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Oman marks International Day of Education with AI focus

23 Jan 2025

Muscat – Oman, represented by the Ministry of Education, will celebrate the International Day of Education on January 24, under the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence and Education: Challenges and Opportunities’.

Dr Mahmoud bin Abdullah al Abri, Secretary of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, highlighted AI’s growing role in teaching, evaluation, and curriculum development. Oman has established AI-focused scientific chairs at Sultan Qaboos University and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences and launched the ‘Artificial Intelligence Makers’ initiative to nurture local talent. These efforts have helped the country rank 45th in the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index.

AI integration in education

The Ministry is advancing AI adoption through the Digitalisation of Curricula project, converting textbooks into interactive digital formats with support from BP Oman. The initiative, currently being rolled out for grades 1–4, includes educational films, animation, virtual reality applications, and simulations.

Extensive AI training programmes have also been implemented, benefiting over 3,268 educators through 63 workshops. AI laboratories have been set up in North Batinah and Dhahirah, with further collaborations established with Sultan Qaboos University and the Arab Open University.

Enhanced Infrastructure and Research

Oman is upgrading school IT infrastructure, replacing over 50,000 computers and increasing internet speeds tenfold. AI-enabled classrooms and exploration centres are being introduced, alongside research initiatives with the UNESCO Chair for AI at Sultan Qaboos University.

With these efforts, Oman continues to drive digital transformation in education, preparing students and educators for the future.

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