MUSCAT: His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, stated that under the royal directives to embrace AI and advanced technologies, Oman has achieved significant strides in digital transformation. Backed by the Council of Ministers, several initiatives are focused on increasing the contribution of the digital economy to GDP by localizing advanced technologies, attracting foreign investments, and empowering emerging technology companies. These efforts reflect the Sultanate’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and establish a competitive presence in the global digital landscape.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, highlighted Oman’s impressive leap in international rankings, climbing five places to secure the 45th position globally in the Government AI Readiness Index. He emphasized that this improvement is a result of strategic investments, policy support, and the launch of transformative projects designed to elevate Oman’s role in the AI ecosystem. Such recognition places Oman at the forefront of technological innovation in the region and demonstrates its ability to implement cutting-edge solutions that meet international standards.
Dr. Al Shidhani also underscored the importance of landmark initiatives unveiled at COMEX 2025, including the Digital Oman Triangle, the Green AI Alliance, the Great Omani Language Model, and the AI Studio. These projects are expected to strengthen Oman’s capacity in research, innovation, and AI-driven services while enhancing national talent development. By aligning these initiatives with global trends, Oman aims to create a sustainable and inclusive digital environment that encourages knowledge transfer, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth.
Additionally, Oman advanced nine places in the UN e-Government Development Index, reaching 41st globally for 2024, reflecting notable progress across digital industry, fintech, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and e-commerce. Dr. Al Shidhani further pointed to the Sultanate’s growing space sector, which has bolstered Oman’s status as a space launch hub and a gateway for satellite-based applications. He attributed this progress to His Majesty’s vision for AI and technology adoption, which he described as the driving force behind Oman’s ongoing transformation and its aspiration to become a regional leader in digital innovation.
