The Oman Research and Education Network Technology Summit (OTS25) concluded in Muscat, firmly establishing Artificial Intelligence as a strategic pillar in the Sultanate’s mission to reshape its education, research, and innovation landscape. Inaugurated by Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the two-day summit brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders to align on a unified vision for AI integration.
Integrating AI into the Core of Omani Education
A central theme of OTS25 was the practical implementation of AI within Oman’s educational framework. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, outlined the country’s national AI roadmap, which prioritizes talent development, human-centric governance, and widespread cross-sectoral adoption. Najah bint Mohammed Al Rashdiyah, Director-General of the Innovation Centre, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to embedding AI in curricula and fostering sustainable collaborations to ensure long-term progress. The event featured live demonstrations and interactive workshops showcasing AI’s potential to create personalized learning experiences and streamline research.
Championing Ethical AI and Responsible Innovation
While the summit celebrated technological advancement, it also placed a strong emphasis on ethical governance. In a keynote address, Prof. Marc-Antoine Dilhac, a UNESCO AI Ethics Expert from the University of Montreal, urged Omani educators and innovators to strike a careful balance between progress and ethics. He advocated for promoting transparency, creativity, and critical skills like prompt engineering to prepare students for an AI-assisted future, ensuring that innovation serves societal well-being.
Fostering Regional Collaboration for AI Advancement
The summit highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in achieving shared technological ambitions. Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al Ghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), attended as a guest of honour, sharing insights from Saudi Arabia’s successful initiatives in scaling AI solutions and increasing women’s participation in the field. The SDAIA Pavilion was a key attraction, demonstrating cutting-edge applications in drones, 3D printing, and virtual reality, and serving as a catalyst for new partnerships between academia, industry, and government bodies across the region.
Building a Future-Ready AI Ecosystem
OTS25 reinforced Oman’s commitment to building a resilient, knowledge-based economy powered by AI. The ‘Future Path Exhibition’ showcased innovative AI projects from 12 academic institutions, while the summit culminated in the announcement of the “Gamathon” Hackathon winners. These initiatives demonstrate a clear focus on nurturing local talent and developing homegrown AI solutions to tackle national challenges. The event underscored AI’s transformative potential beyond the classroom, positioning it as a key driver for enhanced productivity, economic diversification, and sustainable growth in line with Oman’s digital transformation journey.
About Oman Research and Education Network
The Oman Research and Education Network (OMREN) is the national research and education network (NREN) that connects research and education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. It aims to provide a high-speed, dedicated network infrastructure to facilitate collaborative research, innovation, and learning among its member institutions and with the global research community.
Source: meatechwatch
