Three National Initiatives

During the forum, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology, announced the launch of three national initiatives under the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies.

The first initiative is the Omani Language Model “Maeen”, an ambitious project to develop an advanced AI-powered language model that reflects the uniqueness of the Omani language and culture. The project is designed to support government institutions with intelligent linguistic applications and to build a robust digital knowledge base that serves vital national sectors.

The second initiative is the Omani AI Studio, an innovation platform that brings together experts with government, private sector, and academic institutions to develop practical solutions to operational challenges. The studio also provides specialized consulting services, training, and capacity-building for students in cutting-edge AI fields, while hosting workshops and awareness programs. Additionally, it seeks to support institutions in adopting AI solutions and creating new business opportunities.

The third initiative is the National Open Data Portal, which aims to strengthen transparency and accountability by making government data accessible to citizens, researchers, and developers across sectors such as health, education, economy, and environment. The portal features an interactive user-friendly interface and advanced analytical tools designed to stimulate innovation and support research projects.

Building a Digital Ecosystem

In his address, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani emphasized that these three initiatives mark a strategic step toward building a fully integrated digital ecosystem aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. He highlighted their role in enhancing government services, driving innovation, and empowering national talent to harness the opportunities of future technologies.

Forum Sessions

The forum featured a series of keynote sessions, including a lecture by Professor Ahmed Younis titled “Quantum Computing: Opportunities and Risks”, and a presentation by Mehdi Bariyafi from the International Data Center Authority on the “Future of AI Infrastructure and Oman’s Strategic Position”. The event also included a panel discussion on the integration of artificial intelligence and quantum computing, followed by an in-depth dialogue with global experts from leading companies and universities under the theme “From Concepts to Applications.”