Oman Climbs Five Places In The 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, Showcasing Commitment To Artificial Intelligence

Oman is advancing its digital economy by focusing on artificial intelligence (AI). The country has launched executive programmes to integrate AI technologies, emphasising human-centric governance and innovation. This initiative has helped Oman improve its position in the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, moving up five places to rank 45th out of 193 countries worldwide.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is testing AI projects in agriculture, urban planning, air quality, drone surveying, and smart fish farms. These trials are conducted in controlled settings to assess their feasibility before wider implementation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Higher Education has introduced a Strategic Research Programme to align AI research with national priorities.

Dr. Salem bin Humaid Al-Shuaili from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology shared that Oman allocated approximately OMR10 million in 2023 and plans around OMR15 million for 2024 under its "Artificial Intelligence Economics" initiative. This funding supports various innovative AI projects aimed at enhancing the country's technological landscape.

In an interview with the Oman News Agency (ONA), Dr. Al-Shuaili stated that Oman aims to climb further in AI readiness rankings while increasing AI-related investments by 20% annually. A national language model called "Oman GPT" is being developed to improve public sector efficiency, along with "Oman Studio", an AI innovation hub connecting talent with industry needs.

The National University of Science and Technology is assessing generative AI's benefits and risks in education through smart models and data analytics. This initiative supports future policy development by aligning educational research with national priorities. Such efforts are part of a broader strategy to integrate AI into various sectors for enhanced governance and innovation.

Oman's commitment to becoming a regional hub for AI development is evident through its substantial investments. Between 2021 and 2024, the total investment in artificial intelligence reached OMR60 million. This reflects a strategic focus on fostering innovation and establishing Oman as a leader in AI technology within the region.

Future Prospects

A Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre is also being established in Oman, marking it as the sixth such centre in the Middle East and the 22nd globally. Scheduled to open in early 2025, this centre will further bolster Oman's position as a key player in technological advancements related to artificial intelligence.

The Sultanate's strategic initiatives underscore its dedication to leveraging AI for economic growth and technological progress. By investing heavily in AI projects and infrastructure, Oman aims to enhance its global standing while driving innovation across multiple sectors.

With inputs from WAM