Oman Becomes Founding Member of Global AI Cooperation Organization, Advances National AI Strategy
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: Oman has become a founding member of the newly established Global Cooperation Organization for Artificial Intelligence (AI), reinforcing its ambition to play a leading role in international AI governance while accelerating its transition toward a knowledge-based digital economy.
The Sultanate signed the agreement establishing the organization in Shanghai, China, alongside 28 other countries. The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation and develop global governance frameworks for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
The move underscores Oman’s commitment to embracing emerging technologies while contributing to the formulation of international standards that promote innovation, transparency, and responsible AI development.
Building a National AI Ecosystem
According to Hassan Fida Al Lawati, Head of the National Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies Programme at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the first phase of Oman’s National Artificial Intelligence Programme (2021–2025) focused on establishing the foundations of a comprehensive national AI ecosystem.
The strategy was built on three key pillars: expanding AI adoption across economic and development sectors, localizing AI technologies, and establishing governance frameworks centered on human values.
Among the programme’s major achievements was the launch of “Mu’een,” Oman’s first national generative AI language model. Developed using more than 3,000 local datasets contributed by 60 government institutions, the model is designed to strengthen Omani digital content and preserve national knowledge in the era of generative AI.
The government also established the Artificial Intelligence Studio, which has provided more than 100 advisory sessions benefiting over 200 innovators and institutions developing AI-based solutions.
Additional milestones include the launch of the Green Artificial Intelligence Alliance, promoting environmentally sustainable AI development, and the Oman Digital Triangle, a global initiative aimed at developing green computing infrastructure, AI data centers, and sustainable digital technologies.
Second Phase Focuses on Innovation and Localization
Building on the progress achieved during the first phase, Oman’s National AI Programme (2026–2030) seeks to move beyond technology adoption toward developing indigenous AI research, innovation, and technology capabilities.
Al Lawati said the next phase will prioritize integrating AI across industry and government services, nurturing national talent, strengthening innovation ecosystems, expanding high-performance computing infrastructure, and investing in emerging technologies such as quantum computing.
The programme also aims to further enhance the Mu’een language model and expand advanced research capabilities to generate greater economic value while strengthening the Sultanate’s technological sovereignty.
Strengthening Global AI Governance
Experts say Oman’s founding membership in the new global AI organization provides the country with an opportunity to actively shape international AI governance rather than simply adopting externally developed standards.
AI researcher Dr. Saeed bin Mohammed Al Kalbani noted that technological advances in artificial intelligence are progressing faster than existing regulatory frameworks. He stressed that participation in the organization will enable Oman to contribute its national experience to the development of international AI standards while ensuring governance reflects practical implementation and continuous learning.
Al Kalbani also called for the establishment of a national AI institutional maturity framework to assess leadership, technical capabilities, data governance, risk management, and AI impact, enabling Oman to present evidence-based contributions in international policy discussions.
International Cooperation Key to Responsible AI
Communications and AI expert Saleh bin Obaid Al Khaldi emphasized that effective AI governance requires close collaboration among governments, universities, research institutions, private companies, and international organizations.
He said complex issues such as cybersecurity, privacy protection, transparency, and algorithmic bias require coordinated international action through permanent platforms for knowledge exchange, joint research, and globally recognized ethical and technical standards.
Al Khaldi added that Oman’s strategic geographic location linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, together with its digital transformation agenda, positions the country to become a regional hub for AI governance dialogue and international cooperation.
Trust and Governance Drive Future Competitiveness
Dr. Rami Shaheen, Secretary-General of the Global Artificial Intelligence Award, highlighted trust as a critical factor in AI adoption, advocating independent evaluation laboratories, algorithmic impact assessments, transparent reporting mechanisms, and risk-based regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with privacy and human rights.
Meanwhile, Jordanian economist Dr. Adli Qandah said countries that establish credible AI governance systems will be better positioned to attract international investment by offering stable and transparent regulatory environments.
He stressed that future economic competitiveness will depend not only on technological infrastructure and innovation but also on building what he described as an “economy of trust in AI,” where confidence in governance becomes a key driver of sustainable investment and growth.
With its founding membership in the Global Cooperation Organization for Artificial Intelligence and the launch of the second phase of its National AI Programme, Oman is positioning itself as both a regional technology leader and an active contributor to shaping the future global framework for responsible artificial intelligence governance.
