Oman is strengthening its reliance on artificial intelligence by dedicating a new budget for industry projects as part of a long-term development plan.
During an artificial intelligence forum in Muscat on February 18, Said bin Mohammed Al Saqri, the Omani Minister of Economy, announced that his ministry has approved a budget of 15 million Omani Rials, equivalent to around 38.9 million US dollars, to develop artificial intelligence projects until 2025, according to a report published by Times of Oman.
Out of the total, 10 million Omani Rials will be allocated to government agencies, and 5 million Omani Rials will be distributed to the country’s 11 governorates.
Al Saqri stated: “This forum is essential to enhance national efforts in keeping pace with rapid global advancements in technology and developing the economy to increase its resilience and adaptability to changes, and to leverage opportunities, enabling Oman to excel in the fields of artificial intelligence and future technologies.”
Approval of the budget is part of Oman’s Tenth Development Plan announced in 2021, emphasizing the importance of artificial intelligence in achieving economic growth.
The strategy also highlights its objectives in promoting economic growth by enhancing the role of startups and medium-sized enterprises in innovation, knowledge economy, artificial intelligence, and private markets.
In June 2023, the Ministry of Economy launched a national initiative to incorporate artificial intelligence applications and technologies into development projects and programs in specified diversification sectors in the latest development plan.
When the ministry allocated 10 million Omani Rials for implementing the artificial intelligence project for the first time in Omani government ministries and entities in September 2023.
Government support for artificial intelligence initiatives in the Middle East, especially among Gulf Cooperation Council countries, has increased. On February 13, the Technology Innovation Institute, the research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in Abu Dhabi, announced the launch of an institution supported with $300 million to enhance artificial intelligence development in the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance its partnership with Nvidia through the launch of a specialized academy to enhance the skills of Saudi youth in generative artificial intelligence.
(Times of Oman)
