On the Sidelines of the Sultanate of Oman’s Participation in the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance in Geneva

Date Published: 08 July 2026

Al Shidhani Meets ITU Secretary-General as Oman Lens Secures Bronze at AI for Good Initiative

GENEVA: The Sultanate of Oman concluded its participation today in the United Nations Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, held in Geneva from 6 to 7 July, bringing together representatives from all 193 United Nations Member States, alongside leading global technology companies, civil society organisations, the technical community and academia.

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The Omani delegation was 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, and attended by H.E. Dr Idris bin Abdulrahman Al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva. The dialogue featured extensive discussions among officials, experts and specialists on the opportunities and prospects of harnessing artificial intelligence in a sustainable, equitable and inclusive manner for the benefit of all countries. Participants also underscored the importance of establishing principles for international cooperation to address the opportunities and challenges arising from the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, H.E. Dr Ali bin Amur Al Shidhani met today with H.E. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The meeting reviewed areas of mutual cooperation and highlighted the Sultanate of Oman’s significant progress in updating its legislative and policy frameworks to keep pace with the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence technologies, harness the opportunities they offer, and address the challenges they present. The meeting also reaffirmed the Sultanate of Oman’s readiness to work with the United Nations and all partners to advance AI governance and maximise the benefits of artificial intelligence.

Oman Lens Secures Bronze

The Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance also saw Oman Lens receive the Bronze Award in the AI for Good initiative organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in collaboration with a number of leading international research and innovation organisations specialising in artificial intelligence and space technologies. Oman Lens was recognised among the Top 10 teams selected from more than 60 competing teams from around the world, reflecting the advanced capabilities of Omani talent and its ability to compete successfully at international technology events.

The company participated in the Zero Hunger challenge, which focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence to analyse agricultural crops and support food security through the development of advanced algorithms based on satellite imagery and geospatial data.

The achievement reinforces Oman Lens’ growing standing as a national company specialising in space technologies, geospatial data and artificial intelligence, while highlighting its role in developing innovative solutions that contribute to addressing development challenges and enhancing the utilisation of space technologies across various vital sectors.

The achievement also reflects the importance of investing in national talent and localising advanced knowledge and advanced technologies, in line with the Sultanate of Oman’s vision of building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy and strengthening its presence in high-value future industries.