Latest news with #Busaidi
Muscat Daily
16 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Omani students launch AI tool to aid learners with disabilities
Muscat – A group of Omani university students has developed an artificial intelligence-powered learning platform to improve access to higher education for students with disabilities, highlighting the growing role of youth-led innovation in the sultanate's digital transformation. Named Ilmify, the platform allows students to upload complex academic material, which is then simplified using AI into accessible formats such as text summaries and audio explanations. It is designed to assist learners with visual or hearing impairments, as well as students with cognitive difficulties who face challenges with standard course content. The tool was developed by nine students from different academic fields and is part of a wider trend across the Gulf and South Asia, where student entrepreneurs are using technology to address gaps in education equity. Ammar bin Rashid al Busaidi, Operations Manager, said the idea stemmed from a teammate's struggle to access course material due to a disability. 'That experience motivated us to create something useful for others in similar situations,' he said. The name combines the Arabic word 'ilm' (knowledge) with '-ify' linking knowledge and technology. Ammar bin Rashid al Busaidi The platform uses an AI engine that analyses individual learning patterns to offer tailored assistance. It also includes an accessible interface, easy navigation and the option to switch between formats. The students worked on Ilmify while pursuing regular studies. 'Balancing classes and technical development wasn't easy, but efficient time management and a shared vision made it possible,' Busaidi said. Plans are underway to launch a mobile app and expand the platform's content to include school-level material, sign language videos and more language options for non-Arabic and non-English speakers. The team is also seeking partnerships with education institutions and organisations that support individuals with disabilities in Oman and other countries where digital learning tools for students with special needs are still limited. Although still in its early stages, Ilmify supports Oman's strategy to develop inclusive, technology-driven education under the national digital economy plan. Busaidi noted that inclusive edtech is a growing sector in countries such as India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where governments are investing in AI learning tools for diverse learner groups, including those with disabilities – a trend that Ilmify aims to support.
Muscat Daily
14-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
Oman's Nakhal area to develop walkway linking fort, hot spring
Nakhal – The wilayat of Nakhal is all set to launch a major tourism project with the construction of a 3km pedestrian walkway linking the iconic Nakhal Fort to the popular Ain al Thawarah hot spring. The project, which will pass through scenic landscapes dotted with natural springs, aflaj (ancient irrigation channels), and traditional agricultural villages along Wadi Nakhal, is expected to become a key tourist attraction and a prominent landmark in the wilayat. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Sheikh Khalifa bin Saleh al Busaidi, wali of Nakhal, said the walkway will enhance the tourism experience and showcase the natural and cultural heritage of the area. 'The project will be implemented in phases. The first phase will cover one kilometre, with subsequent phases to follow,' he said. The total cost of the project, including service facilities, is expected to exceed RO1mn. The walkway will be paved with stone or interlocking tiles and equipped with lighting and public amenities. Sheikh Busaidi also revealed plans to empower farm owners along the route to establish private tourism ventures in coordination with the relevant authorities. These could include eco-lodges, cafés, and the use of electric carts to transport visitors between Nakhal Fort and Ain al Thawarah. 'This initiative will help reduce congestion at the park while creating job opportunities for local residents,' he added. The main committee overseeing the project recently held its first meeting, where it approved the work plan and formed sub-executive committees to begin implementation.
India.com
14-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Iran-US Nuclear Talks Canceled, Says Omani Foreign Minister
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi announced on Saturday that the sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, would not take place. In a post on X, Busaidi added that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace. "The Iran-US talks scheduled to be held in Muscat this Sunday will not now take place. But diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace," Busaidi said. This development comes after Israel's recent strikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Muscat Daily
19-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
OSAS promotes astronomy and science outreach in Tanzania
Muscat – Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has successfully completed a visit to Tanzania aimed at promoting astronomy, moonsighting standardisation and citizen science outreach. Led by OSAS board member Abdulwahab Sulaiman al Busaidi and UK-based expert in Islamic moonsighting Ibrahim Jaafar, the visit included lectures, meetings with religious scholars, and strategic partnerships with government and religious institutions. The lectures covered topics ranging from galaxy formation to satellite communications, highlighting astronomy's role in national development and youth empowerment through citizen science. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Busaidi, who delivered a lecture titled 'Astronomy and Faith: Bridging Science and Islam', said, 'Our goal was not only to share knowledge but to plant the seeds of long-term collaboration in space science between Oman and Tanzania. Faith and science are not opposites. When aligned, they enhance our understanding of the universe and enrich spiritual practices.' The delegation's itinerary included key academic institutions, such as Zanzibar State University, Karume Institute of Science and Technology and Sumait University. A major highlight of the visit was a presentation on moonsighting and astronomy at Zanzibar Grand Mosque, where Busaidi discussed the Islamic importance of unified lunar observations using scientific tools. The visit also included a high-profile event at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam attended by senior officials – Oman's Ambassador to Tanzania H E Saud al Shidhani and the Deputy Mufti of Tanzania. The event also featured a meeting with President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar. 'Tanzania has the potential to become a space science leader in Africa. This is not just science diplomacy – it's a shared vision of enlightenment,' said Busaidi. He added that the visit included a proposal to establish the Zanzibar Astronomy and Space Society and involve Tanzanian students in NASA's International Astronomical Search Collaboration.
Muscat Daily
28-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's urban air transport ambitions take off at two-day forum
Muscat – Oman has moved towards building a smart air transport system by hosting Urban Air Mobility Forum – Oman 2025 organised by Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) in partnership with Phoenix Space Technologies and Global Urban Air Mobility. The two-day forum, which began on Monday, has brought together government and private sector entities, academic institutions and international organisations from the fields of aviation, space and advanced technology. The event aims to lay the groundwork for an advanced air mobility (AAM) system in the sultanate, supporting broader efforts to create an integrated transport network, stimulate innovation and employment, and improve quality of life in cities. Participants discussed investment priorities, infrastructure needs, regulations and plans for live demonstration programmes. The forum will also explore opportunities in the emerging AAM sector and examine development of mobility products and services. It is in line with Oman's ambition to host the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global AAM Forum in 2026. Abdullah Ali al Busaidi, Director General of Oman Logistics Centre at MTCIT, described the forum as 'an important national and regional strategic platform that highlights one of the most promising sectors – advanced urban air mobility'. He said hosting the forum aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the Logistics Strategy 2040. Busaidi said discussions would lead to 'recommendations and practices to lay the foundations for this promising sector', offering ideas on adapting modern technology to Oman's urban landscape for societal, economic and environmental benefits. 'This forum is a starting point for a future where Oman will be at the forefront of the region's advanced urban air transport, driven by national will, fruitful partnerships and a clear vision.' Civil Aviation Authority will lead development of regulations for urban air transport, working closely with MTCIT, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and other relevant bodies. Plans are underway to establish a national pilot zone (Geozone) to test AAM technologies and applications. The zone will provide a controlled environment for research institutions and startups to develop solutions within Oman. Five pilot projects have been proposed, covering intercity urban transport, air cargo and logistics, ambulance and emergency medical services, air security and surveillance, and the creation of national innovation incubators. The forum's outcomes and executive recommendations will be announced on Logistics Day on April 30, bringing together government officials, investors and international experts to prepare for the launch of the National Implementation Plan for the Air Mobility Sector.
