Latest news with #SaidbinHamoudalMaawali
Observer
13-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
First-ever directory of space sector companies unveiled
MUSCAT, JULY 13 The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has launched a first-ever directory of space sector companies. The Private Sector Directory Space Sector 2024, released by the National Space Programme, contains a comprehensive list of private sector entities with the purpose of promoting local players and facilitating global partnerships. In his foreword, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, underscored the significance of the initiative. 'The Space Directory serves as a comprehensive source, cataloguing the key entities, initiatives, and capabilities within our space sector. It is designed to be a valuable reference for stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and international partners. Our objective is to facilitate collaboration, promote the exchange of knowledge, and inspire a new generation of Omanis to take part in the space sector.' According to the Minister, the handbook profiles companies working across various fields within the space sector. 'The Sultanate of Oman has a growing number of private sector companies who are working along the space sector value chain. We are proud that we have enterprises in these domains: companies operating satellites, distributing remote sensing data, companies using satellite data to create solutions and respond to key local challenges, companies delivering world-class satellite communications services, private projects to develop the most promising sites in the world for a new commercial spaceport, and companies developing scientific and economic space zones,' he said. Furthermore, the Minister noted that the space sector still contains significant untapped potential. 'We still see many opportunities for growth in the Omani space sector. We hope this directory will inform readers about enterprises working in the Sultanate of Oman, and enable many quality connections and meaningful partnerships.' The directory lists 20 companies in Oman as of the end of 2024, including seven drone and space services and applications companies, five space-related services and consultancy companies, four satellite communication service providers, two satellite and remote sensing operators, and two launch companies (a parent and subsidiary). The private sector plays a key role in the National Space Policy and Executive Programme, which aims to boost contribution of the digital economy to the local GDP from 2% currently, to 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2040, under the umbrella of the Oman Vision 2040's National Digital Economy Plan. According to the recent data, the sector contributes 0.05% to the local GDP with a market value of $155 million as of 2021.
Observer
22-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
New tech office boosts Oman's digital transformation drive
MUSCAT: Elm, a digital solutions leader owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has officially launched its new office in Muscat, underscoring its long-term ambition to participate in Oman's digital transformation and expand its regional footprint. The move marks Elm's first physical presence in Oman, a market it views as strategically aligned with its growth objectives and expertise in e-government platforms, cybersecurity, digital identity, and artificial intelligence-driven services. With a client base that spans government, corporate, and individual sectors in Saudi Arabia, Elm's entry into Oman reflects growing regional collaboration in the technology space. The office was inaugurated during a ceremony under the auspices of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and attended by Ibrahim bin Saad Bishan, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Oman, as well as key officials from both countries. Elm's expansion aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the digital economy and government modernisation. The company says it aims to introduce custom solutions to help Omani institutions accelerate digital transformation across sectors such as logistics, public services, and national security. The Muscat office is part of Elm's broader strategy to export its homegrown capabilities developed in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, Elm has gained prominence for building and managing platforms such as Absher (a government service portal), and Tawakklna (a Covid-19 health platform), which have become integral to the Saudi government's digital infrastructure. Elm's expansion aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the digital economy and government modernisation. Elm's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Official Spokesperson, Majid bin Saad al Arifi, said the decision to establish a base in Oman reflects the company's confidence in the local ecosystem. 'The opening of Elm's office in the Sultanate of Oman represents a strategic step that reflects our strong belief in the capabilities and digital potential of this market,' said Al Arifi. 'Through our presence, we aim to build high-value partnerships and provide tailored technological solutions that enhance government performance and promote a sustainable digital economy — delivering meaningful impact to citizens, investors, and our institutional partners alike,' he added. Elm's entry comes at a time when Oman is actively seeking private sector collaboration to fast-track its digital agenda, offering streamlined regulatory frameworks and incentives for foreign investment in the ICT sector. Elm's presence is also expected to generate skilled employment opportunities and knowledge transfer, as the company often works closely with local partners and public entities to localise its services. The Muscat office will serve as a regional hub to coordinate projects, engage with stakeholders, and adapt solutions to Oman's unique priorities — reinforcing the economic and technological ties between Muscat and Riyadh.
