Oman is preparing to release a revised national Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy in the first quarter of 2025, as reported by the Oman Daily Observer. The updated policy aims to provide a comprehensive governance framework for AI development and usage while protecting national interests. This initiative is being led by Hassan Al Lawati, the national program head for AI and advanced technology at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology.
The government initially introduced its AI policy in 2021, but the revised version will take into account recent technological advancements and feedback from the industry. As part of the nation’s digital transformation efforts, the updated AI executive program, launched in September 2024, seeks to boost the digital economy’s contribution to the country’s GDP. The goal is to increase this share from 2 percent in 2024 to 5 percent by 2030, and to reach 10 percent by 2040.
In 2024, Oman saw significant investments in the AI sector, totaling OR60 million ($155.9 million). This year, the government plans to create an Omani large language model, develop an AI studio, and establish an open data platform. Additionally, in December 2024, the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), the country’s sovereign wealth fund, acquired a stake in xAI, an AI company founded by Elon Musk.
