Oman is launching a new initiative to enhance technological contributions to the national economy. The goal is to become one of the top 50 countries in the Government AI Readiness Index.

The National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies is designed to integrate information and communication technologies across various sectors. Running from 2024 to 2026, this program is a key part of Oman Vision 2040, emphasizing the importance of advanced technologies in driving economic growth and innovation.

The program’s key initiatives include establishing a national platform for open data to support entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers and a national center for research and development in AI to assist researchers and academics.

Additionally, the program will implement computing initiatives to raise awareness, enhance research, and promote the adoption of computing applications across the Gulf state.

As part of these initiatives, an AI studio will be created, serving as a catalyst for IT specialists, companies, and institutions seeking technical solutions.

Meanwhile, the program will also launch an Omani language model that utilizes generative AI and focuses on Omani cultural, historical, artistic, and scientific content.

The initiatives include establishing a center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and the World Economic Forum.

These efforts build on the Executive Program for AI and Advanced Technologies, which Oman introduced in 2022, noted Said Hamoud Al Ma’awali, the minister of transport, communications, and information technology.

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