Oman IoT & AI Challenge 2025
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Al-Mussanah hosted the final round of the Oman IoT & AI Challenge 2025 at the university's theater. The challenge aims to inspire innovation and strengthen the technical skills of young people and entrepreneurs in Oman. It also reflects Oman's commitment to encouraging innovation and technology as key pillars of its digital future by creating a competitive environment that promotes research and entrepreneurship.
In his speech, Dr. Nasser Al-Baimani, AVC of the university, emphasized the importance of IoT and AI in developing young minds and inspiring creativity. He highlighted that the challenge is not only a test of technical skills but also an opportunity to empower participants to transform their ideas into real projects that contribute to sustainable development. He also stressed the university's role in enhancing students' skills by enabling them to develop smart solutions that address current challenges and support digital transformation.
The final round brought together the top projects and startups from the semi-final stage, selected through strict criteria focused on technical excellence and added value. Participants underwent a thorough evaluation, where projects were filtered based on quality, innovation, and practical application. The most outstanding teams advanced to the final, with winners set to represent Oman in the Arab IoT & AI Challenge—giving them a chance to compete regionally and raise the standard of innovation and excellence.
Dr. Saeed Al-Rubaie, Vice Chancellor of the university, inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, which featured five startups and 22 student graduation projects. Participants came from university branches across Al-Mussanah, Sohar, Salalah, Ibri, Nizwa, Ibra, Muscat, Shinas, Sur, as well as Sohar University and Majan University College. The exhibition served as a platform to encourage students and entrepreneurs to develop tech solutions and foster stronger collaboration between academia and industry, opening new opportunities for collaboration and investment in emerging technologies.
The Oman IoT & AI Challenge is a national platform that aims to promote innovation and enhance technical skills in IoT and AI. The challenge empowers youth and entrepreneurs to develop smart solutions addressing challenges across sectors, strengthening Oman's position as a regional hub for technological innovation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
13 hours ago
- Observer
The ethics of using AI to predict patient choices
I recently attended a conference on bioethics in Switzerland where professionals from different countries met to discuss recent topics in medical ethics which was the main theme of this year's conference. Among the highlights of the meeting were several talks about the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence in decision-making and its ethical impact. What caught my attention was a talk about Personalised Patient Preference Predictor, or P4, which is a tool that aims to predict an individual patient's preferences for healthcare, using machine learning. The idea is that in situations where a person is incapacitated — for example, found unconscious with no advance directive — the AI would comb through their digital footprint, including tweets, Instagram and Facebook posts, and possibly even emails, to infer their likely wishes. The system would then create a virtual copy of the individual's personality, known as a 'psychological twin,' which would communicate decisions to the medical team on the person's behalf. While this concept is technologically fascinating, it raises several pressing ethical concerns. First, it assumes that our social media presence accurately reflects our core values and long-term preferences. However, people's views are dynamic and influenced by their emotional state, life experiences, and personal growth. A sarcastic tweet or a momentary opinion shared online may not represent someone's actual end-of-life wishes. Second, the use of AI risks introducing or amplifying bias — especially against the elderly and individuals from ethnic or religious minorities. AI systems often generalise from large datasets, which can lead to 'one-size-fits-all' assumptions that disregard cultural, spiritual, or personal nuances. Another critical question is: can AI truly understand or navigate the emotional and moral complexity of disagreements among family members and healthcare providers? Would it possess the empathy required to mediate a delicate conversation, or would it deliver cold logic such as: 'Grandpa is too old, his survival chances are low, so resources would be better allocated elsewhere'? Furthermore, relying on AI for such deeply human decisions risks the deskilling of health professionals. Ethical decision-making is an essential skill developed through experience, reflection, and dialogue. If AI takes over these roles, clinicians may gradually lose the ability — or the confidence — to engage in these vital discussions. The speaker, who advocated for the use of P4, admitted he did not fully understand how the AI makes its decisions. This lack of transparency is alarming. If we are to entrust a machine with life-or-death recommendations, we must first demand clarity and accountability in its design and operation. In my opinion, while AI has a growing role in healthcare, ethical decision-making remains a human responsibility. These discussions are often fraught with disagreement, cultural sensitivity, and intense emotion — particularly when they involve questions of life and death. In my view, we are not yet ready to hand this task over to machines. We are not yet ready to hand this task over to machines.
