positive rate. Given AI's ability to address such digital risks, the study confirmed the effectiveness of Inception MV4 in detecting digital drugs. The researchers recommended expanding the dataset and exploring additional optimisation techniques to further enhance performance and practical applications. They also noted that this system could be used to monitor and regulate online audio content to identify harmful auditory effects. The discussion above exposes a dangerous phenomenon of digital addiction that threatens human mental and cognitive well-being, while simultaneously highlighting AI's role in uncovering these hidden digital substances. This summary underscores the importance of employing AI to tackle this growing issue. In exploring digital drugs, we must consider psychological, social and scientific perspectives. I recall an article I published in the scientific supplement of Oman newspaper, where I discussed how certain frequencies shape 'cosmic energy', mostly with positive effects. However, it is essential to distinguish between positive and negative auditory frequencies. In that article, I noted that scientific studies confirm various effects, psychological, spiritual (consciousness) and physical, from specific auditory frequencies, such as 432 Hz. In our current discussion, we assert that we live in a world of diverse energies and frequencies. Certain frequencies, when manipulated (for example, by altering the sounds heard in each ear), can produce what we call 'digital drugs'. Scientifically known as 'binaural beats', some claim these beats can stimulate the brain to induce effects similar to those of narcotic drugs. Proponents argue that listening to two different frequencies in each ear can lead to brainwave entrainment, resulting in relaxation, euphoria or other altered mental states. However, studies indicate that exposure to such digital sounds can foster an addiction akin to that caused by chemical psychoactive substances. Their risks extend to physical and psychological harm by implanting subconscious suggestions that drive individuals to behave contrary to their normal patterns and societal norms. Digital drugs are not a new phenomenon; researchers have examined them for decades. Recently, their covert integration into certain Quran recitations has raised alarms in several countries, prompting significant efforts and expenditures to combat these harmful auditory materials and treat those affected. In addition to public awareness about the rising risks, especially with headphones that can alter frequency levels in each ear or negative auditory frequencies that require no such devices, we also need advanced digital tools to track and detect these substances. The surge in scientific studies proposing AI models, including Dr Al Husseini's work, underscores this need. The solution to curbing the spread of digital drugs lies in deploying counter-digital systems based on AI models that have proven effective in detecting and classifying harmful auditory frequencies from those that are benign.
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre hosts first major international event of 2025
Muscat: The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) proudly hosted the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the International Science Council (ISC) Third General Assembly, marking the first major international event of the year at Oman's premier venue. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Special Representative of His Majesty, the event brought together 415 scientists, policymakers, funders, and educators from 132 countries, and showcased Oman's growing role as a hub for global dialogue. The gathering concluded with the adoption of the Muscat Declaration, advocating for equitable access to knowledge, transformative science systems, and stronger global collaboration. The ISC and the Oman's Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman also signed a letter of intent to establish a Regional Focal Point in Muscat to strengthen cooperation on science, technology and innovation within and beyond the region. This landmark gathering sets the stage for a vibrant 2025 calendar, with several high-profile events on the horizon for the OCEC. The forum aimed to bridge dialogue across sectors, fostering collaboration to advance science and inspire impactful discussions. Dr. Salvatore Aricò, CEO of the ISC, praised OCEC for its exceptional facilities and seamless organisation, stating that they "created an ideal environment conducive to meaningful exchanges among scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts." Fuad Musafir, Director of Sales at OCEC, added: 'Our venue is purpose-built to host international events like the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the ISC General Assembly. We are set to welcome more international events this year, building Oman's visibility as a key business events destination. With a fully booked calendar, 2025 is shaping up to be one of OCEC's most successful years yet.' The ISC General Assembly marks the start of a dynamic year for OCEC, which is set to host a series of high-profile events in 2025. Notably, OCEC and Oman's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority have secured the bid for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Annual General Meeting in October. The venue will also welcome the Society of Petroleum Engineers' International Hydro Fracture Technology Conference (SPE IHFTC) hosted by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) in September, followed by the 8th IATIS International Conference in December. As Oman continues to position itself as a destination for impactful global events, the OCEC remains at the forefront, offering unparalleled facilities and experiences for delegates from around the world. -Ends- MEDIA ENQUIRIES - PLEASE CONTACT: Manal Al Kiyumi – Marketing & Communications Director Email: malkiyumi@ Website: ABOUT: OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE #WhereTheWorldMeets Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre is a world class, fully integrated venue located in the Sultanate of Oman's capital, Muscat. In 2022, the OCEC team proudly celebrates the venue as a place #WheretheWorldMeets OCEC: The Pride of Oman OCEC's entire complex features awe-inspiring modern architecture, integrated throughout with contemporary as well as traditional Omani design elements. The venue's grand design represents its grand purpose: To be a vital part of the Sultanate's ongoing growth story, and drive towards modernity and economic diversification – as envisioned by Oman's late, beloved leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Said (1940 – 2020). World Class Events Destination The OCEC is located in its own fully integrated precinct just four kilometers from Muscat International Airport. It offers a multitude of spaces