Thumrait – 21 May 2026
Galfar Engineering & Contracting SAOG has launched Artificial Intelligence Asphalt Paving Technology, in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, as part of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road Dualization Project – Part 4 in Dhofar Governorate. This step reflects the company’s direction towards employing modern technologies in infrastructure projects and enhancing the quality of execution, while also highlighting the Sultanate of Oman’s position in attracting the latest technologies and benefiting from the artificial intelligence revolution.
The launch, held under the title “Artificial Intelligence Asphalt Paving Technology”, took place under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Said bin Mohammed Al Saqri, Economic Advisor at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. It affirms the transition of the construction sector into a more advanced phase of project execution, through an intelligent system that contributes to improving work accuracy, coordinating the movement of equipment used in projects, and reducing manual intervention in operational areas. This supports the delivery of government projects, such as road projects, with greater quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
H.E. Dr. Said Al Saqri said:
“The launch of Artificial Intelligence Asphalt Paving Technology represents an important step in the development of the road sector in the Sultanate of Oman and the automation of construction projects. It embodies the national direction towards employing modern technologies in infrastructure projects to achieve several economic objectives. The adoption of such solutions contributes to raising the quality of execution, improving project efficiency, and enhancing safety at worksites, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 in innovation, digital transformation, and improving infrastructure efficiency.”
His Excellency added:
“Road projects are not only important for geographic connectivity; they also support economic development, facilitate the movement of people and goods, empower governorates, and enhance the competitiveness of the national economy. Therefore, introducing smart technologies in the execution of these projects represents an investment in a more efficient and sustainable future.”
Reflecting the Ministry’s continued efforts to advance innovation and adopt modern technologies across the transport sector, H.E. Eng. Khamis Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, said:
“The Ministry is currently working on testing many advanced technologies, a journey that in fact began several years ago. What we are witnessing today may represent the first step towards the adoption of autonomous tools and equipment. At the same time, we have also worked on technologies that have been used in this project. These include technologies such as smart recycling, and the use of renewable energy.”
This launch is being implemented within a strategic project: the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road Dualization Project – Part 4. It is an important national project that reinforces the role of infrastructure in supporting development and connectivity between governorates. Project data indicates that it is not merely a strategic road package, but a platform for creating tangible local value through employment, local procurement, subcontracting, and the participation of Omani enterprises in the supply chain.
For his part, Dr. Hamoud bin Rashid Al Tobi, Chief Executive Officer of Galfar Engineering & Contracting, said:
“Today, we are not merely celebrating the launch of a modern technology; we are shaping a new chapter in the future of road and infrastructure project execution in the Sultanate of Oman. This reflects a transformation in the way we think and deliver — towards smarter projects, higher quality, greater safety, and enhanced efficiency. Galfar’s adoption of Artificial Intelligence Asphalt Paving Technology in this project is considered the first of its kind in the Sultanate and across the region, further strengthening Galfar’s leadership in road and infrastructure projects.”
Dr. Hamoud Al Tobi added:
“At Galfar, we believe that modern infrastructure is not measured only by the length of roads or the scale of works, but also by its ability to employ technology, support local supply chains and small and medium enterprises, and enhance the contribution of national competencies, thereby maximizing In-Country Value. Through this project, we continue to translate this commitment into tangible reality.”
This initiative further strengthens the company’s broad commitment to In-Country Value. Galfar is considered one of the largest employers of Omanis in the private sector, with approximately 5,000 Omani employees, and the company takes pride in providing them with employment opportunities. As part of its operating model and various strategies, the company also strongly supports local supply chains and small and medium enterprises. More than 95% of the purchase orders issued by the company in 2025 were awarded to local companies and SMEs, and the number of Omani companies contracted by Galfar has exceeded 1,300 local companies, thereby expanding the base of beneficiaries from Galfar’s projects and supporting domestic commercial activity.
Dr. Hamoud bin Rashid Al Tobi concluded his statement by saying:
“This step is not the end of an experiment, but the beginning of a broader path towards smarter and more sustainable projects. At Galfar, we will continue to adopt solutions that raise the quality of execution, enhance safety, support the national economy, and make the construction sector more attractive to national talents through the adoption of the latest technologies.”
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