Oman Unveils National AI Programme to Boost Digital Economy

Oman, 23 September, 2024 : Oman has unveiled the "National Programme for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Digital Technologies" as part of its Vision 2040 strategy. The programme, running from 2024 to 2026, aims to boost AI adoption and digital transformation in key economic sectors.

Key initiatives include a national platform for open data, a research and development center for AI, an AI "studio" for tech collaboration, and the development of an Omani language model using generative AI. Additionally, a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) center will be established in partnership with the World Economic Forum.

Transport and Communications Minister Eng. Said Hamoud Al Ma'awali stated that the programme builds on the 2022 Executive Programme for AI and aims to strengthen Oman’s digital economy. The initiative seeks to increase the digital economy's contribution to 10% of Oman’s GDP by 2040, up from 2% in 2021, and improve Oman’s ranking in the Government AI Readiness Index.

The programme will also support AI startups and investments, helping establish new AI data centers and driving innovation in economic and development sectors.