Oman is accelerating its AI efforts through the National Program for Artificial Intelligence, aiming for economic transformation. By 2024, Oman improved its Government AI Readiness Index ranking to 45th globally. Various AI initiatives and investments reflect the country’s commitment to this technology, targeting innovation and growth across sectors.
MUSCAT: Oman is stepping up its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its overarching strategy for digital economy transformation. One key initiative, the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, aims to boost AI’s adoption across various sectors. It’s about localizing AI tech and ensuring that governance remains responsible and human-centered, which sounds like a good plan, right?
The results of this focus are already visible. Oman’s ranking on the Government AI Readiness Index jumped five spots in 2024, now sitting at 45th out of 193 countries. Progress has birthed events like the “Engineer It with AI” competition, leading to eight new generative AI applications, all ready for use on numerous digital platforms. Pretty exciting stuff, isn’t it?
To further innovation, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) is running AI experiments in controlled environments. These trials are varied, involving facial recognition tech, air quality monitoring, an AI-driven agricultural census, and even smart city planning. There’s also drone surveying and intelligent systems for fish farming and construction. Sounds futuristic, doesn’t it?
Moreover, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation is financing academic studies that tie into national AI goals. One noteworthy project from the National University of Science and Technology aims to leverage generative AI in education. This research focuses on crafting smart models and evaluating educational data, trying to establish a national framework to gauge AI’s influence on education. It’s ambitious and could lead to significant advancements.
As Oman pushes for economic diversification, the “Artificial Intelligence Economics” initiative is in motion. This initiative promotes government innovations and AI solutions. Some interesting projects have been greenlit: the National Centre for Virtual Health, Geological Data Analysis, and the Environmental Information Bank among others. This all shows that Oman is serious about making AI work for its economy.
Dr. Salem bin Humaid al Shuaili, who oversees AI and advanced technology projects at MoTCIT, shared that Oman has committed RO 10 million in 2023 and RO 15 million in 2024 for these important projects. Over the four-year span from 2021 to 2024, the total investment in the AI sector is projected to reach RO 60 million. This investment, clearly, underscores the serious intentions behind these initiatives.
Developing a national language model, dubbed “Oman GPT,” is in the works too—aimed at enhancing public sector efficiency through generative AI. Not to forget, a new “Studio Oman” AI Centre is slated to pop up soon, designed to link innovators with the market, potentially boosting GDP contributions from AI, while also localizing crucial digital technologies.
With an even bigger vision, Oman is establishing a Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre—the sixth in the Middle East and 22nd worldwide—to drive AI localization and leverage global expertise. This ambitious move indicates Oman’s pursuit of becoming a key player in AI readiness, drawing in startups, and striving for a staggering 20% increase in AI investments each year. It seems Oman is ready to embrace a future dominated by AI!
Oman is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence as part of its digital economy transformation. Key initiatives like the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and substantial investments are aimed at enhancing AI adoption across various sectors. The country’s focus on responsible governance and innovation promises not only to localize AI technologies but also to significantly boost its economic diversification efforts. With ongoing projects and research, Oman appears committed to becoming a regional leader in AI readiness and application.
Original Source: www.zawya.com