MUSCAT : The overall performance of Oman’s Government Digital Transformation Programme rose to 94% at the end of 2025 from 73% a year earlier, as the Sultanate attracted RO 1.2 billion in communications and information technology investment.
The investment total included approximately RO 65 million in artificial intelligence, according to figures announced by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology in January.
The figures underscore Oman’s push to expand its digital economy and diversify sources of growth under Oman Vision 2040.
Read More
- Man arrested in Dhofar for impersonating police officer and robbing two expats
- Oman seeks public feedback on insurance-backed recruitment guarantees
- Man arrested in Muscat over more than 60 online fraud cases
- Oman police arrest suspect over alleged drug trafficking through social media
- His Majesty Sultan Haitham returns home after Kazakhstan visit
Against that backdrop, government leaders, business executives and technology specialists gathered at SAP Connect Day Oman in Muscat on Tuesday to discuss how AI could deliver measurable improvements across business operations.
“For AI to make a real difference, it needs to understand the business. That means working with trusted enterprise data and within the processes where decisions are made,” said Sergio Maccotta, senior vice president for SAP Middle East and Africa–South.
The event examined applications across finance, supply chains, human resources, customer experience and information technology, including how connected systems and embedded AI could improve visibility and support decision-making.
Energy companies highlighted the need to combine AI with industry expertise, workforce skills and responsible governance.
Waheed Al Hamaid, head of enterprise solutions at Petroleum Development Oman, said AI could help employees anticipate challenges and improve performance, but its long-term value would depend on developing the skills to use it responsibly.
Yaqoob Al Hattali, head of ICT at Energy Development Oman, said the technology could help the sector assess complex challenges and explore different scenarios, with benefits extending beyond operational efficiency.
Abdullah Al Balushi, chief information officer at Zubair, said businesses should also use AI to develop new services and growth opportunities that contribute to economic diversification.
Held at W Muscat, the event included executives from energy, financial services, public services, manufacturing and other industries, alongside demonstrations of AI and cloud technologies.
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.
