News & Event

The Ministry of Education, represented by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in cooperation with the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen in Doha, and in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, organized a two-day workshop on expanding the scope of comprehensive, human rights-based ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The workshop targets specialists and workers in the field of artificial intelligence systems from the public and private sectors, as well as members of the Omani Human Rights Commission. The workshop is held under the patronage of HE Dr. Jokha bint Abdullah Al Shukaili, CEO of the Oman Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority for Education, and in the presence of Salah Khalid, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen.

On the sidelines of the workshop, the initiative to expand the scope of comprehensive, human rights-based ethical AI governance (RAM) was launched as the UNESCO selected the Sultanate of Oman as one of the countries benefiting from the AI ​​Governance System (RAM) pilot. This initiative falls within the framework of the UNESCO Recommendation on Ethics in Artificial Intelligence, the first global standard document for the ethical, human rights-based implementation, development, and use of AI. It also aims to discuss the mechanism for developing national regulations governing the use of AI systems in institutional work, the challenges facing relevant authorities in developing regulations, and the consideration of legal, social, cultural, scientific, and economic dimensions when developing regulations.

The workshop program began with a speech by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, delivered by Hassan Al Lawati, Head of the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies. He explained that the National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies, approved by the Council of Ministers in September 2024, constitutes a comprehensive national strategic plan for adopting and localizing artificial intelligence. In early 2025, the Sultanate of Oman launched the National Policy for the Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a reference framework guiding the adoption of these technologies across various sectors. It also emphasizes laying the foundations for the use of AI systems that are human-centered and respectful of the privacy of society.

Hussain Al Lawati added: "The Sultanate of Oman launched the National Data Framework, which is a fundamental pillar for enabling innovation and facilitating access to open data. The Personal Data Protection Law was also issued, reflecting its commitment to protecting individual privacy and ensuring data use in accordance with international standards. Several projects were also launched recently to enhance the use of artificial intelligence technologies, such as the "Ma'in" Large Omani Language Model, which contributes to the development of artificial intelligence solutions in Arabic and local dialects, the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Studio, and the National Open Data Portal. Community initiatives such as "AI Makers" and the "Makin Initiative" were also launched to build national capacities, facilitate scientific research, and empower youth. Digital infrastructure projects such as the "Digital Triangle for Data Centers" were also launched, enhancing the Sultanate's readiness to host and localize advanced artificial intelligence technologies.

Hussain Al Lawati concluded his speech by saying: “This workshop aims to strengthen the Sultanate of Oman's position in the field of artificial intelligence governance and ensure the safe and ethical use of digital technologies. The Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) program, developed by UNESCO, is a practical tool that helps countries assess their current situation, identify strengths and opportunities, and address challenges, leading to the development of policies and legislation that align with global best practices.

Following this, Dr. Ahmed Al Balushi, Director of the Science Sector Department at the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, delivered the Commission's speech, in which he said: "UNESCO, through its 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, emphasizes the need to build frameworks that ensure the responsible use of these technologies, enhance transparency, fairness, and protect privacy and human dignity. The RAM initiative represents an advanced step towards expanding the scope of these efforts, making them more inclusive and equitable among member states."

Dr. Ahmed Al Balushi added: "Our wise government has paid great attention to this vital field. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data was launched, and work is underway to develop legislation and policies that ensure the ethical use of emerging technologies. This is in addition to investing in digital infrastructure and building national capabilities through advanced training and research programs. AI applications are also being integrated into vital sectors such as education, health, government services, and the digital economy, contributing to improving the quality of life and supporting the development process. The Sultanate of Oman has also made significant strides in the field of scientific and academic research in AI, by establishing specialized research chairs in Omani universities in cooperation with UNESCO and ICESCO. These chairs represent a national platform for promoting research and innovation in responsible AI, building research and academic capabilities, and finding technical solutions that address societal and development challenges in line with global ethical standards."

Dr. Ahmed Al Belushi concluded his speech by saying: “We, at the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, believe that this initiative represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships and cooperation between experts and national and international institutions. It is a fundamental pillar for exchanging expertise and knowledge, and unifying efforts towards building integrated legislative and ethical systems. Cooperation contributes to supporting national capabilities, developing policies based on global best practices, and ensuring that national efforts are consistent with international principles and standards. It also contributes to opening new horizons for research and innovation, and building joint knowledge networks that enhance the Sultanate of Oman’s presence in the international scene of ethical and responsible artificial intelligence.”

Salah Khaled, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, then delivered a speech in which he said: “Today, we officially announce the launch of the first national consultation on UNESCO’s AI Ethics Readiness Assessment Methodology, here in the Sultanate of Oman. UNESCO’s 193 Member States unanimously adopted the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in 2021, the first global document in this field. This Recommendation guides governments in designing AI systems based on transparency, equity, inclusion, and accountability. To embody this global commitment, UNESCO has developed the AI ​​Ethics Readiness Assessment Methodology, a practical tool to help countries translate principles into practice. Through this process, the Sultanate of Oman joins a global movement committed to purposefully shaping the future of AI.”

The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office added: “Through the Readiness Assessment Methodology, the Sultanate of Oman is moving forward to place human rights and an ethical vision at the heart of its national vision for artificial intelligence, and UNESCO is keen to support you in this endeavor. Immediately following this event, a training will be held on the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the methodology that the Sultanate will adopt until the end of the year to prepare the national report. During this training, members of the relevant national team will receive technical expertise and benefit from knowledge exchange through our global network of more than 70 participating countries. In the long term, this process will consolidate Oman’s position as an inspiring pillar in building a comprehensive, human rights-based AI system in the region.”

The workshop's first day included a presentation of the main working paper entitled "UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence," presented by Dr. Duaa Abu Al-Younes, Program Specialist at AI Ethics Section in Social and Human Sciences Sector at the UNESCO Headquarters. Dr. Duaa Abu Al-Younes also presented the second working paper on "Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)." The third working paper, entitled "The National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies," was presented by Eng. Hamdan Al-Alawi, Director of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies Program Development at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. The final working paper of the first day, entitled "Humane AI: From Algorithmic Governance to Institutional Conscience," was presented by Dr. Saleh Al-Khalidi, Acting CEO of Arab Link International.

The second day of the workshop included the discussion of (4) working papers. The first paper was entitled: General Policy for the Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems, presented by Ruqaiyah Al-Naabi, Policy and Governance Specialist, Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. Dr. Duaa Abu Al-Younes from UNESCO then presented a working paper entitled: “Survey, Report and Risk Tool, and the Main Points of UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). Dr. Talal Salim, Senior Advisor in Artificial Intelligence, Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, presented the third paper which was a “Case Study”. The final working paper is entitled “Next Steps for the Project and Closing Remarks”, and was presented by Amina Al-Hamshari, Regional Advisor for Social and Human Sciences, UNESCO Office for the Gulf States and Yemen, and Dr. Talal Salim.