Oman Unveils Ambitious Plans for 2024 in Transport, Communications and Technology Sectors

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, revealed the Omani government’s strategic initiatives for the year 2024. Addressing the eleventh media meeting of the Ministry, the Minister outlined key projects and achievements from the past year and outlined the ambitious plans for the upcoming year.

A focal point of the government’s vision for 2024 is the establishment of a state-of-the-art dry dock and the initiation of a comprehensive project dedicated to the construction and maintenance of medium and large ships. This strategic move aims to bolster Oman’s maritime capabilities and further enhance its position in the global shipping industry.

Minister Al Maawali reflected on the accomplishments of the Ministry in 2023, citing the successful completion of 98 tenders with a total estimated value exceeding OMR 612 million. Notably, 56 tenders were dedicated to the transport and logistics sector, while 32 focused on information and communications technology.

Highlighting the substantial investment opportunities, the Minister stated, “OMR 1.6 billion marks the total investment opportunities for the first and second phases of transport and logistics. OMR 114 million was allocated for maintaining asphalt and dirt roads during the year 2023.”

The Ministry’s commitment to infrastructure development was underscored as Minister Al Maawali detailed the completion of over 200 km of roadworks in 2023, including the construction of 16 km of new roads and the restoration of 185 km of existing roads damaged by climatic conditions, amounting to an expenditure of about OMR 96 million.

The maritime sector also witnessed significant activity, with Omani ports welcoming approximately 11,000 ships in 2023. The volume of general and bulk cargo surpassed 93 million tons, and the Omani-flagged fleet boasted a total of 662 marine units.

Emphasizing the strides made in digital transformation, Minister Al Maawali disclosed that the Takamul platform processed a staggering 262 million transactions in 2023. The government’s commitment to technological advancement was further showcased by the development of 39 electronic platforms and portals.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Ministry’s agenda includes groundbreaking initiatives such as the establishment of a dry dock and a shipbuilding and maintenance project. Additionally, plans are underway to inaugurate Oman’s first hydrogen-powered station and commence the implementation of the joint railway project connecting Sohar to Abu Dhabi, complete with the drafting of its associated legislation.

Minister Al Maawali concluded by revealing the Ministry’s goal to launch the unified national portal project for electronic government services in the communications and information technology sector, alongside the implementation of various projects for the National Center for AI and Advanced Technologies. These endeavors affirm Oman’s commitment to progress and innovation, positioning the nation as a leading force in the fields of transportation, communications, and technology on the global stage.