In cooperation with the World Economic Forum The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology signs an agreement to establish a Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Oman
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, supported by the Ministry of Economy, has signed a cooperation agreement with the World Economic Forum to establish a centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Sultanate of Oman. This partnership marks Oman as the sixth country in the Middle East and the 22nd globally to host such a centre, expected to begin operations in Q1 2025.
The agreement was signed by Dr Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology, and Sebastian Buckup, Head of Networks and Partnerships and Member of the Executive Committee of the World Economic Forum.
Dr Al Shidhani highlighted that this collaboration underscores Oman’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable development, aligning with the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040. He noted that the centre will help transfer knowledge, localise technology and strengthen Oman’s status as a regional technology and innovation hub.
The centre's initial focus will include fostering technical innovation through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies, in line with the National Digital Economy Programme’s initiatives and projects. A key priority will be establishing regulatory frameworks for data governance and AI, ensuring secure cross-border data management and boosting confidence in emerging technologies.
Efforts will also be directed towards sustainability and climate solutions, developing AI-based policies and applications to address environmental challenges.
Additionally, the centre will facilitate international cooperation by connecting with global networks of Fourth Industrial Revolution centres, promoting the exchange of expertise and accelerating digital innovation.
Sebastian Buckup emphasised that the agreement opens extensive avenues for collaboration between Oman and the World Economic Forum. He noted that the centre would enable joint efforts in enhancing digital innovation and implementing sustainable digital solutions.
The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies and AI applications by adhering to international standards and utilising the World Economic Forum's global network of digital experts. It will facilitate policy discussions among government bodies, businesses and academic institutions, fostering collective efforts towards technological advancement.
The agreement also focuses on creating a pilot environment for developing governance principles and regulatory frameworks, helping mitigate risks associated with Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. Oman will actively engage with the World Economic Forum’s platforms, participate in its global community and implement an expertise exchange programme.
The World Economic Forum’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Centres operate as a global network connecting public and private stakeholders. These centres implement initiatives that spread technological benefits while managing associated risks, integrating innovation labs, think tanks and policy forums to support technological progress worldwide.