The Sultanate of Oman has become a founding member of the Global Organization for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, joining 28 other countries in establishing the new international body aimed at enhancing collaboration and governance in artificial intelligence. The agreement was signed in Shanghai during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference.

Oman's delegation was led by Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shaithani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology. Dr. Al Shaithani emphasized that Oman’s involvement demonstrates the country’s dedication to adopting AI technologies and engaging in global efforts to establish responsible frameworks for AI governance.

Oman has actively participated in international AI discussions, including contributing to the first Global Dialogue on AI Governance under the United Nations. The country advocates for a balanced approach to AI development that fosters innovation while ensuring responsible regulation.

The newly formed organization, headquartered in Shanghai, functions as an independent intergovernmental body focused on facilitating international cooperation to make artificial intelligence safer, more inclusive, and advantageous to humanity. It also seeks to reduce the AI divide between nations by sharing expertise and technology.

Dr. Al Shaithani noted that Oman’s membership will provide it with greater access to global AI expertise, research, and emerging technologies, while allowing the country to play an active role in shaping international AI governance standards. The Omani delegation included Dr. Khalifa bin Abdullah al Barwani, CEO of the National Centre for Statistics and Information, and Dr. Said bin Hamad al Rubaie, President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, alongside other officials specializing in artificial intelligence.