Muscat: Oman is working to expand the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in its national economy by increasing the number of AI-driven startups, scaling research investments, and developing homegrown technological solutions.

As part of this effort, the Council of Ministers approved the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies in September 2024. This strategic framework is built on three core pillars: integrating AI into economic and development sectors, localizing AI technologies to foster Omani innovation, and ensuring ethical, human-centered governance of AI through adaptive legislation.

Hassan bin Fida Hussain Al Lawati, Head of the National AI Program at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that the initiative is designed to improve services and boost citizen wellbeing, particularly in economic and developmental sectors.

Highlighting Oman’s progress, Al Lawati noted the Sultanate has jumped five spots in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index, now ranking 45th globally and fifth in the MENA region. Oman aims to break into the global top 30 in the coming years.

The AI sector’s momentum is reflected in numbers: the number of AI startups has more than doubled since the program’s inception—rising from fewer than 10 to over 25—with a goal of increasing this figure by 20% annually. Cumulative investments in AI projects have already reached around OMR 60 million (USD 155 million) over the past four years, with plans for continued annual growth.

Key initiatives under the program include:

“AI Makers”, launched with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, to drive research and celebrate outstanding AI contributions.

“Engineer it with AI”, a competition to stimulate innovation in generative AI and support Omani startups.

“Humanizing AI”, a human-centric initiative ensuring inclusive, ethical use of technology in public services.