Muscat – As part of Microsoft’s global AI Tour, the company made a stop in Muscat at the St Regis Hotel on Thursday, bringing together industry leaders, developers, and government officials to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping Oman’s digital economy. The exclusive event highlighted Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation and supporting the nation’s Vision 2040 strategy with advanced AI solutions.
The event featured high-profile keynotes from top Microsoft executives, including Samer Abu-Ltaif, President of Microsoft Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); Charles Nahas, Regional General Manager for Commercial Solutions, Microsoft Middle East; and Harry Kambanis, Business Group Leader, Business Applications, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
During his speech, Ltaif expressed, “It is a privilege to be here in Oman, a nation that has long embraced technological progress as a catalyst for economic growth and national advancement. Our presence in the sultanate for over two decades reflects our unwavering commitment to its prosperity. As Oman moves forward with Vision 2040, Microsoft remains dedicated to providing world-class cloud and AI solutions that enable organisations to innovate, ensuring a future of sustainable growth.”
Sheikh Saif Hilal al Hosni, Country Manager for Microsoft Oman and Bahrain, underscored the growing recognition of AI by Omani businesses as a key factor for boosting efficiency and competitiveness. “At Microsoft, we are leading the way in empowering organizations across all sectors to leverage the latest advancements in AI. Our ongoing collaborations with Omani enterprises reinforce our commitment to equipping them with world-class AI and cloud solutions that will shape the future of Oman’s digital economy,” he added.
The event showcased practical AI applications through Microsoft’s collaborations with leading Omani organizations. For example, the Ministry of Education has deployed an advanced AI-powered chatbot for instant information access and is integrating Microsoft Copilot to enhance teaching and learning methodologies. The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) is using AI to streamline course content creation, while Omantel has implemented Microsoft 365 Copilot to optimize operations and enhance cybersecurity. Similarly, OQ has adopted AI solutions to improve candidate screening, boosting business processes and work efficiency.
Ahmed Al Habib, Head of IT – PMO at Oman Housing Bank, shared insights on how the bank has integrated Microsoft 365 Copilot to improve productivity. “AI is not just a futuristic tool; it is already transforming the way we work. Microsoft’s AI solutions have significantly improved our operational efficiency, allowing us to deliver better services to our customers,” he noted.
The event also celebrated excellence in AI adoption through the AI Excellence Awards, which recognized organizations that have successfully implemented AI-driven solutions. Award recipients included the Ministry of Education, National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Oman Housing Bank, Omantel, OQ SAOC, Renaissance Services SAOC, and UTAS for their contributions to AI-powered innovation across various industries.
Additionally, deep-dive sessions were held on Microsoft’s flagship AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and Copilot Agents, designed to revolutionize workplace productivity. Discussions also emphasized Responsible AI practices, reinforcing Microsoft’s commitment to ethical and transparent AI development. Attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand the capabilities of Microsoft Surface AI PCs and Copilot+ PCs, which seamlessly integrate AI-driven functionalities to enhance creativity and productivity.
