Latest news with #DrAliBinAmerAlShidhani
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
COMEX 2025 to propel Oman as regional powerhouse for digital innovation
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) and Arabian Research Bureau hosted a press conference yesterday to showcase this year's edition of COMEX, Oman's premier digital economy and technology innovation exhibition. COMEX 2025 will be held during September 7–10, 2025 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Speaking at the event, Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary for Communications and Information Technology, stressed the catalytic position COMEX still enjoys in Oman's national development priorities. "COMEX is a premier platform for digital innovation and collaboration," he stated. "This year's conference will have success stories of the public and private sectors to demonstrate how technology is shaping our economy." COMEX 2025, he said, will feature major international announcements and more participation from countries like Pakistan, China, and India as a testament to Oman's growing presence on the global digital map. In the 2024 edition of the exhibition, 60 agreements worth over RO 85 million were signed—a figure organisers are poised to beat this year. The event speaks directly to the pillars of Oman Vision 2040, and specifically to those for economic diversification, private sector leadership, digital governance, and human capital development, the Under-Secretary said. An area devoted to a government pavilion will highlight key national digital initiatives such as the National Centre for Cybersecurity (Hadatha), the National Centre for AI and Space Technologies, and government service integrated platforms. Themed areas will be devoted to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, smart cities, space technology, and renewable energy—all vision areas of Oman Vision 2040. Amr Baabood, CEO, OITE Group, noted COMEX's strategic alignment with Oman's national vision. "Oman Vision 2040 is a roadmap for an economy fit for the future. COMEX is not just on this roadmap's path—it is building the ecosystem to bring it to life," he stated. "COMEX closes the gap between technology and national priorities through innovation zones and public-private partnerships." This year's agenda also includes the Cybersecurity Investment and Local Product Forum and the AI and Quantum Computing Forum to stimulate local capabilities, facilitate research collaboration, and push innovation. There will also be a 24-hour cybersecurity hackathon (CTF) that will challenge participants to develop solutions to real-world threats. Sultan al Busaidi, Marketing Executive with Arabian Research Bureau, announced the inauguration of national pavilions wherein each country will have a unique space to showcase digital advancements. Furthermore, the Digital Investment Corner and Startup Pavilion will provide opportunities for venture capital interaction along with success stories' profiles of Omani entrepreneurs. The press conference concluded with the signing of a strategic partnership between COMEX and Oman Air, with the goal of increasing both domestic and international participation.
Times of Oman
01-07-2025
- Times of Oman
Transport Ministry launches a cybersecurity centre ‘Hadatha'
Muscat: Acting in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology on Tuesday launched a cybersecurity centre named 'Hadatha'. The centre seeks to promote research, innovation and development in the field of cybersecurity. It also aims to consolidate the educational environment as a driver of national innovation. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology. It was attended by HH Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, SQU Vice-Chancellor. The ceremony included a visual presentation about 'Hadatha' cybersecurity centre and the launch of the centre's registration page. The attendees went on tour of the centre and listened to a briefing about its advanced equipment and its functions. 'Hadatha' is set to support the Sultanate of Oman's drive towards leadership in the field of cybersecurity at the Arab level, notably by hosting joint programmes and initiatives of the departments concerned, activating technical investments, localising technologies, developing the skills of Omani youth and encouraging them to produce exportable and globally-competitive technical solutions.
Times of Oman
27-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Ministry of transport organises workshop on Regulatory Framework for National Data Governance and Management
Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology on Tuesday organised a workshop on the 'Regulatory Framework for National Data Governance and Management'. The two-day workshop, attended by representatives of government units and data management specialists, is being held as part of the ministry's efforts to raise public awareness and enhance understanding of the 'Regulatory Framework for National Data Governance and Management'. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology. The workshop seeks to ensure that beneficiaries get first-hand knowledge about the above-mentioned framework and understand its objectives and scope of application, define the roles and responsibilities of government units and provide a detailed account of the required practical training. The workshop included a visual presentation on the 'Regulatory Framework for National Data Governance and Management', which aims to unify practices across government administrative units. It also included in-depth study of the three main documents of the above-mentioned framework. The first document outlines requirements for data governance and management, with the goal of establishing unified and comprehensive practices within government units. It lays emphasis on 13 areas of data governance and management. The second document introduces a "Manual for Establishing a Data Governance and Management Office". It highlights elements necessary for supporting government units in establishing an administrative division specialized in data governance and management, as part of steps towards digital transition. The third document specifies the standard methodology for assessing compliance levels, the implementation priorities and evaluation criteria, with the prime objective of enabling government departments to comply with national data governance and management policies.
