Oman pushes for open data standards

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology held a national meeting on open data on Sunday, reinforcing efforts to enhance transparency, enable data-driven decision-making and accelerate the Sultanate of Oman's digital transformation agenda.
Held under the auspices of Dr Nasser bin Rashid al Maawali, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, the meeting gathered senior officials and representatives from multiple government entities. The discussions centred on expanding access to public data, strengthening institutional capacity in data management and promoting the adoption of international standards for transparency and information sharing.
Hamdan bin Mohammed al Alawi, Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies Programme at the Ministry, highlighted the central role of the National Open Data Portal. He noted that the portal is a core initiative under the National Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies Programme, endorsed by the Council of Ministers in September 2024.
He affirmed that the programme includes strategic initiatives aimed at adopting and localising artificial intelligence technologies within economic and developmental sectors, building national skills, empowering AI-driven startups and promoting scientific research. Ensuring effective governance of this fast-growing field, he said, is essential for long-term sustainability and alignment with Oman’s digital transformation goals.
Azan bin Qais al Kindi, CEO of Rahal, outlined the company’s contribution to developing the National Open Data Portal. He emphasised enhancements that improve user experience, streamline data exchange and ensure the publication of reliable government data in line with global standards.
During the event, several government institutions were recognised for their contributions to the portal, particularly for efforts in publishing and updating datasets with high levels of quality and transparency. Presentations from various entities showcased their experiences in managing open data, highlighting best practices and ongoing challenges in maintaining up-to-date and accessible information systems.
The Ministry also reviewed its evaluation criteria for government entities within the digital transformation assessment, aiming to encourage stronger compliance with data publication standards and continuous improvement in performance.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion involving representatives from government institutions, exploring new ways to enhance cooperation, increase the volume of published datasets and support decision-makers, researchers and entrepreneurs who rely on accurate and accessible data. — ONA