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Oman Climbs Government AI Readiness Index, Invests OMR25 Million to Boost AI Innovation and Growth
Oman rose five places to 45th on the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index. The country invested OMR10 million in 2023 and plans OMR15 million in 2024 to boost AI projects.
Oman Advances 5 Places on Government AI Readiness Index 2024
Oman has climbed five positions on the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index, now ranking 45th out of 193 countries worldwide. This achievement reflects the country’s focused efforts to build a strong foundation for artificial intelligence within its government and economy.
The government is committed to further improving its AI readiness and aims to increase AI-related investments by 20% annually. As part of the “Artificial Intelligence Economics” initiative, Oman allocated approximately OMR10 million in 2023 and plans to invest around OMR15 million in 2024 to support innovative AI projects.
Strategic AI Programs and Localization
Oman is leading a series of executive programs that emphasize AI as a key pillar in its digital economy strategy. These programs focus on localizing AI technologies, promoting human-centric governance, and encouraging innovation across multiple sectors. The National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies plays a central role, advancing integration, localization, and ethical governance of AI.
One highlight is the “Engineer it with AI” competition, which produced eight generative AI applications now available on global online platforms, showcasing Oman's growing AI capabilities.
Investment in AI Economics and Pilot Projects
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has launched AI-driven pilot projects in areas such as agriculture, urban planning, air quality monitoring, drone surveying, and smart fish farming. These projects are tested in controlled settings to assess their effectiveness before broader application.
In parallel, the Ministry of Higher Education initiated a Strategic Research Program aligning AI research with national goals. A notable project at the National University of Science and Technology explores the benefits and risks of generative AI in education, developing smart models and educational data analytics to guide future policies.
Growing AI Investments and Infrastructure
Dr. Salem bin Humaid Al-Shuaili, director of AI projects at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, confirmed that total AI investment in Oman reached OMR60 million from 2021 to 2024. This underlines Oman’s dedication to becoming a regional hub for AI development.
Two key initiatives under development include:
- Oman GPT: A national language model designed to enhance public sector efficiency.
- Oman Studio: An AI innovation hub that connects talent with industry needs.
Additionally, Oman is establishing the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center, set to open in early 2025. This will be the sixth center of its kind in the Middle East and the 22nd globally, further boosting the country’s AI infrastructure.
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