Vision 2040 and the AI Opportunity in Oman

Oman Vision 2040 outlines an ambitious future: a diversified, knowledge-driven economy where innovation leads growth. And artificial intelligence is not just a tool in this transformation — it’s a cornerstone.

🔍 AI as an Enabler, Not Just an Industry

From healthcare and education to logistics and public services, Vision 2040 views AI as an enabler of national competitiveness and efficiency. The government’s National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies, launched under the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT), aims to embed AI across all critical sectors by 2030 — well ahead of the 2040 milestone.

“AI is not a standalone industry — it is the electricity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” — H.E. Dr. Ali Al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications & IT, Oman

🏥 Healthcare: Smarter Diagnoses, Wider Reach

As part of Vision 2040's health sector strategy, Oman is deploying AI to reduce diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes. In 2024, an AI-driven radiology tool was piloted at Royal Hospital Muscat to flag early-stage lung infections and cardiac anomalies. The result? Diagnosis time dropped from 48 hours to just 3 hours, with higher accuracy in borderline cases.

🏫 Education: Personalized Learning at Scale

The Ministry of Education has collaborated with Oman Data Park and private startups to roll out adaptive learning platforms in public schools. These systems use AI to tailor lesson plans based on student performance. In a pilot across 20 schools in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, student engagement in math subjects rose by 31%.

📦 Logistics & Infrastructure: AI for Smart Cities

AI is also powering Oman’s urban transformation. In Sohar and Duqm, real-time traffic prediction models and smart grid systems are helping authorities reduce congestion and energy waste. Sohar Port’s AI-based container routing system, launched in Q1 2025, improved turnaround time by 22%.

📊 AI Readiness: The Numbers Speak

👨‍💼 Talent Development & Capacity Building

Vision 2040 places heavy emphasis on human capital. The Oman AI Academy, launched in 2023, has already trained 1,500+ students and professionals in AI, data science, and machine learning. UTAS and Sultan Qaboos University now run joint AI research programs with industry partners like Microsoft Oman and PDO.

“Our youth are not just digital natives — they are the architects of Oman’s AI future.” — Dr. Khamis Al Hashmi, Head of National AI Strategy Taskforce

📍 A Strategic Geographic and Policy Edge

With favorable policies for foreign investment, robust data localization laws, and its proximity to Africa, India, and the GCC, Oman is positioning itself as a regional AI hub. The recently proposed AI Free Zone in Duqm is expected to host startups, R&D centers, and sandbox environments for rapid innovation.

Vision 2040 is more than a plan — it’s a national bet on intelligence, both artificial and human. And if 2025 is any indication, that bet is already paying off.