Report Format:
|
Pages: 110+
Oman Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is undergoing a transformative expansion, fueled by national priorities anchored in Oman Vision 2040 and supported by a robust governmental framework. As per David Gomes, Manager – IT, Oman AI market is projected to reach $865 million by 2033, positioning the Sultanate as one of the most progressive digital economies in the Middle East. This growth is not merely numerical—it reflects Oman’s integrated strategy to embed AI across key verticals such as healthcare, finance, logistics, education, urban governance, and notably, judicial services.
The launch of the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies marked a turning point in Oman's digital journey. With AI increasingly shaping the delivery of public services, the Omani government has made deliberate moves to create an enabling ecosystem—one that includes AI innovation hubs like Studio Oman, localized generative models such as Oman GPT, and forward-looking institutions such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution Centre, which is set to be the sixth in the Middle East and the 22nd globally. These efforts aim to foster local talent, incentivize R&D, and integrate AI with cloud computing, 5G, and smart city frameworks—core components of Oman’s broader digital infrastructure.
One of the most ambitious components of Oman’s AI agenda lies in its AI-driven judicial reform, which gained international recognition through a symposium hosted by the Supreme Judicial Council. Legal experts, ministers, and technologists convened to explore how AI can assist in retrieving precedents, drafting rulings, and streamlining litigation timelines, all while preserving ethical integrity and human oversight. The national AI committee, chaired by Dr. Ahmed Saeed al Ma’ashari of Sultan Qaboos University, plays a critical role in setting regulatory direction, ensuring data protection, algorithmic transparency, and equitable access—principles aligned with OECD’s AI safety recommendations.
The government’s structured approach is mirrored in the private sector and academia. Notable initiatives such as the Engineer it with AI competition have produced real-world generative AI applications now live on global digital marketplaces, while institutions like the National University of Science and Technology are embedding AI into curricula, especially around generative education models. These steps align with Oman’s broader strategy of workforce upskilling and the localization of critical digital technologies.
Oman’s AI investment roadmap is equally compelling. From OMR 60 million in cumulative investments between 2021–2024, the country has committed to increasing annual AI funding by at least 20%, aiming to fuel pilot programs in facial recognition, drone-based surveying, smart aquaculture, and environmental monitoring. These investments are backed by collaborative partnerships across entities like the Oman Chamber of Commerce, Central Bank of Oman, and leading local AI startups, positioning Oman as a strategic hub for regional AI deployment and foreign direct investment.
Furthermore, Oman’s leap in the Government AI Readiness Index, climbing five ranks to 45th globally in 2024, illustrates growing institutional capability and adoption maturity. The Sultanate’s AI journey also intersects with fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, with recent laws like Royal Decree 58/2024 safeguarding journalistic independence amid rising concerns around AI-induced misinformation. This comes at a time when global media ecosystems are increasingly under pressure, as shown in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.
The introduction of AI into Oman's media, judicial, and urban systems underlines a crucial shift—from reactive digitization to proactive digital sovereignty. For investors, this represents a market where government vision, regulatory clarity, and technological innovation converge. Real-world AI applications in Oman—like AI-assisted investment dashboards, geological data analytics, and smart logistics algorithms—are shaping a competitive edge not just for Oman, but for B2B firms seeking scalable and ethical AI deployment in the GCC region.
With regional players including Infoline, eMushrif, and iNNOVATEQ pushing boundaries in areas such as predictive maintenance, AI-enabled education, and energy intelligence platforms, Oman AI market is now a dynamic landscape of cross-sector experimentation and commercialization. The Studio Oman AI Centre, set to become the epicenter of localized innovation, serves as a bridge between academic research, startups, and enterprise-scale implementations—mirroring the role of similar AI innovation clusters in Singapore, UAE, and South Korea.
As Oman advances its AI economy, the emphasis remains on responsible AI governance, socioeconomic inclusion, and regional leadership. This positions the nation as a benchmark in balancing AI advancement with ethical frameworks and localized innovation—making it a compelling case study for investors, policymakers, and enterprise leaders worldwide.
Authors: David Gomes (Manager – IT)
*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]