Latest news with #NationalGovernmentDigitalTransformationProgramme
Times of Oman
03-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Unified govt portal: A new era of digital transition in Oman
Muscat: Oman's digital transformation continues to gather momentum as the unified electronic government portal takes centre-stage, reshaping the way citizens and residents access government services. Designed to streamline processes and create a seamless user experience, the portal marks a significant leap forward in the country's efforts to improve the efficiency and accessibility of public services. Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and General Supervisor of the National Government Digital Transformation Programme, hailed the initiative as a game-changer in the provision of government services. Reshaping services 'The launch of the unified portal is not just about integrating services; it is about reshaping how we deliver these services to ensure they are faster, more accessible, and in line with global digital standards. This move is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of our government services,' Al Maawali said. The unified portal consolidates a range of services into one platform, reducing the need for users to navigate across multiple ministry websites. The portal integrates services from key government institutions, including the Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing, and Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, with other ministries to follow in the coming phases. Al Maawali further emphasised that the unified portal was created to align with Oman Vision 2040, aiming to create a more responsive and user-friendly government service ecosystem. 'Our objective is clear: to provide a digital platform that brings government services to the people efficiently, increasing our global competitiveness in digital services while delivering the best user experience possible,' he added. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, spoke about the critical role of the portal in Oman's broader digital strategy. 'Digital transformation is essential for keeping pace with global technological advancements. The unified portal is a milestone in simplifying complex procedures, reducing the need for in-person visits, and instilling greater confidence in our public sector's efficiency,' he said. The portal's first phase includes 91 integrated digital services and is currently available to users across ten government institutions. 'Phase one is just the beginning. As we expand the portal's offerings, more services will be added progressively, ultimately providing a complete range of digital services for citizens and residents alike,' added Dr. Al Shidhani. 'We are working to ensure the portal grows and evolves to meet the dynamic needs of our population.' Eng. Saeed bin Abdullah Al Mandhari, CEO of Ithkaa Group, which is overseeing the development of the portal, highlighted the project's role in improving user accessibility. 'Our vision was to create a single, user-friendly platform that would bring together the disparate government services currently scattered across various portals,' he said. 'By consolidating services under one roof, we are eliminating redundancies and providing a streamlined experience that can be accessed from anywhere at any time.' One of the portal's key features is its accessibility, including tools for people with disabilities. 'We've ensured that the portal adheres to international accessibility standards, providing equal access to services for all users,' Al Mandhari explained. 'The focus is on inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can easily navigate and benefit from the digital services offered.' Eng. Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Kharousi, Director General of Digital Transformation at the Ministry, underscored the portal's technological advantages. 'The unified portal is powered by a robust infrastructure that ensures high performance and quick response times,' he said. 'We've incorporated advanced features, such as real-time predictive data and easy service evaluation tools, to ensure that government agencies can continuously improve service delivery based on user feedback and data-driven insights.' The portal also boasts a set of digital tools to help government institutions expedite the development of priority services. 'The platform's ability to integrate with existing systems and adapt to new technological advancements allows for rapid service updates and enhancements,' Al Kharousi noted. With the unified government portal, Oman is taking bold strides toward enhancing its digital infrastructure, simplifying the way public services are delivered, and meeting the expectations of a digital-first generation.
