How Oman can shape the future of AI

There is no artificial intelligence without human intelligence. This fundamental truth is often overlooked in conversations about AI. What is really being developed is not autonomous thinking, but tools that augment human capabilities and extend human reach.

The conversation needs to shift from ‘humans versus machines’ to ‘humans with machines.’ Throughout history, transformative tools have never replaced human creativity and judgment — they've amplified them. AI represents the next evolution in this partnership.

In modern technological systems, AI can process vast amounts of data that would overwhelm human capacity. Yet it's still humans who provide context, make value judgments and determine which problems are worth solving in the first place.

Over five decades, Oman has built one of the world's finest places to live, with exceptional infrastructure, safety and community values. The multicultural society — with numerous languages, traditions and religions coexisting in harmony — embodies principles that any AI system should aspire to emulate.

This unique cultural foundation gives Oman an opportunity to approach AI differently. While other nations race to build bigger models with more parameters, Oman can focus on developing applications that reflect values of diplomacy, peaceful coexistence and being a good neighbour.

For AI to function effectively, it requires massive datasets.

Currently, most AI models are trained predominantly on Western or Chinese data, reflecting their values, biases and worldviews. While Oman may not compete in building foundational models from scratch, the country can become skilled at introducing its own perspectives when prompting and tuning these systems.

The goal should not be to create an ‘Omani AI’. Instead, Oman should develop expertise in guiding global AI tools to respect and incorporate the country's cultural context and values.

Recent developments like Manus demonstrate that innovation does not require reinventing everything. Manus leveraged Anthropic's existing AI model, but added tool access and computational capabilities — creating remarkable new value through integration rather than competition.

Similarly, Oman should focus on areas where it can uniquely contribute. Developing AI applications that address regional challenges in water conservation, renewable energy and sustainable tourism would create immediate value.

Training a generation of AI-fluent professionals who understand both technology and Oman's cultural context ensures long-term sustainability. Creating frameworks for responsible AI use that reflect Omani values and ethics will guide development. Building specialised datasets that represent the linguistic and cultural diversity of the region will improve AI performance in local contexts.

To accomplish this, Oman must embrace technology freely and without unnecessary limitations — allowing for experimentation and the ability to fail fast and learn quickly. While data privacy concerns are valid, there must be a balance. If Omani contexts, languages and cultural nuances aren't represented in shared datasets, AI systems will continue to lack the necessary understanding of the region. Sharing appropriate data isn't just about technological advancement; it's about ensuring Omani perspectives are represented in the global AI ecosystem.

The world of AI is evolving rapidly and not every race is worth entering. Instead of competing on raw computational power or algorithm development, Oman can excel by thoughtfully applying these technologies to enhance its unique strengths.

By focusing on Human Augmented Intelligence — using AI to extend what makes humans human rather than replace it — Oman can ensure technology serves its vision for the future: a society that remains true to its values while embracing innovation.

The countries that will thrive in the age of AI won't be those with the most powerful tools, but those that most wisely blend technological capabilities with human wisdom, cultural understanding and ethical judgment. With its foundation of peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity, Oman is uniquely positioned to lead in this balanced approach.