Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman on Friday signed the agreement establishing the World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai, China, becoming one of the 29 founding member states of the new intergovernmental organisation aimed at strengthening international cooperation and global governance in artificial intelligence (AI).

The agreement was signed on behalf of Oman by H E Dr Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology in the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, who headed the Omani delegation at the signing ceremony held alongside the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).

The conference, which runs from July 17 to 20, opened in Shanghai in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Omani delegation includes Dr Khalifa Abdullah Al Barwani, CEO of the National Centre for Statistics and Information; Dr Said Hamad Al Rubaii, Vice Chancellor of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences; and a number of officials specialising in AI.

H E Dr Al Shidhani said Oman’s participation in establishing the organisation, together with its attendance at WAIC, follows its participation last week in the First World AI Governance Dialogue held under the auspices of the United Nations.

He said the move reflects the sultanate’s active engagement in advancing AI through international cooperation and its commitment to keeping pace with rapid developments in AI technologies and governance across Europe, Asia and other regions.

He added that Oman has consistently presented its vision at international technology forums in both the East and the West, stressing the importance of cooperation in developing a global AI governance framework that supports innovation while safeguarding the interests of all countries.

According to H E Dr Al Shidhani, the objective is to ensure AI development is guided by responsible governance, promotes international collaboration and delivers benefits for the global community.

He said the Shanghai-headquartered World AI Cooperation Organization will operate as an independent intergovernmental body dedicated to strengthening international cooperation to ensure AI is developed and deployed in a safe and responsible manner, while helping narrow the AI gap between countries.

H E Dr Al Shidhani said Oman’s membership will strengthen the country’s AI capabilities, facilitate knowledge-sharing with member states, and provide access to the latest AI technologies and research.

He added that membership will also enable Oman to contribute to the development of international AI governance frameworks, supporting the sustainable, secure and responsible advancement of AI for the benefit of all.