MUSCAT, FEB 18
The Ministry of Economy hosted on Sunday, February 18, 2024, the AI Economics Initiative Forum – an event that brought together Omani companies specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and various government entities, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's journey towards AI-driven development.
The daylong forum was held under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers.
The primary objective of the forum, which took place at JW Marriott Hotel Muscat, was to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, emphasizing the importance of maximizing local value from national AI projects. The event showcased the capabilities of Omani AI companies, providing a platform for potential collaboration. Moreover, it served as a knowledge-sharing hub, updating government entities on the latest AI technologies and innovations.
Led by the Ministry of Economy, the AI Economics Initiative has already allocated RO 10 million to invigorate the national economy through AI. This initiative spans crucial sectors, aligning with Oman's developmental goals during the tenth five-year plan (2021-2025).
The initiative strategically targets sectors such as Health, Energy, SMEs, Innovation, Government Administration, Environment, Tourism, Logistics, Transportation, and Education. Its goals include accelerating diversification, integrating AI into development projects, improving spending efficiency, developing smart government services, and supporting technology-based investments.
Various impactful projects have surfaced from different ministries in Oman, exemplifying the diverse applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country. The Health Ministry's "National Center for Virtual Health" pioneers the use of AI to deliver specialized medical services remotely, ushering in a new era of medical technology and bolstering the well-being of local communities.
The Energy and Minerals Ministry spearheads the "Geological Data Analysis" project, leveraging AI to efficiently identify potential locations for discovering oil, gas, minerals, and renewable energy. This initiative contributes significantly to sustainable economic development and resource exploration.
In a forward-thinking approach, the Environment Authority integrates AI with blockchain in the "Environmental Information Bank." This project not only enhances environmental management but also supports the planning of sustainable projects, further contributing to economic development.
Under the purview of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, projects like the "Linguistic Model for Omani Content Chat GPT" and the "Artificial Intelligence Studio" are set to boost cultural understanding, social interaction, and national pride through innovative AI applications.
The "AI Investment Dashboard" of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, introduces a smart solution for obtaining accurate investment data, streamlining strategic decision-making processes, and providing essential support to the overall economy.
The Dhofar Municipality undertakes the "Smart Electronic Gates" project, focusing on enhancing traffic management, improving the visitor experience, and contributing to local economic development through intelligent electronic gates.
The Labour Ministry's "Smart Administration" project employs AI to expedite processes, enhance work quality, and improve beneficiary services. This contributes not only to administrative efficiency but also creates new employment opportunities.
The Academic Accreditation Authority delves into the "Smart Solutions in Workshop Management" project, fostering learning and innovation, thereby contributing to both economic and social development.
These projects collectively aim to enhance service delivery efficiency, stimulate innovation, attract investments, and support small and medium enterprises, contributing to economic growth. The initiatives also accelerate decision-making, improve training effectiveness, and foster innovation, thereby positively impacting social development.
The successful hosting of the AI Economics Initiative Forum signifies Oman's commitment to technological advancement and sustainable development. As the nation continues its AI journey, collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors promise transformative impacts on the economy and society, positioning Oman as a regional leader in AI-driven innovation.
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