Times of Oman
14 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Oman's development project funding soars by 72% to OMR11bn
Muscat: Significant progress has been reported in implementing the Tenth Five-Year Development Plan (2021–2025), which aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the Ministry of Economy said on Saturday. Development project funding has surged by 72 percent to OMR11 billion compared to the initial OMR6.4 billion approved at the start of the implementation of the plan. This significant growth follows the completion and launch of numerous infrastructure and economic diversification initiatives across various service and social sectors. These efforts are supporting the Vision 2040 goals of comprehensive, balanced development by upgrading public services, improving infrastructure, and enhancing investment in all governorates. According to the Ministry, 95% of the plan's 412 strategic programmes are already underway, spanning 14 national priorities and covering all the key pillars of the vision. The Ministry said that all programmes related to the youth development priority have come into force. These programmes aim to govern and regulate the youth sector, enhance youth participation, and develop capabilities and skills of youth. All the three programmes implemented focused on governance, youth engagement, and skill development. All the programmes under the health priority segment like building hospitals, enhancing health coverage, and digital transformation are being implemented. The ministry further said that under the education and scientific segment 65 of the 70 programmes are active and include capacity building, governance reforms, career guidance, and innovation promotion. In the citizenship, heritage and culture segment 43 of the 45 programmes have been launched. These focus on tourism data systems, national talent training and international cultural events. In the social welfare segment 25 of the 26 programmes are operational and these include housing support, disability-inclusive festivals, sports promotion and social insurance sustainability efforts. The ministry further said that under the Economy and Development segment 152 programmes are underway, 98% of which are already being implemented. These include in areas like advanced urban services, community organisation roles in housing, land development for investment, and decentralised economic management. All the 17 programmes targeting the private sector, investment, and international cooperation are ongoing featuring loan guarantees, SME growth programmes and cost optimisation in the oil and gas sector. Under the information and communications technology (ICT) priority, all the 20 programmes related have come into effect. This includes the national digital economy strategy, smart city networks, cyber awareness campaigns and digital upskilling programmes. The flagship initiative 'Makeen' has trained over 8,200 Omanis through 126 sessions and set the groundwork for Oman's future tech talent hubs. Under the economic leadership and management priority, all the six associated programmes are currently being implemented. These include developing a more advanced and efficient public finance management system, establishing a national registry for government assets, creating an empowered and effective body responsible for coordinating economic decisions and preparing a national policy guide, and updating economic legislation to stimulate activity and enhance competitiveness. Additionally, 60 out of 62 programmes under the economic diversification and financial sustainability priority have entered the implementation phase. They include initiatives such as empowering startups in Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, expanding national data centre and government cloud services, strengthening innovation and operational efficiency in public institutions, unified global software licencing management, reviewing government service fees, monitoring the performance and competitiveness of the logistics sector, and maximising local value in transport, communications, and IT projects. Other notable initiatives include support for national industries and Omani products, modernisation of financial legislation in the mining sector, updating the Mineral Resources Law, promoting investment in mining, developing a digital mining platform, enhancing local company and SME participation in the energy and mining sectors, and advancing digital transformation in government services. Regarding the labour market and employment priority, 17 out of 18 programmes are being implemented. These focus on drafting the National Employment Strategy, improving labour policies and legislation, implementing an effective nationalisation (Omanisation) mechanism, rolling out replacement-linked training initiatives, offering specialised entrepreneurship programmes in cooperation with relevant agencies, and cultivating a culture of empowerment for national talent in the energy and mining sectors. Under the Sustainable Environment pillar, a total of 56 programmes have been outlined, with 95% (53 programmes) already in implementation. These include key initiatives such as updating environmental policies and legislation, sustainable biodiversity management, a national strategy for chemical and agricultural soil conditioner management, regulation of pesticides and fertilizers, enhancement of palm productivity, the establishment of a national environmental monitoring and control system, development of a national environmental information system to support decision-making, and programs to