Oman is moving beyond artificial intelligence (AI) pilot projects and experimentation towards structured national implementation, with a focus on building digital capabilities, responsible governance and AI-driven economic growth.
Dr Salim al Shueili, an expert in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, said Oman has entered a new phase where AI is being integrated across government and economic sectors through national programmes, specialised infrastructure projects and capacity-building initiatives.
“We are no longer discussing artificial intelligence only as an emerging technology or conducting isolated pilot projects. Oman now has a national programme, governance frameworks, specialised infrastructure projects, capacity-building initiatives and practical applications across government and economic sectors,” Al Shueili told the Observer.
The National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies serves as the key framework guiding Oman’s AI ambitions. The programme focuses on accelerating AI adoption in economic and development sectors, developing national expertise, localising technologies and ensuring responsible, human-centred AI governance.
It also aims to support startups, strengthen public-private partnerships, attract investment and enhance Oman’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Oman has already introduced or initiated AI-based solutions in areas including urban planning through satellite imagery, government services, education, energy, infrastructure and tourism-related analytics.
The national programme reported the launch of eight AI applications in 2024 following the 'Engineer It with AI' competition. Other major initiatives include the Omani language model Mueen AI, Oman AI Studio, and the National Open Data Platform.
Al Shueili said Mueen AI represents an important step towards developing AI capabilities that reflect Oman’s linguistic, cultural and institutional context.
“Mueen AI is not simply another chatbot. It represents an attempt to develop an AI language capability that reflects Oman’s linguistic, cultural and institutional context and supports government organisations with intelligent language applications,” he said.
He added that Oman AI Studio provides a platform for government entities, innovators and companies to transform challenges into practical AI solutions, while high-quality open data remains essential for developing reliable AI applications.
Oman has also made progress in establishing frameworks for safe and ethical AI adoption through the National Policy for the Safe and Ethical Use of AI.
The policy addresses innovation, economic development, national capabilities, infrastructure and the relationship between technology and legislation.
The AI Experts Committee has also been established to provide specialised advice, support strategic development and promote responsible innovation.
The establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Special Zone through Royal Decree No 50/2026 marks another milestone, highlighting Oman’s ambition to position AI as not only a tool for government modernisation but also as a future investment and economic sector.
Al Shueili said projects such as the Digital Triangle will provide the infrastructure needed for an AI economy, including data centres, cloud platforms, advanced computing capacity and secure connectivity.
International rankings indicate Oman’s growing progress in AI readiness and responsible adoption.
Oman ranked 45th globally in the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, achieving the national programme’s target of entering the top 50 countries. In the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, Oman ranked 61st, showing strengths in areas such as enabling conditions, inclusion, diversity, trust and safety.
Al Shueili noted that the two indices measure different aspects of AI development — one focusing on government readiness and the other on responsible implementation — and should be viewed as complementary assessments.
Oman has also strengthened its global engagement as one of the 29 founding member states of the World AI Cooperation Organization, giving the country a greater role in international discussions on AI governance, cooperation and equitable access to technology.
“Oman has built a credible foundation. The next stage is to convert that foundation into measurable outcomes: more productive businesses, better public services, scalable Omani AI companies, valuable intellectual property and high-quality employment for Omanis,” Al Shueili said.
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