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Digital Oman Strategy Reviewed At State Council

The State Council on Monday hosted CEO and officials from Information Technology Authority (ITA) in the presence of its chairman, H E Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Manthri, the two vice chairpersons, several members and Dr Khalid bin Salem al Saidi, Secretary General of the State Council. 
 
Dr Saidi welcomed Dr Salim bin Sultan al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA to make a visual presentation on the work of ITA, its services and how those services are utilised to serve public interest, stated a press release.
Dr Saidi stressed the growing importance of ICT as one of the engines of development in today’s world, and its remarkable influence on national progress, promoting development paths, based on capacity development of citizens and developing government services.
Dr Ruzaiqi reviewed the vision of the Digital Oman Strategy and eGovernment which is transforming the sultanate into a sustainable knowledge society by activating information and communication technologies with a view to strengthen government services and enrich the business sector.
He noted that the basic fundamentals of the strategy include digital community development, smart government, e-services, development of the ICT industry, cybersecurity, confidence-building, policies and standards, as well as the focus of awareness and information. Advanced infrastructure includes the electronic payment gateway, the National eCertification Centre and the cloud government, the National Data Centre, the unified government network and the central integration platform.
Ruzaiqi concluded the presentation by explaining the impact of the digital shift on different sectors, as well as the impact of emerging technologies on the global economy, on the most important potential impacts on the Sultanate, including: orientation towards the production and storage of clean and renewable energy which will reduce dependence on petroleum as a source of energy. Users can enter the energy market as producers, and produce complete pieces and products on the Sultanate's soil, when needed, and according to the required quantities, using three-dimensional printing technology, as well as changing transport and logistics patterns. Using self-driving vehicles and Internet objects in tracking shipments and providing safe and low-cost mobility for individuals.
Following the presentation, the Council members shared constructive proposals to enrich various aspects of the national strategy of the Digital Society of Oman, thereby enhancing its role in achieving digital transformation.