Latest news with #AhmedAlGhassani
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Forum showcases AI's role in public service reform
SALALAH: The Ministry of Labour inaugurated the Design Thinking Conference in Salalah on Monday, launching a two-day programme dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance innovation, problem-solving and institutional development. Held under the theme 'Redesigning the Future: Design Thinking to Solve Contemporary Challenges", the conference brought together government officials, private sector executives, academic experts and innovation leaders to exchange ideas and solutions. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, who delivered remarks and honoured a number of keynote speakers and partners in recognition of their contribution to the event's success. Organised in collaboration with Al Marajea Centre for Conferences and Seminars, the conference seeks to mainstream design thinking as a core approach for driving institutional reform, improving service delivery and fostering a culture of creativity across Oman. In his welcome address, Ahmed bin Aufait al Maashani, Director-General of Al Marajea Centre, described the conference as a strategic platform for experience sharing, knowledge transfer and the creation of meaningful partnerships. He emphasised that design thinking — particularly when integrated with artificial intelligence — offers a powerful set of tools to develop effective, human-centred solutions to contemporary challenges. Also speaking during the opening session, Dr Ali bin Said Akaak, a consultant in sustainability and human resource development and a member of the conference's scientific committee, noted that the conference programme was carefully designed to reflect the breadth and depth of design thinking applications. He explained that the various themes aim to empower practitioners, leaders and policymakers with actionable methodologies for institutional advancement and service innovation. Throughout the conference, the participants engaged in discussions on a range of timely topics, including strategies for managing cultural and social transformation, the role of innovation in achieving positive institutional change, and the importance of creative thinking in addressing operational and policy-related challenges. The sessions also explored techniques for analysing audience needs, developing executable project models, and applying sustainable design practices and marketing approaches. Speakers also examined how AI technologies can be embedded into the design process to improve decision-making, personalise user experiences, streamline operations and support continuous service improvement. The emphasis was on using technology not as a replacement for human insight, but as an enhancer of it — enabling smarter, faster and more impactful solutions. The conference ultimately aimed to promote design thinking as a practical and strategic tool for institutional reform and development. By integrating this methodology into governance structures and innovation ecosystems, the organisers aimed to foster a new generation of solutions that are responsive to public needs, aligned with national priorities, and driven by both creativity and data. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Awasr, Dhofar Municipality partner to boost smart infrastructure
SALALAH: In a strategic move to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen digital infrastructure in Dhofar Governorate, Awasr has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dhofar Municipality on July 10. The agreement outlines joint efforts to study and implement a range of advanced technology and service projects designed to enhance quality of life and improve public service efficiency across the region. The MoU was formalised at Dhofar Municipality headquarters in Salalah by Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality and Eng Adnan bin Mohammed al Alawi, Chief Executive Officer of Awasr. Under this partnership, Awasr and Dhofar Municipality will collaborate on several initiatives, including the provision of managed Wi-Fi services at tourist sites, public parks and coastal promenades; the connection of municipal buildings with high-performance networks; and the introduction of modern communication and AI-based solutions to optimise municipal operations and services. A key highlight of the MoU is the provision of free, managed public Wi-Fi in prominent public spaces. This service aims to provide residents and visitors with seamless and secure internet access in high-traffic areas, enriching the digital tourism experience and supporting domestic tourism. The initiative also serves as a foundation for developing interactive municipal services, offering access to educational content and promoting digital engagement in parks and tourist locations. Moreover, the partnership will enable integration with e-payment systems, geospatial services and community awareness applications, reinforcing Dhofar's image as a technologically advanced and visitor-friendly destination; and moving closer to a future smart city model. Dr Ahmed bin Mohsin al Ghassani, commented: 'This partnership is pivotal for enhancing municipal services and improving the overall visitor experience. It represents a crucial step towards realising Oman Vision 2040, building smart infrastructure and achieving balanced urban and digital development'. Eng Adnan bin Mohammed al Alawi, CEO of Awasr, added: 'This MoU underscores our strong commitment to supporting government entities in advancing their digital capabilities. We are confident that this collaboration will yield transformative projects benefitting citizens, residents and tourists, while fostering smart, tech-enabled communities'. Eugen Comendant, Chief Commercial Officer at Awasr, also noted: 'Providing managed Wi-Fi in parks and tourist destinations is a significant step in elevating the user experience in public spaces and creating new opportunities for digital engagement. This initiative not only supports infrastructure growth but also fosters interactive tourism promotion and safe, connected environments'. The agreement forms part of Awasr's wider efforts to support smart city initiatives and expand advanced connectivity services throughout Oman, reinforcing its leadership in driving the nation's digital transformation. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar expects high hotel occupancy as khareef draws visitors
Salalah – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has confirmed that hotel establishments in Dhofar governorate have completed their preparations to welcome tourists for the 2025 khareef season. Hotels in the region are offering promotional packages and marketing programmes in anticipation of a high number of visitors during the season, which attracts tourists from across the region each year. Many hotels have introduced competitive prices and improved hospitality services, including guest reception and departure assistance, as well as guided tours to key tourist, heritage and entertainment sites. A key highlight this year is the increased presence of qualified Omani staff in the hotel and tourism sector, further supporting the local hospitality industry. Ahmed bin Mohammed al Ghassani, Director of the Quality Control Department at the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said preparations began with an annual coordination meeting involving the directorate and representatives from the hotel and tourism sectors. The meeting focused on service readiness and maintaining high standards of quality across all facilities. Ghassani said there are now 100 licensed hotel establishments in Dhofar, offering more than 8,000 rooms. 'In 2024, hotel occupancy rates reached 90%, and we expect these figures to increase this year due to attractive marketing campaigns and seasonal promotions from hotels and tourism companies,' he said. He also noted the continued use of the 'Sikka' app during the 2025 season. Supervised by the Office of the Governor of Dhofar in coordination with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality, the app regulates the real estate market and formalises rental agreements between landlords and tenants. The platform protects the rights of all parties and provides property owners with new ways to market their properties within Oman and abroad. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
