Oman Issues National Policy for Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
Muscat, The Gulf Observer: In a significant step toward fostering responsible innovation, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman has issued the Public Policy for the Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems. The new policy is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to localize emerging technologies for the benefit of society and aligns with the Sultanate’s ambitions under Oman Vision 2040.
The policy provides a comprehensive national framework to guide the deployment of AI and advanced digital technologies in a manner that respects human values, preserves individual privacy, and ensures sustainable development. It derives from the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies—an initiative designed to strengthen Oman’s global competitiveness in digital transformation.
Human-Centric AI Governance
Emphasizing a balanced approach between innovation and ethical safeguards, the policy outlines guiding principles across the AI lifecycle, from design and development to deployment and oversight. Core pillars include transparency, fairness, accountability, inclusivity, and privacy.
The framework mandates human oversight in critical decision-making processes, proactive efforts to mitigate bias, and controls to prevent the misuse of data or AI-generated outputs. It also calls for effective governance mechanisms, including performance monitoring, decision documentation, and regulatory reporting requirements.
Enabling Innovation within a Regulatory Framework
The Ministry underscored that this policy supports its efforts to foster a regulatory environment conducive to technological advancement and digital entrepreneurship, while safeguarding ethical and societal interests. The document seeks to position Oman as a regional hub for AI and emerging technologies, reflecting the country’s digital readiness and commitment to international standards.
Sectoral Alignment and Institutional Responsibility
All regulatory bodies have been urged to align their internal frameworks with the AI policy and ensure consistent dissemination across affiliated institutions. The Ministry also indicated that sector-specific guidelines may be introduced, provided they adhere to the principles laid out in the national policy.
Through this initiative, Oman reaffirms its strategic vision to utilize AI as a transformative enabler for building a future-ready, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy. The policy marks a pivotal moment in shaping a technology ecosystem that is both innovative and ethically grounded.
