
Oman wins award at international forum on AI ethics
Bangkok: The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025 in Bangkok, a prestigious global platform for discussing ethical governance frameworks for advanced technologies. The forum runs until 26 June.
A research paper submitted by Ayoub Mohammed Al Balushi, a lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, was selected among the best working papers presented at the research session accompanying the forum.
The research paper received an honorary award from the forum's organizers, under the patronage of Thailand's Borava University, in recognition of its scientific originality and research vision, which contribute to advancing ethical AI practices.
This accolade highlights Oman's active presence in global dialogues on the future of artificial intelligence and underscores the commitment of Omani academic institutions to promoting responsible scientific research in line with international trends.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times of Oman
an hour ago
- Times of Oman
Rising demand for freelance digital work in Oman
Muscat: Oman is witnessing rapid growth in its freelance digital work sector, fueled by shifts in the global job market and digital economy trends. This surge is supported by national initiatives designed to empower youth and offer sustainable income through various digital platforms. Government Support and Legal Frameworks: Azza bint Ibrahim Al-Kindi, Director of Commercial Affairs and E-Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, stated that e-commerce is now one of the most prominent freelance fields. A key initiative is the 'Freelance License Record,' allowing Omanis to engage in online commerce legally with minimal fees and clear regulatory frameworks. Benefits of E-Commerce: She emphasized the low startup costs compared to traditional stores and the expanded consumer reach through digital platforms, which help Omani businesses access regional and global markets. Empowering Youth & Entrepreneurs: Freelance digital work enhances the skills of young Omanis and offers a flexible way to diversify income. Over 200 activities are now eligible for freelance licenses, with the "Ma'roof Oman" platform helping verify licensed digital stores to boost consumer trust. Driving the Digital Economy: This sector supports job creation in areas like marketing, design, and software development. It promotes innovation, tech skills, and economic diversification. Strategic Initiatives Under Oman Vision 2040: Oman's National E-Commerce Plan (2022–2027) includes training programs to help entrepreneurs join platforms like Amazon and Noon. Other efforts include developing IT competencies through the "Makeen" program and encouraging SME integration into global supply chains.


Observer
17 hours ago
- Observer
How AI chats are changing everything
Whether it's ChatGPT, digital journalling tools, or voice-activated assistants, conversational AI has quietly become an integral part of our daily routines. What once felt quirky or futuristic is fast becoming as normal as texting a friend or Googling a question. For years, we've been interacting with machines through Siri, Alexa, or voice-guided GPS. But today's language-based AI models have taken things further. They respond contextually, adapt to tone and maintain coherent dialogues. As a result, everyday users are now engaging with AI not only for answers but for brainstorming, problem-solving and even emotional support. People from all walks of life are turning to AI for learning, creativity and convenience. It's a patient tutor, a fast researcher and a nonjudgmental companion rolled into one. For learners hesitant to raise questions in class or at work, AI offers a safe space to ask, explore and repeat — without fear of sounding uninformed. AI tools don't just deliver facts; they adapt explanations to suit different learning levels. This flexibility makes them valuable in both academic and professional settings. Educators are also integrating AI into classrooms — not to replace effort, but to personalise and deepen learning. Used responsibly, these tools can help students test comprehension, organise thoughts and improve writing. In workplaces, AI is streamlining routine tasks across various sectors. By taking over repetitive chores, AI allows humans to focus on strategic, creative and empathetic roles — areas where human judgment still reigns supreme. As job roles evolve, so will the skills required to balance technological fluency with critical thinking. Still, as AI becomes more embedded in our lives, it raises important questions around ethics, data privacy and the nature of human connection. Concerns about misinformation or over-reliance are valid — but with thoughtful design, transparency and awareness, these tools can be used responsibly. AI is not a replacement for real relationships or therapy, but it can extend support in places where resources are scarce or access is limited. Talking to AI may feel novel now, but it mirrors how past innovations — from telephones to emails — were once met with skepticism. Today, they're indispensable. Conversational AI is poised to do the same: reshape how we think, create and connect.


Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Microsoft shuts down iconic 'Blue Screen of Death'
Microsoft is killing its infamous "Blue Screen of Death" after over four decades. The notorious error message will soon be set against a black background. The technology giant made the announcement in a blog post on Thursday as it outlined wider measures to improve the resilience of the Windows operating system. "Now it's easier than ever to navigate unexpected restarts and recover faster," the company wrote. The efforts by Microsoft come in light of the 2024 Crowdstike incident which led to a mammoth IT outage, crashing millions of Windows systems across the globe. What's new? The "Blue Screen of Death" or Blue Screen error was displayed if a serious problem caused Windows to shut down or restart unexpectedly to prevent data loss. The company said it is "streamlining" what users experience when confronted with "unexpected restarts" that lead to disruptions. The steps entail revamping the error screen that greeted users — often frustratingly so — for more than 40 years. The new error message has a much more condensed text displayed across a black backdrop. "Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart," it will read, according to an image shared by Microsoft in its blog. The error message is no longer accompanied by a sad face icon and instead shows a percentage completed for the restart process. The software company said that this "simplified" user interface for unexpected restarts will be available from later this summer on all of its Windows 11 (version 24H2) devices.