Whether it's paying for a meal at a restaurant, ordering a takeout from a home delivery service, or filling fuel at a gasoline station, the exchange of cash is not the only option for payment.
Similarly, we can carry out many of the basics of our lives, including daily commercial transactions, healthcare needs, education, and other essential social or family interactions with just a few taps or clicks on a gadget!
As human life evolves and its needs and wants change and grow over time, advanced and modern technology comes to the rescue to fulfill these needs. It has touched every aspect and need in our lives.
Like magic, it does things that most people never knew were possible. We can do things that would have traditionally taken days or even weeks.
The world is moving fast; hence, catching up with speed is more essential. So by applying new technology, the set goal can be achieved more clearly and with quality. Thanks to digital transformation, life and work have become faster, easier, and cheaper than they were before!
It's no longer a question of whether we should digitise, but the faster we do, the better. The worst nightmare in our life, perhaps, will be the thought of a world where there is no technology. Today, the world of information is in the palm of your hand.
In our homes, we find that children often become more adept with modern technology than their parents, who, on the other hand, believe that familiarity with technology will allow their children to be more creative, learn new skills, and access a world of possibilities.
So they try to introduce their kids to technology early on, realising that it goes beyond mere screen time. With the help of technology, children have more access to many educational resources and tools that can enhance their learning experience.
As countries are heading towards digital societies, technology can bring more opportunities that can bring about development across all sectors. Digital tools and systems help governments manage their daily operations, deliver services, and engage with stakeholders, including individuals, businesses, and civil society.
After all, an efficient digital infrastructure is the backbone of a digitally inclusive society. If the rate of development of any country is slow, it means that the technology of that country is quite backward.
Look at counties in the Gulf region that were heavily reliant on oil and gas production and exports; they’re now investing heavily in digital technologies across the government and private sectors.
Reports are there to show that the region has the additional benefit of the young tech-savvy working population, and high internet and mobile device penetration rates. These factors are boosting the region’s information technology market. Analysts estimate it will be worth $95 billion by 2025, compared to $84.23 billion in 2020.
The Sultanate of Oman is one such country that has been on a transformative journey to modernise its economy and society through the strategic implementation of digital technologies. It has recorded qualitative leaps in its digital transformation under the National Programme for Digital Transformation during 2021–2023.
According to the digital transformation report issued by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Oman’s government entities achieved an average performance of 72 per cent in achieving digital transformation goals in 2023.
The reason for this remarkable digital transformation is attributed to good governance, the development of national policies and guidelines, and community participation and awareness of electronic services.
This means digital transformation in government bodies is better for citizens, residents, employees, and business overall.
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