Oman to Unveil Revised National AI Policy in Early 2025, Boosting Digital Economy Goals

Muscat, Oman – Oman is set to release an updated national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy in the first quarter of 2025, according to a report by the Oman Daily Observer. The revised policy will establish a comprehensive governance framework for the development and use of AI technologies while safeguarding national interests, as the Sultanate accelerates its digital transformation efforts.

The announcement was made by Hassan Al Lawati, National Program Head for AI and Advanced Technology at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. Al Lawati emphasized that the updated policy will reflect the latest advancements in the AI sector and incorporate feedback from industry stakeholders.

Oman first introduced its national AI policy in 2021, marking a significant step in its journey toward embracing emerging technologies. However, the rapid evolution of AI and its growing impact across industries have necessitated a revision to ensure the policy remains relevant and effective.

The updated AI policy aligns with Oman’s broader economic diversification goals, particularly its ambition to expand the digital economy’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In September 2024, the ministry launched an updated version of the AI Executive Programme, which outlines a roadmap to increase the digital economy’s share of GDP from 2 percent to 5 percent by 2030 and 10 percent by 2040.

The revised policy is expected to address key areas such as ethical AI use, data privacy, and the integration of AI across critical sectors, including healthcare, education, and logistics. It will also focus on fostering innovation, attracting investment, and building local AI capabilities to position Oman as a regional leader in advanced technologies.

Al Lawati highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and academic institutions to achieve the goals outlined in the policy. “The updated AI policy will not only provide a regulatory framework but also create opportunities for economic growth and job creation in the digital space,” he said.

As Oman prepares to unveil its revised AI strategy, the move underscores the country’s commitment to leveraging technology as a driver of sustainable development and economic resilience. With the global AI market projected to grow exponentially in the coming years, Oman’s proactive approach positions it to capitalize on the transformative potential of AI while addressing its challenges.

The release of the updated policy in early 2025 is expected to mark a new chapter in Oman’s digital transformation journey, paving the way for a more innovative and technology-driven future.