The Omani delegation also participated in the preparatory session for the operationalisation of the World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO), following the Sultanate of Oman’s accession as one of the organisation’s 29 founding member states through the signing of its Establishment Agreement. The organisation aims to strengthen global AI governance and advance AI innovation for the benefit of all countries.

The Omani delegation participating in the founding events of WAICO and the World Artificial Intelligence Conference is headed by H.E. Dr Ali bin Amur Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology. The delegation also includes H.E. Dr Khalifa bin Abdullah Al Barwani, Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Statistics and Information, H.E. Dr Said bin Hamad Al Rubaie, President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, together with a number of officials specialising in artificial intelligence from both the public and private sectors.

In his address at the High-Level Meeting held on the sidelines of the conference, H.E. Dr Ali Al Shidhani highlighted Oman’s National Artificial Intelligence Programme, noting that it encompasses 32 strategic projects. Among its flagship initiatives are the Digital Triangle initiative, which leverages Oman’s strategic advantages, including its diverse energy resources and extensive submarine cable connectivity, Oman’s sovereign large language model, and the dedicated Artificial Intelligence Economic Zone, which aims to attract investment and foster innovation in this vital sector. He also underscored Oman’s balanced approach to artificial intelligence, combining innovation with effective governance.

Speaking during the preparatory session for the operationalisation of WAICO, H.E. Dr Ali bin Amur Al Shidhani expressed his pride in Oman’s accession as a founding member of the organisation, describing it as a strategic opportunity to strengthen digital capacity building, exchange expertise in policies and standards, and develop joint projects in artificial intelligence applications and data centres.

The Head of the Omani Delegation also outlined the key pillars of the National Artificial Intelligence Programme, noting that it focuses on integrating AI across economic sectors, developing and localising AI technologies, and advancing AI governance built around a human-centred approach.

H.E. Dr Ali Al Shidhani reaffirmed the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to working through the organisation to develop future projects and initiatives that enhance international cooperation and advance shared objectives.

He further expressed Oman’s aspiration for AI companies and member states to use the Sultanate as a regional gateway and operational base for expanding into the Gulf and Middle East markets, leveraging its strategic location, advanced digital infrastructure and promising investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Omani delegation continued its participation in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, which brought together a wide range of countries and leading AI companies showcasing their latest products and services. The delegation also held a series of bilateral meetings with several participating countries to explore opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence and strengthen collaboration through the exchange of expertise and best practices. In addition, the delegation visited the China–BRICS Artificial Intelligence Development and Cooperation Centre, which promotes AI cooperation between China, BRICS countries and their international partners, as well as a number of leading Chinese companies specialising in artificial intelligence.

Previous

Next