Muscat – As part of an important move to strengthen technological capabilities, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), supported by the Ministry of Economy, signed a cooperation agreement with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to create a center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). ) technologies in Oman.

The center will be the sixth of its kind in the Middle East and the 22nd in the world aimed at advancing technological innovations that benefit the development and production sectors. The center is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2025.

The agreement was signed by HE Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology at MTCIT, and Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships and Member of the WEF Executive Committee.

The agreement aims to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in line with international standards and frameworks, while benefiting from the WEF’s global network of digital experts. Additionally, the agreement aims to launch initiatives bringing together stakeholders from various sectors – government, business and academia – to discuss and collaborate on the development of common policies.

Furthermore, the agreement will help create an environment to test governance principles as well as policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at mitigating risks associated with 4IR technologies. He will also help guide the WEF’s activities in various areas of 4IR technology by actively participating in the forum platforms, initiating an expertise exchange program between the two parties and engaging in the forum’s 4IR community.

HE Shidhani highlighted the importance of the agreement, saying: “This cooperation reflects the Sultanate’s commitment to adopting the latest innovations and cutting-edge technologies to drive sustainable development and achieve the goals of Oman’s Vision 2040. This initiative is also part of our ongoing efforts to transfer knowledge, localize technology and strengthen Oman’s position as a regional hub for technology and innovation.

He added that the agreement will open new avenues of cooperation in key areas, with the first phase focused on strengthening technical innovation. “Through this partnership, we aim to apply AI and advanced technologies in line with the initiatives and projects of the National Digital Economy Program.”

For his part, Buckup said: “We are delighted to establish this center in Oman. Undoubtedly, the presence of this center will facilitate close collaboration on numerous projects that promote digital innovation and sustainable digital solutions to address existing challenges in various areas.