Photo credit: Oman News Agency

Oman is seeking public input as it looks to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework around artificial intelligence (AI), which the sultanate is banking on to help achieve its digital economy goals.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) launched a public consultation with relevant stakeholders, including individuals, experts, academics, and decision-makers, to provide opinions and suggestions on various aspects of the planned policy.

“In a rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, frameworks and policies governing this technology are increasingly crucial to ensure its optimal benefits,” the MTCIT wrote, noting that the national AI policy should reflect the needs across society segments.

The consultation aims to contribute significantly to achieving the goals of the digital economy in the country by integrating AI technologies across various sectors. It seeks to create an enabling environment that addresses legislative, regulatory, and technological aspects, ensuring a robust framework for AI development. Another critical objective is to enhance public awareness about AI, fostering a better understanding of its applications and implications.

Additionally, the initiative encourages innovation and technological advancement in AI, aligning with national priorities to position Oman at the forefront of the digital transformation.

Comments can be submitted until Aug. 28. While the ministry will review all entries, it said it is not obligated to accept every recommendation.

AI is poised to contribute $320 billion to the Middle East economy, with Oman, alongside Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, expected to see a significant impact, according to PwC. The combined AI contribution from these GCC countries is projected to reach $45.9 billion by 2030, accounting for 8.2% of their GDP. The contribution of AI to these countries is also expected to grow at an average annual rate of 28.8% between 2018 and 2030.

Oman hosted an AI summit earlier this year to promote investment in the AI sector and facilitate the establishment of foreign companies in the country. The summit focused on fostering innovation and supporting technological advancements in the sector.

Building on this momentum, at an AI forum in Muscat on Feb. 18, Oman’s Minister of Economy, Said bin Mohammed Al Saqri, reportedly announced a budget of 15 million Omani rials (approximately $38.9 million) for AI project development by 2025. Of this budget, 10 million rials are allocated to government agencies, and 5 million rials are distributed across the country’s 11 governorates.

In line with these efforts, the MTCIT will host workshops for AI engineers starting Aug. 26, focusing on generative AI, a technology that creates new content such as text, images, and music. These workshops aim to stimulate innovation, build capacity, and support the development of technical solutions that can improve business patterns and solve problems. Participants will gain technical expertise to address complex AI challenges and advance their development efforts.

Read more: Zoom launches AI-powered ‘Zoom Docs’ to take on Google, Microsoft