‘Muharrik' platform to drive digital education
MUSCAT: The 'Muharrik' platform represents an entrepreneurial initiative that leverages augmented reality (AR) technologies for digital learning, offering innovative educational solutions based on interactive 3D models that have significantly improved students' academic performance.
Ziyad bin Salim al Hinai said that the idea for the platform emerged during his studies in the United States, where he faced several academic and personal challenges. However, these challenges helped refine his entrepreneurial skills and avoid future mistakes. He noted that the platform originated from a personal desire to enhance digital learning tools and provide an engaging educational environment.
He added that this challenge motivated him to seek innovative educational solutions, ultimately leading to the adoption of augmented reality technology. AR enables the transformation of abstract information into interactive 3D models, simplifying comprehension and stimulating learning.
Al Hinai explained that AR technology allows complex concepts to be presented in a visual, three-dimensional format, accelerating understanding and retention. The platform has expanded its use of AR into other fields, such as museums, engineering and healthcare, collaborating with international companies to train medical personnel.
He pointed out that the platform's trials have demonstrated a tangible impact on improving education. An experiment involving early-grade students using fourth-grade tailored content showed a 54-per cent improvement in academic achievement, confirming the technology's effectiveness in simplifying scientific concepts and making them more engaging.
Al Hinai emphasised that the support provided by Oman Technology Fund was pivotal, not only financially but also through training workshops and knowledge mentoring, which enhanced the team's entrepreneurial capabilities and helped turn the idea into a viable and sustainable project.
He added that 'Muharrik' is currently finalising a direct partnership with the Ministry of Education to promote the use of AR technology in schools. The platform also aims to expand into Arab and global markets by exporting digital educational content rather than importing it.
Notably, the platform has received international awards and recognition from the Unicef and the Generation Unlimited initiative, marking a turning point in the company's trajectory and boosting the team's confidence to grow further. This recognition also helped attract its first investor, the Oman Technology Fund. - ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
6 hours ago
- Times of Oman
World Bank report lauds Oman's strong economic performance
Muscat — The World Bank's 2024 Gulf Economic Update report highlighted that the Sultanate of Oman has achieved significant positive fiscal and economic results despite regional and global challenges. The report affirmed that Oman's economic performance reflects the success of its fiscal and economic policies amid global changes, aligning with the priorities of economic diversification and financial sustainability under "Oman Vision 2040." It noted that Oman has recorded fiscal surpluses in recent years due to government measures to improve financial performance, as well as a current account surplus driven by growth in non-oil exports and services exports, strengthening its external position. The report praised Oman's reduction of public debt from 68% to 35% of GDP, demonstrating its commitment to fiscal sustainability, along with its credit rating upgrade to an investment-grade level (BBB-) by S&P in 2024. Additionally, Oman maintained low inflation at 0.6% in 2024, compared to the GCC average of 2%. Looking ahead, the report projected continued current account surpluses and growth in non-oil exports, supported by fiscal discipline and economic diversification efforts. For the broader GCC, the report forecasted economic growth of 3.2% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026, with the oil sector expected to grow by 5.7% and the non-oil sector by 4.9% in the medium term, while inflation remains low.
Times of Oman
17 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Personal Income Tax: A key step for revenue diversification, sustainable growth
Muscat: The Ministry of Economy affirmed that the implementation of the Personal Income Tax (PIT), set to take effect at the beginning of 2028, represents a crucial step toward enhancing financial stability and completing the fiscal sustainability framework. This measure aims to ensure sustainable financing for development across various sectors. Dr. Said Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy, stated: 'The tax serves as a new revenue stream to diversify public income sources and mitigate risks associated with reliance on oil as the primary revenue source. It will help maintain current levels of social and service spending while preserving Oman's achievements in financial and economic stability under 'Oman Vision 2040' and its first executive phase, the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025)." He explained that the (PIT) is a fiscal tool adopted by most countries worldwide as a key revenue source to fund state-provided services. Over 190 countries impose this tax, and in many, income taxes constitute the largest component of total tax revenues at federal and local levels, financing public goods and services. He noted that implementing the tax in Oman will yield significant economic benefits, supporting income diversification strategies and long-term fiscal stability as a pillar of economic growth. It, he added, will also sustain government revenues, strengthen the state's financial position, maintain credit ratings, and boost spending power for beneficiaries—directly stimulating aggregate demand and economic growth. He highlighted that oil and gas revenues account for 68% to 85% of Oman's total public income, depending on global energy prices. While oil prices have stabilised at favorable levels in recent years, they remain volatile. Oman has effectively managed additional oil revenues by reducing public debt to safe GDP ratios, increasing investment and social spending, and subsidizing essential goods and services, he further noted. He affirmed that government policies and initiatives have successfully shifted Oman's fiscal and economic trajectory toward sustainability and stability. Public debt has sharply declined, credit ratings have consistently improved to investment-grade levels, and Oman's standing in global competitiveness indices has risen. The Tenth Five-Year Plan sustained GDP growth near target rates, while economic diversification policies attracted quality investments and drove non-oil sector growth beyond expectations, the minister said. He added: 'As the Tenth Plan nears completion, Oman has advanced significantly in economic diversification and fiscal sustainability. The (PIT) will further prioritise financial stability by diversifying revenue sources—a strategic necessity to ensure equitable wealth distribution, enhance public services, strengthen social protection systems, and mitigate risks from global energy market fluctuations and other economic variables.' He emphasised that accelerating "Oman Vision 2040" and its economic diversification strategy—transitioning to a knowledge- and technology-driven economy—requires sustainable funding for long-term planning. The Vision targets strategic investments in education, human capital, advanced infrastructure, innovation, and diversified sectors, alongside essential services and social protection. He pointed out that the 2025 budget allocates over OMR5 billion (39% to education, 24% to health, 28% to social protection) to these sectors, with the Social Protection Fund benefiting over 2 million people monthly as a key mechanism for household financial stability. As for the potential economic impacts, He noted that the tax study assessed effects on GDP and 18 economic sectors, concluding minimal impact (under 1%) due to high exemption and low tax rates. Foreign investment is expected to remain unaffected, as the tax applies to individuals—not corporate entities—and Oman's rates remain competitive globally, the minister concluded.
Times of Oman
18 hours ago
- Times of Oman
CBO Board of Directors convenes its fourth meeting for 2025
Muscat: The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) convened its fourth meeting for this year (2025) at CBO Headquarters on Sunday. At the meeting, the Board approved CBO's Strategy for the years (2026-2030) and the draft Close Out Netting Law, in addition to approving the appointment of an external auditor for CBO and Oman Credit and Financial Information Center (Mala'a) for the upcoming three years (2025-2027). The Board also discussed the current global and regional affairs, affirming its continuous follow-up and assessment of any potential impacts on the Sultanate of Oman. Moreover, the Board reviewed a host of issues, including the financial soundness indicators of banks for the period ending on 31 December 2024, CBO's Financial Position Report, the position of reserves and the performance of CBO's foreign investments, the 2025 quarterly report of Oman Credit and Financial Information Center (Mala'a) and the semi-annual report on the project for enhancing CBO's monetary policy adequacy. The Board also discussed the report on liquidity status in the banking sector for Q1, 2025. The Board reviewed a number of topics listed on the agenda, on which it made the appropriate decisions.
