First large language model Mu’een launched

MUSCAT, SEPT 8

The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, on Monday unveiled multiple national projects in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

The unveilings took place during the Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing conference, held on the first day of the Comex 2025.

HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony of the 34th edition of the Global Technology Exhibition 'Comex 2025'.

Speaking on the occasion, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that the ministry supports this exhibition to achieve the goals of Oman Vision 2040 in digital economy, including supporting aspects of artificial intelligence, data analytics and expanding the scope of digital government work. He noted that Comex will be among the exhibitions marketed outside Oman.

He added that the Omani language model 'Mu’een' was launched as the first national project in developing an AI language model, initially implemented within the government scope before expanding to the digital space.

In his address, Dr Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, shared that the projects represent “a strategic step towards building an integrated digital ecosystem aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.”

He further emphasised their role in enhancing government services, fostering innovation and empowering national talent.

The first announcement centred on the launch of Oman’s first large Language Model (Mu’een), which reflects the uniqueness of the Omani dialect and culture. According to the under-secretary, the model will be used to enhance operational efficiency within government institutions. The first phase is expected to benefit 20,000 government employees.

The second announcement focused on the launch of an AI Studio. Dr Al Shaithani stated: “In this edition of Comex, we are launching the Artificial Intelligence Studio, which serves as a meeting point and an enabling environment that brings together AI specialists with institutions and companies seeking to develop solutions and leverage artificial intelligence technologies to overcome their operational challenges.”

The studio, according to officials, will provide specialised consulting services, train and qualify students in fields of AI, and raise awareness of AI technologies. This is in addition to supporting institutions in adoption and creating new business opportunities.

In the third and final announcement of the session, a new National Open Data Portal was inaugurated. The portal makes government data “accessible to citizens, researchers and developers across multiple fields such as health, education, economy and environment”.

All three initiatives are part of the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, which is spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

Underpinning the national programme are three central foundations that seek to integrate artificial intelligence into economic sectors, localise artificial intelligence technologies, and establish governance frameworks to ensure that AI serves humanity first and foremost, the official added.