for a multitude of events. These include a total of fifty-five modern meeting places, auditoriums and exhibition halls, VIP lounges, Grand and Junior ballrooms, two international hotels, and a business park. As a state-of-the-art venue, the OCEC includes one of the largest theatres in the GCC, and one of the region's largest column-free exhibition spaces – among many other highlights. The layout includes expansive concourse areas to host large delegations, with large-scale floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking landscaped gardens and water features. There is also a multi-story car park with a capacity for 4,000 vehicles. As a part of OCEC, The Precinct provides the infrastructure necessary to host successful international, regional, and local events and is there for the enjoyment of delegates, visitors, and the local community. It includes the 5 Star JW Marriott Muscat Hotel linked to the Convention Centre itself, as well as the 4 Star Crowne Plaza OCEC Hotel. A business park, surrounded by a nature reserve, which is a haven for Oman's exotic birdlife, together with parklands and a wadi river valley, also form part of The Precinct. Premier Venue: Premier Events The OCEC has redefined the way trade, tourism and entertainment events are hosted in Oman. Be it a conference, a trade show, a business meeting, or a special, once-off event, OCEC's expert events team can step in and make event planning hassle-free by doing the heavy lifting for organizers. OCEC delivers a comprehensive portfolio of event hosting facilities and infrastructure – including some of the world's most advanced Audio-Visual equipment; brought to life by the venue's professional and highly talented team. Event organizers and all interested parties planning to host an event at Oman's premier events destination can contact the OCEC team via the venue's website Beautiful Oman Regionally and internationally, Oman has earned a reputation as being a stable and peaceful nation, which welcomes foreigners to its beautiful shores. All visitors and event patrons making their way through OCEC's doors are welcomed with Oman's legendary warmth and friendliness. The country has a modern infrastructure, which links Oman to the world – and the world to Oman. Aligned with Oman's 2040 Tourism vision, and broader Oman Vision 2040 strategy, the OCEC looks to continue strengthening existing partnerships, and establishing new business relationships among a growing list of local, regional, and international markets. OCEC: A Greener Future While the OCEC is committed to maintaining the highest standards in business and operational excellence, the venue is also committed to long term environmental sustainability. OCEC is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified complex and features many examples of green architectural design and landscaping. On an operational level, OCEC is committed to contributing toward a more sustainable planet, and positive carbon footprint activity associated with the entire complex. OCEC & OMRAN Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre is a flagship establishment in the Oman Tourism Development Company SAOC (OMRAN) portfolio of major tourism, heritage, urban and mixed-use projects. OMRAN drives the investment, growth, and development of the rapidly growing tourism sector in Oman and has a proven track record of delivering tourism and related projects to a world-class standard due to their core philosophy of sustainability, transparency, and partnering with renowned regional and international investors.
Muscat Daily
29-01-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Muscat Dialogue concludes with call for scientific transparency
Muscat – The Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue concluded with the adoption of the 'Muscat Declaration', which calls on scientists and scientific organisations to take a more active role in society to increase trust in scientific knowledge and institutions. The declaration stresses the importance of transparency, neutrality, independence, and honesty in scientific work. The third and final day of the dialogue, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation in collaboration with the International Science Council (ISC), featured a series of key discussions and parallel workshops. Among the highlights was a main session that explored the relationship between emerging technologies and the evolution of the sciences. Three parallel sessions followed, covering topics such as 'The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Science Systems,' 'The International Science Agreement for Sustainable Development,' and 'The Future of Gender Equality in Science.' These sessions provided valuable insights into the current challenges and future opportunities in these critical areas. The evening session included further discussions on 'Science Education for Our Future,' addressing the need for equipping future scientists with the skills to tackle global challenges. It also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in polar sciences and examined issues of social cohesion and inequality. A final discussion session reflected on science as a global endeavour, emphasising its role in bridging divides and fostering collaboration to address shared challenges. On the sidelines of the dialogue, Her Excellency Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, met with several international delegates, including Professor Muhammad Izman Sharifuddin from Malaysia and Professor Rémi Quirion from Canada, to explore potential collaborations in higher education, research, and innovation. The 'Muscat Declaration' concluded by calling for global action to ensure science remains a universal force for good. It advocates for open science, international cooperation, and the fair evolution of scientific systems in the face of emerging technologies and global inequalities. The declaration also underscores the importance of improving the representation of women and underrepresented groups in scientific governance and initiatives, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. In its closing remarks, the dialogue affirmed that science, as a universal endeavour, has the power to bridge divides, foster trust, and catalyse collective action on global challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Observer
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue opens
