Muscat – Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has introduced the “Public Policy for the Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems,” establishing a robust regulatory framework to promote responsible AI development and deployment in the Sultanate.
The policy aims to safeguard security and ethics in AI while fostering innovation and enhancing Oman’s global competitiveness. It applies to all government bodies and private sector institutions regulated by relevant authorities that develop or utilize AI technologies.
Key provisions include ensuring system security, ethical compliance, transparency in AI decision-making, strong data privacy protections, and legal accountability for stakeholders. The framework also emphasizes fairness by preventing bias and discrimination, while encouraging sustainable innovations beneficial to society and the environment.
Alongside this, MTCIT is advancing a national digital economy program focused on driving economic growth, attracting foreign investment, expanding digital industries, and localizing cutting-edge technologies in Oman.
Undersecretary Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shidhani announced that Dhofar currently hosts several data center projects worth up to RO80 million, including data processing, blockchain, and cryptocurrency mining initiatives aligned with Oman’s digital transformation goals. These projects have generated over 25 contracts valued at more than RO22 million awarded to local companies, boosting employment opportunities for Omani professionals and startups.