support fishing vessels and equipment. In the governance and institutional performance segment, 54 programmes are aligned with its priorities. As of the first quarter of 2025, 87% are in execution. Notably, 13 out of 14 programmes in the legislative, judicial, and oversight areas have been launched—covering anti-corruption, public fund protection, oversight capacity-building, governance of national resources and projects, and improving civil aviation security in line with international standards. Within the public administration governance segment, 34 out of 40 programmes are currently active. These include ensuring governmental compliance, evaluating governance in state-owned enterprises, and developing legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks for the telecom and IT sectors. Other ongoing efforts include establishing a national innovation and change management system, an innovation lab for performance improvement, integration of e-government services, performance measurement systems, and upgrading the infrastructure and technical support for national networks. Regarding development projects currently being implemented during the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the Ministry of Economy said that notable progress has been made. In the infrastructure sector segment, Phase 1 of Sultan Haitham City is 80% complete, with Phase 2 at 45% completion. 25% of the structural planning for Greater Muscat, Salalah, Nizwa, and Haima have been completed. In the road sector projects indicated varied completion rates: Khasab–Daba–Lima road at 40%, Adam–Thumrait dualisation at 32%, Al-Amirat's Al-Joud Street at 79%, Dhofar's Darbat tunnel at 90%, Sultan Qaboos Street dualisation in Salalah at 81% and various other road projects ranging from 20% to 86%. In the social services sector, construction of health facilities is progressing strongly: Sultan Qaboos Hospital (Salalah) is 58% complete, Madha Hospital 86%, Suwaiq Hospital 77%, and other facilities such as Wadi Bani Khalid, Samail, Falah, and Namah Hospitals are progressing between 3% to 82%. The new Infectious Diseases Lab has reached 91% completion. In the education sector, 69 new schools are being built across the Sultanate, with an average completion rate of 50%. In the commodity production sector date palm weevil eradication has reached a completion rate of 80%, palm seedling productivity at 95%, desert locust control at 90%, agricultural and fisheries development at 59%, and animal disease surveillance at 95%. Fishing port infrastructure upgrades are ongoing and the completion rate includes Daba Port (86%), Kumzar Port (45%) and data preservation in the oil and gas sector and smart monitoring of mineral output are also underway. Finally, in the productive services sector, major projects are nearing completion: the Oman Botanical Garden (95%), municipal service improvements in Dhofar tourist areas (95%), coastal development in Shuwaymiyah and Taqah (20%), and multiple urban promenade and tourism marketing initiatives all contributing to enhanced service quality, tourism appeal, and housing aid delivery, with some projects like the housing assistance program achieving 92% completion
Times of Oman
17 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Oman reports major strides in implementing Tenth Five-Year development plan
Muscat: The Ministry of Economy has reported significant progress in implementing the Tenth Five-Year Development Plan (2021–2025), which aligns with Oman Vision 2040. Notably, development project funding has surged to OMR 11 billion, up 72% from the initial OMR 6.4 billion. This growth follows the completion and launch of numerous infrastructure and economic diversification initiatives across various service and social sectors. These efforts are supporting the Vision 2040 goals of comprehensive, balanced development by upgrading public services, improving infrastructure, and boosting investment in all governorates. According to the Ministry, 95% of the plan's 412 strategic programs are already underway, spanning 14 national priorities and covering all four pillars of the vision. A breakdown of program progress and objectives includes: - Youth Sector: All 3 programs implemented, focused on sector governance, youth engagement, and skill development. - Health Priority: All 6 programs in motion—building hospitals, enhancing health coverage, and implementing digital transformation. - Education and Scientific Capacity: 65 of 70 programs active, including capacity building, governance reforms, career guidance, and innovation promotion. - Citizenship, Heritage, and Culture: 43 of 45 programs launched, such as tourism data systems, national talent training, and international cultural events. - Social Welfare: 25 of 26 programs operational, with housing support, disability-inclusive festivals, sports promotion, and social insurance sustainability efforts. Under the Economy and Development pillar, 152 programs are underway, with 98% already being implemented. These include: - Advanced urban services, community organisation roles in housing, land development for investment, and decentralised economic management. - All 17 programs targeting the private sector, investment, and international cooperation are live—featuring loan guarantees, SME growth programs, and cost optimization in oil and gas. The ICT priority has activated all 20 programs, encompassing the national digital economy strategy, smart city networks, cyber awareness campaigns, and digital upskilling programs. The flagship initiative 'Makeen' has trained over 8,200 Omanis through 126 sessions and set