Dhofar – The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) launched an artificial intelligence-powered self-paving asphalt system on the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road project in Muqshin, Dhofar on Tuesday, marking the first use of the technology in the sultanate.

The system was introduced by Galfar Engineering and Contracting in the fourth phase of the road project in line with MTCIT’s plans to adopt advanced technologies to improve efficiency and speed up delivery.

It was inaugurated by H E Dr Said bin Mohammed Al Saqri, Economic Advisor at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. He said the launch represented a step forward in automating construction projects and reflected the national drive to deploy modern technologies in infrastructure.

“Adopting such technical solutions contributes to raising the quality of implementation, improving project efficiency and enhancing safety at work sites, in line with Oman Vision 2040,” H E Al Saqri said.

H E Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shammakhi, Undersecretary for Transport at MTCIT, said road projects go beyond physical connectivity. “Road projects support economic development, facilitate the movement of people and goods, empower governorates and enhance  the competitiveness of the national economy,” he said.

He described the smart paving system as an investment in a more efficient and sustainable future, adding that it supported the ministry’s green mobility initiatives by helping reduce carbon emissions.

According to officials, the technology uses advanced control systems supported by data and AI to regulate paving operations. It enables precise control of asphalt layer thickness and levels, reduces defects and accelerates completion compared to conventional methods.

Dr Hamoud bin Rashid Al Toubi, CEO of Galfar Engineering and Contracting, said the rollout would open new prospects in road and infrastructure delivery.

“This step comes within the company’s efforts to promote innovation in the engineering sector and apply the latest technical solutions to raise standards of performance and quality,” he said.

The Muqshin project is expected to serve as a model for future road projects across Oman, reinforcing the country’s push towards digital transformation in infrastructure.