SALALAH: The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) — Dhofar Branch hosted an insightful Ramadhan evening titled ‘The Future of Business in Light of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: Opportunities and Challenges.’
The event, held in Salalah, was organised as part of ongoing efforts to foster discussions on technological advancements and their implications for businesses. It was conducted under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
The evening brought together experts, business leaders and technology enthusiasts to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital economy.
In his opening address, Ghazi bin Saeed al Hamar, Director of the Chamber’s Dhofar branch, emphasised the significance of such discussions in preparing businesses for the evolving technological landscape.
"This evening serves as a platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge-sharing on the opportunities AI presents and the challenges it poses to businesses amid rapid digital advancements. It also highlights the essential role of cybersecurity in protecting data, digital assets and critical infrastructure," he said.
The discussions centred around three key themes:
1. Introduction to AI Programmes, Advanced Technologies and the Digital Economy — Experts elaborated on how AI is reshaping industries, driving efficiency and transforming traditional business models.
2. AI Agents and the Future of Work — Panelists explored the role of AI-powered automation, its impact on employment and how businesses can adapt to a workforce increasingly influenced by AI-driven solutions.
3. AI Legislation and Regulatory Frameworks — Legal experts delved into the evolving landscape of AI governance, discussing regulatory measures, ethical considerations and the need for compliance with international best practices.
The evening also featured an interactive discussion on cybersecurity, with a special presentation from an Omani startup specialising in the field. The startup shared its insights on emerging cyber threats and best practices for securing digital infrastructure in an AI-driven economy.
The event underscored the Chamber’s commitment to raising awareness about AI adoption and digital security, with a focus on enhancing business efficiency, improving service quality and ensuring sustainable digital transformation in Oman. Participants acknowledged the importance of fostering AI-driven innovation while simultaneously addressing the risks associated with cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
By engaging stakeholders from various sectors, the Ramadhan evening in Dhofar contributed to a deeper understanding of how AI and cybersecurity are shaping the future of business. The discussions reinforced the need for collaboration between policymakers, businesses and technology experts to harness AI’s potential while ensuring data protection and regulatory compliance.
As AI continues to evolve, the event highlighted the necessity for businesses to remain agile and proactive in adopting new technologies while prioritising cybersecurity as a fundamental pillar of digital growth. — ONA
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