Key Takeaways
- Digital economy target: Oman aims to raise the digital economy’s share of GDP from around 3% in 2025 to 10% by 2040 under Vision 2040.
- Government digitization: The first phase of the National Digital Economy Program, focused on digital government services and administrative reform, is nearing completion.
- AI investment drive: Oman is implementing a national AI program launched in 2023, with 32 projects worth over OMR25 million to boost startups, research, and technology governance.
- Green innovation push: Oman plans renewable-powered AI data centers, a new AI zone near Muscat airport, and a Green AI Alliance of 34 entities to promote sustainable growth.
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Oman plans to increase the digital economy’s share of GDP from around 3% this year to 10% by 2040 as part of a national push to expand technology-driven growth, said Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, on Sunday.
According to the Times of Oman, the plan forms part of the National Digital Economy Program aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which outlines a four-phase roadmap to develop an integrated digital government, digitize key sectors, expand exports of digital services, and build a competitive digital economy.
Government Nears Completion Of Digital Integration Phase
Oman is close to completing the first phase of its digital transformation, centered on modernizing government services, with eight executive initiatives underway across public institutions.
The country’s standing in global digital rankings has also improved in recent years, ranking 45th in the Government AI Readiness Index, 41st in the UN e-Government Development Index, 50th in the Network Readiness Index, and among the top tier worldwide in cybersecurity readiness, according to Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, who added that Vision 2040 aims to place Oman among the top 20 in each of these benchmarks.
Implementing AI Projects To Build Startups And National Skills
According to the report, the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, introduced in 2023 under royal directives, is integrated into Oman’s Vision 2040 digital plan and aims to accelerate AI adoption across public and private sectors through 32 projects focused on developing startups, boosting research, and building local expertise.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy allocated OMR10 million ($26 million) in the Program’s first year and OMR15 million in the following year to support AI development.
Initiatives launched under this program include “Mu’in AI,” a language model designed for government use, the AI Studio for developers, and the National Open Data Portal, which integrates data from more than 40 agencies.
Policy Reforms And Research Drive Digital Innovation
Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani said that Oman has launched the Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre in partnership with the World Economic Forum and issued a National Policy for Safe and Ethical AI Use, adding that a multi-sector AI Expert Committee has been formed to guide national strategies.
Furthermore, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences has created the ICESCO Research Chair for AI Ethics, while the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation has backed new AI research initiatives involving local universities.
Green Tech And Data Hubs Form New Investment Front
Oman has unveiled the Oman Digital Triangle project, which will establish three AI data centres powered by renewable energy. The project supports the country’s environmental and technology goals and aligns with the recently launched Green AI Alliance, a coalition of 34 public and private entities including data center operators, energy firms and investors working to promote sustainable AI development.
Additionally, a dedicated AI zone is also planned near Muscat International Airport to serve as a regional hub for technology firms, with incentives aimed at attracting both foreign and domestic investment in advanced digital industries
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