Observer
25-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's digital transformation progress reaches 73 per cent
MUSCAT: The National Government Digital Transformation Programme, known as "Tahweel," has achieved an overall performance rate of 73% by the end of November 2024, a significant increase from 53% in 2023. Government institutions demonstrated an average performance of 77% in meeting digital transformation requirements, while governorates averaged 71%. A total of 49 government entities and governorates were assessed as part of the transformation process. According to the annual report on digital transformation issued by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, government institutions have made remarkable progress in implementing digital transformation requirements. Four government entities — Muscat Governorate, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and the Oman Investment Authority — achieved the advanced level for the first time, representing 8% of the total institutions evaluated. Additionally, 38 government entities, accounting for 78%, attained above-average performance, while six institutions (12%) reached the average level. Only one institution (2%) fell below average and none were classified at the low level. The report highlighted the top-performing service institutions in digital transformation, with Muscat Governorate, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, and the Royal Oman Police leading the rankings. Among non-service institutions, the Follow-up Unit for the Implementation of Oman Vision 2040, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and the Oman Investment Authority were recognised as the best-performing entities. These institutions have demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing digital efficiency and improving government services in line with international standards. Between 2021 and 2024, the government simplified procedures for 2,680 services out of a targeted 2,869, achieving a 93% completion rate. In 2024 alone, 481 services underwent simplification. Meanwhile, digitalisation efforts resulted in 1,700 services being digitised, including automated permit activities, out of a total 2,523 services targeted for digitisation by the end of 2025. This represents a 67% achievement rate for priority digital services, with 355 services digitised in 2024 alone. Recognising the importance of digital platforms in improving service accessibility, the report emphasised the role of digital initiatives in boosting efficiency across government institutions. In 2024, government entities developed and launched 11 new mobile applications designed to enhance service delivery for citizens and residents. Several key digital platforms were introduced, including the "Rehabilitation" platform by the Ministry of Social Development, the "Development" and "Amlak" platforms by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and the electronic portal for judicial services by the Supreme Judicial Council. Other significant platforms included the Environment Authority's "Naqi" National Air Quality Index, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals' "Energy" platform, and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion's "Hazm" and "Marouf Oman" platforms. Additionally, electronic portals were launched for Al Buraimi, Al Wusta, and Al Batinah South Governorates, reinforcing Oman's commitment to digital transformation under Oman Vision 2040. The report outlined major achievements in central digital projects, including the Unified Portal for Government Services, which is being developed to offer a centralised platform for all government services. By the end of 2024, the portal's development had reached 73% completion, with the first phase of user experience enhancements finalised and the design phase of a unified mobile application completed. A technical integration guide for the portal was introduced, alongside a strategy for developing digital content for government services. The portal's initial phase, integrating services from 10 government institutions, is expected to launch by the end of February. Oman's National Open Data Platform, which aims to centralise and publish open data across multiple sectors, has reached 63% completion. Testing and content reviews are currently underway, with 20 government institutions targeted in its first rollout. Additionally, integration efforts through the National Platform for Digital Integration have led to the exchange of over 471 million data records between January and November 2024, marking a 73% increase from the previous year. Since the platform's inception in 2017, approximately 1.4 billion records have been exchanged. The impact of Oman's digital transformation is evident in the sharp rise in e-government transactions. Between January and November 2024, over 26.9 million government transactions were completed digitally, compared to 9.4 million in 2023. The number of institutions implementing technical solutions for remote access increased to 88% in 2024, up from 56% in 2023. Furthermore, 267 automated government services were introduced, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Beneficiary satisfaction with digital services across 48 government institutions averaged 77% in 2024. The number of institutions with an approved change management plan for digital transformation rose to 55%, a substantial increase from 17% in 2023. — ONA
Muscat Daily
25-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman govt digital transformation on an upswing
Muscat – The National Government Digital Transformation Programme – Tahawul – has made impressive strides in enhancing digital capabilities across the public sector. By the end of November 2024, the programme recorded a 73% overall performance, up from 53% in 2023, reflecting the combined efforts of various government institutions. The annual digital transformation report for 2024 released by Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology showed that the average performance across government institutions reached 77%, while governorates recorded 71%. In all, 49 institutions and governorates were assessed, marking a critical step towards building a digitally-enabled and efficient government. For the first time, four government entities achieved an advanced level of digital transformation, accounting for 8% of those assessed. These included Muscat Governorate, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and Oman Investment Authority. Between 2021 and 2024, a total of 2,680 out of 2,869 services were simplified, representing a 93% success rate, with 481 services simplified in 2024 alone. Over the same period, 1,700 services were digitised out of 2,523, achieving a 67% digitisation rate. In 2024, 355 services were digitised, including automated permit activities. A key achievement of the transformation programme is the Unified Portal for Government Services, which reached a performance rate of 73%. Meanwhile, the National Digital Integration Platform recorded over 471mn data exchanges between January and November 2024 – a 73% increase from the previous year. Since its launch in 2017, approximately 1.4bn statements have been exchanged through the platform. By November 2024, more than 26.99mn government transactions were completed digitally across 48 institutions, a significant increase from 9.43mn in 2023. The number of institutions with remote access capabilities also surged, rising to 88% in 2024 from 56% in 2023. The government also launched 267 automatic services, streamlining procedures and improving efficiency. Beneficiary satisfaction rates across 48 institutions reached 77% in 2024. There was also a notable improvement in institutional readiness for change, with 55% of institutions adopting approved change management plans, compared to 17% in 2023. Digital transformation projects across 57 institutions reached 66% completion by November 2024. The government's efforts also included partnerships with 26 small and medium-sized enterprises to support the execution of digital initiatives, reinforcing the role of the private sector in driving digital transformation across Oman.
