The Majlis Ash’shura held discussions on April 9 addressing persistent challenges in infrastructure, telecommunications, and logistics, with Transport, Communications and Information Technology Minister Eng. Said bin Hamoud al Maawali present. The session, chaired by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of the Majlis Ash’shura, brought together council members and Secretary-General Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi during the 15th regular meeting of the third annual term (2025-2026) of the tenth term (2023-2027).
Members focused on issues related to recurring road disruptions caused by wadi flows, emphasizing the need to prioritize road and bridge projects. Enhancing connectivity between various wilayats and key economic centers was a primary concern, with calls for consistent service delivery to support economic activity.
The digital transformation agenda was a significant topic, with members urging acceleration of efforts to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure and cybersecurity. Discussion highlighted the importance of empowering national talent and fostering an innovation-driven environment to bolster Omani companies’ capabilities in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, aligning with the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
Logistics sector challenges were also addressed, particularly the integration between ports, free zones, and transport infrastructure. Participants called for unified operational strategies and the simplification of regulatory frameworks, including licensing and customs procedures, to improve efficiency, enhance competitiveness, and attract greater investment.
Concerns were raised regarding the current pace of digital transformation across government entities. Members stressed the necessity for improved coordination among agencies to better align digital initiatives with labor market demands and to expedite implementation.
Issues affecting citizens’ financial burdens formed part of the dialogue, with proposals to review domestic airfare costs—particularly for students and patients—and to consider adjustments to ferry service pricing in certain wilayats. Transparency in project implementation was underscored, with calls for clearer disclosure concerning tender processes, contractor information, and project timelines to enhance accountability and operational efficiency.
The role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in national projects was also discussed, with an emphasis on expanding their participation to generate sustainable economic value.
Deputy Chairman Said bin Hamad al Saadi acknowledged progress in executing tunnel and bridge projects but noted ongoing public concerns regarding certain infrastructure plans. He referenced objections from residents over specific approved designs, advocating for reviews to better align construction with community expectations. Al Saadi specifically highlighted the stalled Al Suwaiq bridge project, noting despite prior commitments and available funding, the project had yet to advance to tendering and execution phases. He described the project as critical to alleviating congestion and supporting economic and social activities within the wilayat.
On the digital front, al Saadi expressed reservations about the sluggish achievement of targeted outcomes in government digital transformation initiatives despite their strategic importance. He stressed the need to reinforce cybersecurity measures to protect vital infrastructure sectors such as electricity, water, and telecommunications against emerging threats. Stronger interagency collaboration was called for to accelerate digital capability development and the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.