MUSCAT — The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) is intensifying efforts to deliver reliable and comprehensive data to support decision-making, policy development, and sustainable growth in the Sultanate of Oman amid rapid economic and social changes.

His Excellency Dr. Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Barwani, CEO of NCSI, emphasized that statistical work in Oman has become a cornerstone of national policy-making, backed by precise and reliable data. Speaking to the Oman News Agency, he said the Centre is harnessing advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to conduct surveys and analyze data, thereby elevating the quality and accuracy of outputs.

Among the Centre’s most significant upcoming projects is the Household Expenditure and Income Survey powered by AI — the first initiative of its kind globally — with results expected in 2026. In parallel, the NCSI is advancing the “Smart Statistics” data warehouse project, designed to enhance the efficiency of data storage and analysis.

Highlighting Oman’s achievements, Dr. Al Barwani noted that the Sultanate recently ranked ninth worldwide in data openness and accessibility, surpassing many countries. This milestone supports NCSI’s strategic vision of positioning Oman among the world’s top five nations by 2026.

Dr. Al Barwani further underlined the transformative role of AI in statistics, while stressing the importance of rigorous system analysis. He pointed out that more than 95 percent of the Centre’s surveys already rely on national records — a practice that set a benchmark during the 2020 census, which marked a turning point in Oman’s statistical journey.

Looking ahead, he revealed that a memorandum of understanding signed with the General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia will expand avenues for statistical and information cooperation across the Gulf, paving the way for greater GCC integration in this vital sector.