AI Legislative Guide |
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Oman |
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(Middle East)
Firm
Said Al Shahry & Partners (SASLO)
Contributors
Salim Al-Harthi |
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| Has specific legislation, final regulations or other formal regulatory guidance addressing the use of AI in your jurisdiction been implemented (vs reliance on existing legislation around IP, cyber, data privacy, etc.)? | Yes. |
| Please provide a short summary of the legislation/regulations/guidance and explain how legislators aim to strike the balance between innovation and regulation. | Oman's National Program for AI and Advanced Technologies (the "Program"), launched in 2020, aims to boost economic diversification through AI by fostering the adoption and development of these technologies. Led by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the program collaborates with public and private sectors to identify areas for AI integration. The Program aims to balance innovation and regulation through a four-pronged approach. It prioritizes economic growth by integrating AI into key sectors while fostering domestic AI expertise through education and partnerships. This is coupled with promoting responsible AI use through data governance and ethical considerations. By enabling innovation through open data and collaboration, while also establishing safeguards, Oman seeks to create a space where AI can flourish alongside ethical considerations. |
| Which agency regulates the use of AI in your jurisdiction? | There is currently no agency that regulates AI in Oman. However, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology ("MTCIT") is expected to become the main regulator of AI in Oman and has recently launched a public consultation paper for a National Artificial Intelligence Policy ("Consultation Paper"). The aim of the policy outlined in the Consultation Paper is to regulate the development, data, and use of artificial intelligence systems in both the public and private sectors in Oman. The Consultation Paper envisions that:
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AI Legislative Guide
Oman
(Middle East) Firm Said Al Shahry & Partners (SASLO)Contributors Salim Al-Harthi
Updated 31 Jan 2025Yes.
Oman's National Program for AI and Advanced Technologies (the "Program"), launched in 2020, aims to boost economic diversification through AI by fostering the adoption and development of these technologies. Led by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the program collaborates with public and private sectors to identify areas for AI integration. The Program aims to balance innovation and regulation through a four-pronged approach. It prioritizes economic growth by integrating AI into key sectors while fostering domestic AI expertise through education and partnerships. This is coupled with promoting responsible AI use through data governance and ethical considerations. By enabling innovation through open data and collaboration, while also establishing safeguards, Oman seeks to create a space where AI can flourish alongside ethical considerations.
There is currently no agency that regulates AI in Oman. However, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology ("MTCIT") is expected to become the main regulator of AI in Oman and has recently launched a public consultation paper for a National Artificial Intelligence Policy ("Consultation Paper").
The aim of the policy outlined in the Consultation Paper is to regulate the development, data, and use of artificial intelligence systems in both the public and private sectors in Oman. The Consultation Paper envisions that:
- The policy will apply to entities involved in the development or use of artificial intelligence technologies.
- The MTCIT will be the regulator of artificial intelligence in Oman.\
- The policy will include ethical standards, technical standards and data protection measures applicable to developers of artificial intelligence systems.
- The policy will include terms and conditions applicable to artificial intelligence users, including ethical use, responsible use, and data protection measures.