Observer
21-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Digitalisation of curricula to empower teachers
The Ministry of Education, represented by the Directorate-General of Curriculum Development, and in cooperation with BP Oman, launched the Digitalisation of School Curricula Project for Grades 1–12. The event was held under the auspices of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and was attended by Dr Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education. In his speech, Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, emphasised the unprecedented opportunities brought about by digital technologies to enhance the quality of education. 'Education is no longer confined within the four walls of the classroom. It has become a vast space that transcends geographic boundaries and provides both students and teachers access to rich and diverse learning resources.' He said that the project directly empowers teachers with modern educational tools to deliver content more effectively and creatively while offering students a flexible and comprehensive learning experience that aligns with their individual needs and abilities. He added by saying that the project is an integral part of a broader vision for digital transformation in education, laying the foundation for a technology-based, future-oriented learning ecosystem. Yousuf bin Mohammed al Ojaili, President of BP Oman, expressed the company's pride in partnering with the Ministry of Education, stating that the initiative aims to empower teachers and enrich students' learning experiences through greater interactivity. He emphasised that the collaboration highlights the vital role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and leaving a sustainable impact on education in Oman. The event featured a visit to a model interactive classroom, where a group of teachers and students presented sample lessons using digital textbooks and interactive screens. A short documentary on the project's development journey was also shown, followed by the official digital book launch and the honouring of BP Oman as the project's main sponsor. The digitisation process went through several key stages, beginning with the preparatory phase, which involved defining the technical and educational specifications for the digital content. This was followed by content analysis, scenario development, and quality review. Each digital book required up to 80 hours of review, totalling more than 4,800 hours for 60 books. A trial phase was then conducted in selected schools to gather feedback and refine the content. The final stage involves publishing the digital books through the ministry's Educational Technologies Portal and later via the Noor platform's digital repository, in line with broader national digital transformation projects. Media campaigns will also accompany the rollout to raise awareness. Dr Mona al Siyabi, Head of the Technical and Scientific Team for Digitising the English Language, said: 'In line with Oman Vision 2040, we have launched the first phase of developing digital interactive books for Omani schools. This phase focuses on transforming traditional textbooks into engaging digital formats for the early grades. "These new digital books are rich with interactive features, including games, activities and videos, designed to enhance the learning experience for students and support teachers in the classroom. They also serve as a helpful resource for parents at home. We aim to expand this effort to cover grades 5 through 12 in the upcoming stages." Currently, these interactive books are being piloted in selected schools, and we are collecting feedback from teachers and students to evaluate their experience and identify areas for improvement. The ministry aims to develop and transform traditional curricula into interactive digital content within the national educational platform. The project seeks to offer a variety of digital resources for different learning styles, support distance education using information and communication technology, foster self-learning and collaborative learning and equip students with future-ready skills. Ultimately, it aims to improve the quality of education, enhance student performance and provide accessible and effective digital learning tools. The project comprises 6 phases... the preparatory phase, the analysis phase, the educational scenario preparation phase, the digital production phase, a pilot phase and the digital book propagation phase (giving access to digital content via the e-learning portal and later via the Noor system).
Observer
21-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Project on digitalization of school curricula launched
Muscat: The Ministry of Education, represented by the Directorate General of Curriculum Development, and in cooperation with BP Oman, launched the Digitalization of School Curricula Project for Grades 1–12. The event was held under the patronage of Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and was attended by Dr. Madeeha bint Ahmed al Shaibaniyah, Minister of Education. In his speech, Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Undersecretary for Education, emphasized the unprecedented opportunities brought about by digital technologies to enhance the quality of education, stating: 'Education is no longer confined within the four walls of the classroom. It has become a vast space that transcends geographic boundaries and provides both students and teachers access to rich and diverse learning resources.' He explained that the project directly empowers teachers with modern educational tools to deliver content more effectively and creatively, while offering students a flexible and comprehensive learning experience that aligns with their individual needs and abilities. He concluded by saying that the project is an integral part of a broader vision for digital transformation in education, laying the foundation for a technology-based, future-oriented learning ecosystem.
Observer
30-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Forum highlights Oman's strategic maritime role
MUSCAT: The 1st Oman Maritime, Ports and Energy Forum concluded here yesterday, April 30, 2025 under the auspices of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The forum under the theme, 'Exploring Commercial Opportunities to Drive Maritime Trade,' has been organised by Ship Energy and Asyad Group. It was attended by several key officials and dignitaries. In his keynote address, the Director General of Ports and Marine Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology, Muhanna Moosa Baqer, highlighted the significance of the event. 'This forum is important and timely on a number of counts. Firstly, it highlights the ambitions of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to realise Oman's economic, technological, and human potential in the field of logistics and moving forward in harnessing the potential of the Sultanate of Oman's natural resources and production of renewable energy.' Baqer added: 'The world is on the cusp of a profound energy revolution, and Oman is intent on realising its potential to catalyse the changes required. Oman's ports have the advantages of geographical location beyond the busy Strait of Hormuz and Bab El Mandab. Its ports give access to over two hundred shipping lanes, offering direct links into markets in Africa, Asia, Europe, and The Americas.' Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Oman, highlighted the significance of knowledge transfer and bilateral cooperation. 'When dealing with issues like climate change and the energy transition, sharing knowledge and cooperation is vital to achieve desired results and to create possibilities for innovation. Innovation can provide new opportunities and solutions to limit climate change and reduce the effects of it. Innovation can also help us in reducing the impact and make the maritime sector more sustainable and future proof. And this aligns seamlessly with the Oman Vision 2040 and with the sustainable development goals, and particularly SDG number nine, which stipulates that nations must build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation,' she said. Ambassador Kloth added, 'One major path for innovation in the maritime sector is the adoption of sustainable fuels and energy sources. This shift not only helps reduce the impact of climate change but also creates new opportunities for the export of sustainable fuels. By sharing our knowledge, we can accelerate the transition toward more sustainable fuels and energy sources, while also opening up new export possibilities.' The forum included multiple panels and keynote speeches discussing various aspects of maritime trade and energy. In addition to various specialised workshops. It concluded with a visit to the Margherita Cosulich bunkering tanker in Port Sultan Qaboos. According to officials, over 200 participants from 70 global institutions in the maritime and energy sectors took part in the forum.
