Muscat –  The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Administration, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and the Omani Society for Human Resource Management (OSHRM), on Sunday announced the launch of the “Irtiqa” programme — a national initiative aimed at developing competencies in government digital transformation.The “Irtiqa” programme aspires to nurture a new generation of transformation leaders, catalyse innovation within government institutions, and enhance service delivery. Its core objective is to improve the digital user experience, ultimately contributing to quality of life, efficient public service, and the realisation of a sustainable knowledge-based economy. The programme is anchored in the belief that digital knowledge is a form of modern capital — a fundamental driver of long-term economic growth.

Speaking on the occasion, H E Dr Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology at MTCIT, described the initiative as a pioneering step towards a digitally prosperous future, aligned with the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

“The Irtiqa programme lays down a strategic framework for building digital transformation capabilities across the government sector. In its first phase, it will focus on developing the skills and competencies of digital transformation teams within 57 government entities,” Dr Al Shidhani said.

He explained that the programme targets officials responsible for executing digital transformation initiatives, offering them specialised training modules that blend technical expertise with strategic thinking and leadership development. “The aim is to empower government teams to lead transformation efforts effectively, keep pace with global advancements, and position the Sultanate among the world’s digitally advanced nations,” he added.

Dr Shidhani underlined that the success of digital transformation in the public sector hinges on strengthening national digital competencies. “Irtiqa represents a qualitative leap in investing in human capital and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation,” he said.

Dr. Ali Qasim Jawad al Lawati  Chairman of the Royal Academy for Administration (RAA) , highlighted the Academy’s strategic partnership in implementing the programme. He stated that the initiative reflects the Academy’s commitment to cultivating a new generation of leaders equipped to guide Oman’s digital journey.

“Our role goes beyond developing individual leaders — we aim to establish a cohesive, agile leadership ecosystem that can respond effectively to global challenges and accelerate national progress,” Dr Al Lawati noted. “Through the Irtiqa programme, we reaffirm our belief in human capital as a key pillar of sustainable development and a catalyst for achieving the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040.”

The launch event featured a visual presentation outlining the key pillars of government digital transformation, focusing on the importance of building capacities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and sustaining expertise. A dialogue session titled “Humans: The Core of Digital Transformation” further underscored the vital role of human talent in driving digital change.

Meanwhile, the National Programme for Government Digital Transformation, Tahawul, has achieved significant progress. As of mid-2025, its overall performance reached 80 per cent, up from 73 per cent in 2024. Government institutions recorded an average performance rate of 81 per cent in meeting digital transformation requirements, with the digitisation rate of priority services rising to 74 per cent. Moreover, procedures for 96 per cent of targeted government services have been streamlined, resulting in the completion of more than 11 million digital transactions in the first half of the year alone.