Oman is rapidly embracing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), launching a series of ambitious pilot projects across vital sectors like healthcare, judiciary, and cybersecurity. These initiatives, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) in collaboration with both public and private entities, represent a significant step towards realizing the objectives of the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies. This commitment to AI innovation is not only transforming government operations but also positioning Oman as a regional leader in digital transformation.
Driving Digital Transformation with Artificial Intelligence in Oman
The Omani government recognizes the transformative potential of AI and is actively fostering its adoption through strategic partnerships and focused pilot programs. These projects aren’t simply about implementing new technology; they’re about building a robust ecosystem that encourages innovation, supports local talent, and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. A key element of this strategy is the emphasis on public-private partnerships, leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors to accelerate the development and deployment of AI solutions.
National Initiatives: Laying the Foundation for an AI-Powered Future
At the heart of Oman’s AI strategy lies the “AI Studio,” a national center dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in the field. Located at the SAS Center for Innovation in Innovation Park Muscat, the AI Studio acts as a bridge between challenges faced by public and private organizations and the smart solutions offered by startups and researchers. Managed by a private operator with government funding, it provides a collaborative environment for developing and testing new AI applications.
Another cornerstone initiative is “Muain AI,” Oman’s first advanced national language model. Developed and trained on local data, Muain AI is designed to support digital sovereignty, empower the Arabic language, and assist government employees with tasks like analysis, summarization, and content creation. Crucially, it prioritizes data security, ensuring that sensitive information remains within Oman’s borders. This focus on data analytics is vital for informed decision-making.
Pilot Projects: AI in Action Across Key Sectors
The impact of Oman’s AI initiatives is already being felt across a range of sectors. Here’s a closer look at some of the most promising pilot projects:
Cybersecurity Enhancement
The MTCIT’s Cybersecurity Center, working with GBM, has developed an intelligent chatbot to provide instant support to users in the field of cybersecurity. This system reduces manual effort, accelerates access to information, and ensures data accuracy, bolstering Oman’s defenses against cyber threats.
Education and Student Success
The A2M Platform (BIMANIC), a collaborative project between the ministry and the National University of Science and Technology, utilizes AI to predict student outcomes and support educational planning. This allows educators to identify students who may need additional support and tailor interventions to improve their chances of success.
Streamlining Procurement Processes
The Afaq System employs AI to evaluate tenders, automating technical and financial assessments and enhancing transparency. This results in faster decision-making and a more efficient procurement process. This is a prime example of how machine learning can optimize government operations.
Revolutionizing Healthcare
Oman has emerged as a global leader in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy, thanks to a national project implemented by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Bahwan Healthcare and Muscat Pharmacy. Utilizing AI, the project has reduced waiting lists, improved diagnostic accuracy, and increased patient satisfaction. Oman is now the third country worldwide to implement this service nationwide, with plans to export the technology internationally.
Furthermore, the Radiology AI platform, deployed at Khoula Hospital in partnership with Civilization, analyzes spinal MRI scans, providing preliminary reports to support radiologists and orthopedic doctors. This automation of medical reporting contributes to more informed clinical decision-making.
Improving Tender Management
The Authority for Projects, Tenders, and Local Content has implemented two AI-powered projects. The Himam system, developed with Ibtiqar Experience, analyzes open data from the Esnad platform, helping companies identify relevant tenders. Additionally, a collaboration with Afaq has resulted in an AI-powered tender evaluation system that streamlines assessments and improves decision-making objectivity.
Enhancing Judicial Efficiency
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Public Prosecution, in collaboration with Rahal, has implemented an AI project to analyze legal documents, generate case-related questions, and draft decisions. The system boasts over 90% accuracy and processes sensitive data locally, demonstrating the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance judicial efficiency.
Looking Ahead: Oman’s Vision for an AI-Driven Future
These pilot projects demonstrate Oman’s unwavering commitment to adopting AI as a strategic tool for improving service quality, boosting government performance, and strengthening public-private partnerships. They are directly aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which envisions a diversified, sustainable, and knowledge-based economy. By fostering innovation and embracing advanced technologies, Oman is solidifying its position as a hub for innovation and a leader in the digital age. The success of these initiatives will undoubtedly pave the way for wider adoption of AI across all sectors of the Omani economy, creating new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
To learn more about Oman’s National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies, visit the MTCIT website. Explore the possibilities of how AI can transform your organization and contribute to Oman’s vision for the future.
