RO15mn allocated for AI projects to boost economy, governance

RO15mn allocated for AI projects to boost economy, governance

The Ministry of Economy has earmarked a development budget of RO15mn for 2025 to advance artificial intelligence projects across Oman.Muscat – The Ministry of Economy has earmarked a development budget of RO15mn for 2025 to advance artificial intelligence (AI) projects across the sultanate. Of this, RO10mn is allocated to government agencies and the remaining RO5mn directed towards projects in the governorates.

The funding was announced by H E Dr Said bin Mohammed al Saqri, Minister of Economy, at a forum called Artificial Intelligence Economics Initiative 2024 held on Sunday.

The forum, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), aimed to foster local innovation by providing a platform for Omani companies specialising in AI.

It sought to enhance collaboration between the government and private sectors, leveraging expertise of the latter to increase the local value derived from national projects and acquaint government bodies with cutting-edge AI technologies.

H H Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said, Secretary-General of Secretariat-General of the Council of Ministers, graced the forum’s opening ceremony. The event underscored Oman’s commitment to integrating AI in enhancing the national economy and governance.

H E Ali al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information