MUSCAT : The initiative is aimed at expanding the adoption of artificial intelligence across the Sultanate while reducing the infrastructure costs and technical requirements associated with deploying AI solutions.

Hosted locally, the DeepAstra API enables enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, developers and technology companies to access and test multiple AI models through a single interface. Instead of building separate infrastructure and integrations for different models, users can connect once and select the model best suited to each application.

The companies said the approach could help reduce initial investment costs, simplify technical integration and accelerate the transition of AI projects from testing stages to practical commercial deployment.

The platform provides access to open-source AI models and is designed to offer organisations greater control over usage, permissions and access. Its local hosting is also expected to support requirements related to data security, governance and regulatory compliance.

The launch comes as part of efforts by Otech and DeepAstra to support Oman’s digital economy, innovation ecosystem and private-sector participation in technology-driven industries. The initiative also aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the objectives of the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan in areas including digital transformation, innovation and national technological capabilities.

For SMEs and technology entrepreneurs, the service is expected to lower the need for major infrastructure investments during the early stages of product development. Businesses will also be able to begin with specific AI use cases and expand their deployment gradually according to operational needs and organisational capacity.

Under the partnership, Otech will support the local availability and adoption of the service, while DeepAstra will provide the underlying technology, including the unified interface and the integration and management of AI models.

Eng. Maqbool bin Salem Al Wahibi, Acting CEO of Otech, said the partnership reflects the company’s efforts to keep pace with rapid developments in artificial intelligence and enable organisations in Oman to adopt the technology in a practical and scalable manner.

He said the DeepAstra API offers organisations a pathway towards an integrated AI environment that can be managed, measured and developed in accordance with their priorities, helping convert technological capabilities into economic and institutional value.

Mahmoud Al-Nafie, CEO of DeepAstra, said the partnership focuses on making advanced AI technologies available while preserving digital sovereignty.

He added that the collaboration gives organisations in Oman a practical pathway to develop and scale AI solutions locally while maintaining greater control over their data, models and infrastructure.

For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.