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Oman celebrates International Day of Education with bold AI initiatives

Oman, represented by the Ministry of Education, joins the global celebration of the International Day of Education on January 24, under this year’s theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Challenges and Opportunities.”

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

MUSCAT : The observance underscores Oman’s commitment to advancing quality, equitable, and inclusive education as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.

Dr. Mahmoud bin Abdullah Al-Abri, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, emphasized that digital transformation is a necessity, not a choice. He highlighted Oman’s strides in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into education, showcasing the nation’s ambition to become a regional hub for educational innovation.

AI-Powered Learning: A National Priority

Oman has taken significant steps to harness the potential of AI in education.

Key initiatives include:

Establishing specialized AI chairs at leading institutions such as Sultan Qaboos University (UNESCO Chair) and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (ISESCO Chair).

Launching the “Artificial Intelligence Makers” initiative to nurture national talent and foster a culture of innovation.

Achieving a global rank of 45th in the Government AI Readiness Index for 2024, with notable progress in data, technology, and governance.

The Ministry of Education’s Digitalization of Curricula project has transformed traditional educational content into interactive digital formats, integrating technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and simulation. This initiative, supported by BP Oman, benefits students, teachers, and guardians alike, enhancing accessibility and engagement across all educational stages.

To support these advancements, Oman has introduced AI laboratories in schools and exploration centers, upgraded internet speeds across schools, and launched innovative platforms to enhance digital learning. The Ministry has also implemented extensive training programs, benefiting over 3,200 educators and staff, to ensure AI integration aligns with global standards.

In collaboration with the UNESCO Chair at Sultan Qaboos University, the Ministry has initiated research competitions to explore innovative uses of AI in school education, aiming to improve learning outcomes and efficiency. Additionally, Oman has begun replacing outdated computers in government schools, with over 43,000 devices being upgraded to support modern educational technologies.


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