MUSCAT: The Ministry of Economy hosted the AI Economics Initiative Forum on Sunday, which brought together Omani companies specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and various government entities, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's journey towards AI-driven development.
The ministry also announced that RO15 million to the Artificial Economics Initiative for 2025, which will be divided into RO10 million to government agencies and give million to the governorates.
The forum, held at JW Marriott Hotel Muscat, attracted key stakeholders and was supported by His Highness Sayyid Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said.
The primary objective of the forum was to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, emphasizing the importance of maximizing local value from national AI projects.
The event showcased the capabilities of Omani AI companies, providing a platform for potential collaborations. Moreover, it served as a knowledge-sharing hub, updating government entities on the latest AI technologies and innovations.
Led by the Ministry of Economy, the AI Economics Initiative has already allocated RO10 million to invigorate the national economy through AI.
This initiative spans crucial sectors, aligning with Oman's developmental goals during the tenth five-year plan (2021-2025).
The initiative strategically targets sectors such as Health, Energy, SMEs, Innovation, Government Administration, Environment, Tourism, Logistics, Transportation, and Education. Its goals include accelerating diversification, integrating AI into development projects, improving spending efficiency, developing smart government services, and supporting technology-based investments.
Various impactful projects have surfaced from different ministries in Oman, exemplifying the diverse applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country. The Health Ministry's "National Center for Virtual Health" pioneers the use of AI to deliver specialized medical services remotely, ushering in a new era of medical technology and bolstering the well-being of local communities.
The Energy and Minerals Ministry spearheads the "Geological Data Analysis" project, leveraging AI to efficiently identify potential locations for discovering oil, gas, minerals, and renewable energy. This initiative contributes significantly to sustainable economic development and resource exploration.
In a forward-thinking approach, the Environment Authority integrates AI with blockchain in the "Environmental Information Bank." This project not only enhances environmental management but also supports the planning of sustainable projects, further contributing to economic development.
Under the purview of the Transport and Technology Ministry, projects like the "Linguistic Model for Omani Content Chat GPT" and the "Artificial Intelligence Studio" are set to boost cultural understanding, social interaction, and national pride through innovative AI applications.
The Commerce Ministry's "AI Investment Dashboard" introduces a smart solution for obtaining accurate investment data, streamlining strategic decision-making processes, and providing essential support to the overall economy.
The Dhofar Municipality undertakes the "Smart Electronic Gates" project, focusing on enhancing traffic management, improving the visitor experience, and contributing to local economic development through intelligent electronic gates.
The Labor Ministry's "Smart Administration" project employs AI to expedite processes, enhance work quality, and improve beneficiary services. This contributes not only to administrative efficiency but also creates new employment opportunities.
The Academic Accreditation Authority delves into the "Smart Solutions in Workshop Management" project, fostering learning and innovation, thereby contributing to both economic and social development.
Collectively, these AI projects across ministries underscore Oman's commitment to technological advancement, showcasing the nation's innovative strides towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
These projects collectively aim to enhance service delivery efficiency, stimulate innovation, attract investments, and support small and medium enterprises, contributing to economic growth. The initiatives also accelerate decision-making, improve training effectiveness, and foster innovation, thereby positively impacting social development.
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