Oman’s Ministry of Economy has launched an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence applications and technologies into development projects and programs in economic diversification sectors specified in the 10th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).
The ‘National Initiative to Empower a National Economy Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence’ seeks to allow government departments to use artificial intelligence applications and technologies in development projects, besides boosting investment opportunities based on technology and innovation.
The initiative will also contribute to upgrading the efficiency of development spending by raising productivity, cutting down costs, and developing smart government services to ensure quality in performance.
The first step in implementing the initiative begins with government departments’ submitting their own initiatives and projects to the Ministry of Economy.
HE Dr. Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, said that, “In line with the plan, the contribution of the digital economy to the gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to increase to around 10 percent by 2040, through several strategic initiatives and projects.”
The projects or initiatives will then be assessed and studied by a specialized team comprising members from the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.
“The initial phase will primarily target government institutions, agencies, and governorates. To ensure the success of the initiative, a dedicated team comprising experts from the MoE and the MTCIT will evaluate the proposed initiatives and projects put forth by government agencies, paving the way for their seamless implementation,” according to the statement.
