Muscat – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has launched a new programme aimed at integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies into Oman’s industrial sector. This initiative seeks to enhance the global competitiveness of Omani industries and drive sustainable digital transformation in manufacturing.
The programme aims to assist factories in adopting smart production technologies, improving efficiency, lowering costs, and creating skilled job opportunities. By embracing these advancements, Oman intends to position itself as a regional leader in modern industrial practices.
Idris bin Hassan al Sinan, Head of Knowledge-Based Industries in the Directorate General of Industries, stated that the first phase of the programme involves selecting factories for digital transformation. “Specialised teams, including experts from the Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC), are conducting field visits to assess factory readiness and develop tailored plans,” he said.
Aligned with Oman’s Industrial Strategy 2040, the programme focuses on enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the industrial sector. Factories adopting smart technologies are expected to see improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while also creating job opportunities.
Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah al Buraiki, Head of Industrial Studies and Policies at GOIC, explained that the programme would use an advanced evaluation matrix covering three core pillars and 16 dimensions. This framework will help factories assess their readiness for digital technologies and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
“The evaluation process has shown promising results, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement in participating factories,” Buraiki noted. “The feedback has been positively received, with factories demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing performance and competitiveness.”
This programme is a crucial step in building a smart and sustainable industrial base in line with Oman Vision 2040. By supporting factories in their digital transformation journey, Oman aims to solidify its position as a leading industrial hub in the region.
MoCIIP has encouraged all factories to join the programme to access technical and technological support. Participating factories will benefit from comprehensive digital transformation, enabling them to compete in both local and regional markets.