16% of Omanis have good knowledge of AI tools

MUSCAT: The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) has released the results of its survey on Omani public opinion towards artificial intelligence (AI), revealing that around 43% of Omanis have used or interacted with AI tools and applications.
Meanwhile, 95% of users confirmed that these technologies have helped them in their daily lives or enabled them to perform their tasks more effectively, reflecting the growing presence of AI technologies across various aspects of life.
The survey results, published in an NCSI report issued in October 2026, showed that 60% of Omanis had heard of the term artificial intelligence, while 41% believe these technologies have become part of their daily lives, even without their deliberate choice or intention.
The data revealed varying levels of knowledge about AI tools and applications. Around 16% of Omanis reported having good knowledge of these technologies, compared with 20% who had moderate knowledge and 22% who had limited knowledge. Meanwhile, approximately 42% indicated that they had no knowledge of AI tools and applications. The survey results showed that the use of AI tools and applications varies according to demographic, educational and employment characteristics. Usage among young people aged 18 to 29 stood at around 54%, compared with 47% among those aged 30 to 49 and 14% among people aged 50 and above. Those holding qualifications higher than the General Education Diploma recorded the highest usage rate at around 83%. The rate stood at 55% among employed individuals and 63% among government sector employees.
In terms of frequency of use, the results showed that around 68% of AI users engage with these tools regularly, either daily or several times a week.
The survey revealed that chat programmes were the most widely used AI tools and applications, accounting for 89% of users, followed by smart features on mobile phones at 53% and applications that recommend content or products at 51%.
In terms of areas of use, searching for information ranked first at 74%, followed by using AI to complete work and tasks at 65%. Everyday applications, including translation, images and organisation, accounted for 58%, while 48% reported using AI for studying and learning.
The results indicated that saving time and effort was the primary motivation for using AI among 53% of users, followed by learning and understanding at 20% and improving the quality of results and work at 17%.
In the same context, 41% of users reported that AI had significantly helped them perform their daily tasks more effectively, while 54% said it had helped them to some extent.
Regarding levels of trust in AI-generated outputs, the survey results showed that 66% of users had a moderate level of trust in these outputs, compared with 23% who reported a high level of trust and 5% who expressed a very high level of trust.
The results also revealed that 69% of users verify information provided by AI tools against other sources before relying on it. Around 42% compare information across multiple sources, while 27% check another source before accepting the results.
The survey further showed that 51% of users consult a specialist or seek a reliable source when AI-generated outputs conflict with their personal beliefs, reflecting the importance of verifying the accuracy and reliability of information before relying on it.
Regarding the risks associated with AI use, the results showed that 46% of users considered privacy and data leakage their primary concerns, followed by incorrect or misleading information at 18% and excessive reliance on these technologies and the weakening of independent thinking at 12%.
The survey revealed that 36% of users had previously entered personal data or uploaded private photographs to AI tools. This proportion increased to 43% among users aged 18 to 29.
The results also showed that 86% of users reported that they had never relied on AI tools to make decisions that directly affected them. These indicators highlight the importance of raising awareness of the safe and responsible use of AI technologies, particularly in relation to personal data protection, verifying the reliability of information and understanding the limitations of these tools.
Regarding priorities and regulation, the survey results showed that 86% of Omanis believed there was a need for measures to promote the optimal use of artificial intelligence. Practical training on the proper use of AI ranked first among the most beneficial measures identified by respondents, at 33%, followed by simplified public awareness programmes at 32%, establishing clear legislation and regulations at 19%, and developing official guidelines for safe AI use at 15%.
Regarding the skills that individuals should acquire, 39% of Omanis considered protecting privacy and data confidentiality the most important skill when dealing with AI. This was followed by understanding the limitations of AI tools and avoiding complete reliance on them at 31%, verifying information at 18%, and the proper use of productivity tools at 12%.
Children and education topped the list of areas that respondents believed should be prioritised when establishing regulations governing AI use, at 40%, followed by government services at 29% and the healthcare sector at 25%.
The survey on Omani public opinion towards artificial intelligence forms part of NCSI’s efforts to monitor the use of modern technologies, measure levels of public knowledge and awareness, and identify patterns of use, benefits and associated risks. The survey provides statistical indicators that contribute to the development of relevant national policies and initiatives and promote the safe, responsible and effective use of AI technologies.
The survey targeted Omani citizens aged 18 and above residing across the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. Data were collected from May 17 to 25, 2026, through telephone interviews conducted using the electronic public opinion survey system.
The target sample comprised 2,000 Omani citizens, while the actual number of responses reached 1,793. Statistical weighting methodology was applied to improve the representativeness of the results according to gender, age group, educational level and governorate.
The survey findings highlight the importance of striking a balance between benefiting from the opportunities offered by AI technologies and raising awareness of the risks associated with their use. They also underline the need to develop digital skills and establish responsible AI practices in line with the Sultanate of Oman’s digital transformation objectives.