the groundwork for Oman's future tech talent hubs. Under the Economic Leadership and Management Priority, all six associated programs are currently being implemented. These include developing a more advanced and efficient public finance management system, establishing a national registry for government assets, creating an empowered and effective body responsible for coordinating economic decisions and preparing a national policy guide, and updating economic legislation to stimulate activity and enhance competitiveness. Additionally, 60 out of 62 programs under the Economic Diversification and Financial Sustainability Priority have entered the implementation phase. They include initiatives such as empowering startups in Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, expanding national data center and government cloud services, strengthening innovation and operational efficiency in public institutions, unified global software licensing management, reviewing government service fees, monitoring the performance and competitiveness of the logistics sector, and maximizing local value in transport, communications, and IT projects. Other notable initiatives include support for national industries and Omani products, modernization of financial legislation in the mining sector, updating the Mineral Resources Law, promoting investment in mining, developing a digital mining platform, enhancing local company and SME participation in the energy and mining sectors, and advancing digital transformation in government services. As for the Labor Market and Employment Priority, 17 out of 18 programs are active. These focus on drafting the National Employment Strategy, improving labor policies and legislation, implementing an effective nationalization (Omanization) mechanism, rolling out replacement-linked training initiatives, offering specialized entrepreneurship programs in cooperation with relevant agencies, and cultivating a culture of empowerment for national talent in the energy and mining sectors. Under the Sustainable Environment pillar, a total of 56 programs have been outlined, with 95% (53 programs) already in implementation. These include key initiatives such as updating environmental policies and legislation, sustainable biodiversity management, a national strategy for chemical and agricultural soil conditioner management, regulation of pesticides and fertilizers, enhancement of palm productivity, the establishment of a national environmental monitoring and control system, development of a national environmental information system to support decision-making, and programs to support fishing vessels and equipment. In the Governance and Institutional Performance pillar, 54 programs are aligned with its priorities. As of Q1 2025, 87% are in execution. Notably, 13 out of 14 programs in the legislative, judicial, and oversight areas have been launched—covering anti-corruption, public fund protection, oversight capacity-building, governance of national resources and projects, and improving civil aviation security in line with international standards. Within the Public Administration Governance Priority, 34 out of 40 programs are active. These include ensuring governmental compliance, evaluating governance in state-owned enterprises, and developing legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks for the telecom and IT sectors. Other ongoing efforts include establishing a national innovation and change management system, an innovation lab for performance improvement, integration of e-government services, performance measurement systems, and upgrading the infrastructure and technical support for national networks. As for development projects under implementation*during the 2021–2025 plan, notable progress has been made: - In the infrastructure sector, Phase 1 of Sultan Haitham City is 80% complete, with Phase 2 at 45%. The structural planning for Greater Muscat, Salalah, Nizwa, and Haima stands at 25%. - Road sector projects show varied completion rates: Khasab–Daba–Lima road at 40%, Adam–Thumrait dualization at 32%, Al-Amirat's Al-Joud Street at 79%, Dhofar's Darbat tunnel at 90%, Sultan Qaboos Street dualization in Salalah at 81%, and various others ranging from 20% to 86%. In the social services sector, construction of health facilities is progressing strongly: Sultan Qaboos Hospital (Salalah) is 58% complete, Madha Hospital 86%, Suwaiq Hospital 77%, and other facilities such as Wadi Bani Khalid, Samail, Falah, and Namah Hospitals progressing between 3% to 82%. The new Infectious Diseases Lab has reached 91%. In the education sector, 69 new schools are being built across the Sultanate, with an average completion rate of 50%. In productive sectors: - Date palm weevil eradication is at 80%, palm seedling productivity at 95%, desert locust control at 90%, agricultural and fisheries development at 59%, and animal disease surveillance at 95%. - Fishing port infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, with Daba Port (86%) and Kumzar Port (45%) undergoing improvements. Additionally, data preservation in the oil and gas sector and smart monitoring of mineral output are also underway. Finally, in the productive services sector, major projects are nearing completion: the Oman Botanical Garden (95%), municipal service improvements in Dhofar tourist areas (95%), coastal development in Shuwaymiyah and Taqah (20%), and multiple urban promenade and tourism marketing initiatives all contributing to enhanced service quality, tourism appeal, and housing aid delivery, with some projects like the housing assistance program achieving 92% completion.