MUSCAT, JAN 27 His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, on Monday presided over the opening of Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue. The two-day event, held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), is organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in cooperation with the International Science Council (ISC). The forum will be attended by more than 400 scientific, industrial and political figures from 132 countries around the world. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, underscored the importance of the event in exchanging knowledge and expertise to enhance cooperation between countries and peoples to face global challenges. She stressed the necessity of converting knowledge and innovative ideas to economic and social gains in a bid to achieve a knowledge-based economy in accordance with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The minister pointed out that Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue constitutes an ideal opportunity for more than 500 elite intellectuals, researchers, scientists, policy makers and partners from all over the world to discuss global challenges and predict the priorities of international cooperation in the field of science. In his turn, Prof Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council (ISC), underlined the importance of such dialogues and meetings in bridging the gap between science and policy within regional contexts. Prof Gluckman pointed out that Oman is a role model in using science and education as a pillar of national development, saying: 'Oman has proved to be an emerging and ambitious country, and has succeeded in understanding how science can form the basis for national progress and development. Its commitment to this forum reflects its pioneering role in science diplomacy.' On the other hand, Ruth Morgan highlighted the importance of science in building trust between societies and how to formulate the social contract for science in the current era. She said: 'Science is an essential tool in building trust between governments and societies, and we must focus on how to enhance the role of science in society and achieve transparency in its use. The social contract for science today needs to be reviewed and updated in line with global changes.' In a related context, Csaba Korosi added that the multilateral system is witnessing increasing pressures, but the goal of developing the sustainable development goals remains constant. He said: 'Despite the challenges facing the international multilateral system, we see that science can be a decisive factor in achieving international consensus on sustainable development issues. Experience has proven that science can play a pivotal role in formulating public policies and achieving global goals.' During the event, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the International Science Council signed a letter of good intent to implement a special programme in the fields of science, technologies and innovation. The letter covers several areas of cooperation, namely exchanging official representation between the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and the International Science Council through the establishment of a regional office for the ISC in the Middle East headquartered in Muscat. The letter of good intent was signed by Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi and Prof Sir Peter Gluckman. Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue included several discussion panels covering a range of topics, such as the role of science in facing global challenges and the role of innovation and technology in achieving sustainability. Dr Hassan Abdullah, one of the participants, said: 'This forum is a wonderful platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences between scientists and specialists in various fields. In light of the challenges facing the world today, such as climate change and food security, the scientific community must work together to find innovative solutions that support sustainable development.' Sarah Jones, a participant at the forum, said 'the forum represents an opportunity to unite global efforts to address the challenges of contemporary science. The challenges we face, such as artificial intelligence and information technology, require effective international cooperation and a clear regulatory framework to ensure their safe and beneficial use for humanity.'
Muscat Daily
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue brings 500 scientists, policymakers from across the globe
Muscat – Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue, a major international event focused on science and innovation, opened on Monday under the patronage of H H Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan. Organised by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in collaboration with International Science Council (ISC), the two-day forum will be followed by the ISC General Assembly on January 29 and 30. In her opening address, H E Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, underscored the forum's aim to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among nations. She emphasised the need to transform innovative ideas into tangible economic and social benefits, aligning with Oman Vision 2040's goal of advancing a knowledge-based economy. 'This global event provides an exceptional opportunity to bring together over 500 participants, including scientists, researchers, policymakers and experts from across the globe,' said H E Rahma. 'The discussions will address global challenges, set priorities for international scientific cooperation, and build partnerships in research and innovation.' The forum's dialogue sessions will focus on three key themes – future of science, science diplomacy and the role of science in society. Topics include emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, trust in science, sustainable development, and the need for greater equality and social cohesion. Highlighting her ministry's ongoing commitment to scientific research and innovation, H E Rahma said, 'We fund numerous research projects annually and support infrastructure, skills development, and partnerships among government, private sector and academic institutions.' On the significance of such global discussions, Sir Peter Gluckman, President of ISC, said, 'These dialogues bridge the gap between science and politics, addressing regional and global contexts.' He described ISC as a central organisation advocating the use of scientific evidence in policymaking and promoting multidisciplinary cooperation to tackle complex challenges. Sir Peter Gluckman Sir Peter emphasised the role of science in societal development, especially in emerging economies and least-developed nations. 'Science must be at the core of solutions for the environmental, social and economic issues faced by governments at all levels.' Speaking on the importance of building trust in science, Ruth Morgan, Director of Centre for Forensic Sciences at University College London, said, 'The question of who shapes the social contract for science and what it looks like today is critical.' The dialogue highlights the crucial role of science in addressing global challenges, fostering international collaboration and ensuring sustainable progress for all nations.
