Muscat: Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel), the leading provider of integrated telecommunication services in the Sultanate of Oman, and Sultan Qaboos University have recently entered into a five-year partnership agreement to further enhance scientific research in the fields of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Under this agreement, the "Applied Research Fund" will be established to provide crucial support to faculty members and researchers in the ICT and AI domains. This initiative aims to empower researchers by equipping them with the latest technical tools to collect and analyze data, as well as encouraging the adoption of technological innovations in various sectors such as medicine, agriculture, environment, technology, engineering, and other emerging technologies. This aligns with the government's commitment to promoting scientific research and innovation, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University, expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership with Omantel. He emphasized that this collaboration will significantly contribute to the country's efforts in addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to stimulating innovation, fostering sustainable industries, and promoting partnerships between public and private sector institutions. Furthermore, this partnership aims to elevate the quality of education in Oman. Omantel was chosen as the ideal partner due to its extensive expertise, remarkable potential in adopting modern technologies, and unwavering support for small and medium enterprises specializing in ICT and AI.
Talal Said Al Mamari, the CEO of Omantel, expressed his satisfaction with the new partnership between Omantel and Sultan Qaboos University. He emphasized the importance of research funding as a key aspect of Omantel's social responsibility and commitment to supporting the youth of Oman in their career advancement. This partnership aims to contribute to the national efforts in building a digital economy based on knowledge and innovation, ultimately strengthening Oman's position in UNESCO's Global Innovation Index. The CEO is confident that the collaborative program resulting from this partnership will lead to the development of innovative solutions that could potentially be integrated into Omantel's services.
As part of the agreement, Omantel will provide comprehensive support to the project by engaging its relevant departments. The technology, strategy, and innovation departments will address related issues and internal challenges, working closely with internal teams to ensure consensus on the final topics selected by the University. They will also evaluate and select final projects, make recommendations, and assign advisors for each research project.
Omantel Innovation Labs will contribute by granting access to its incubators and accelerators programs, as well as connecting the University with Omantel's experts. Over a span of five years, nearly 30 scientific papers will be produced as a result of this collaboration.
Dr. Abdelnasser Hussein, the Director of the Communications and Information Research Center at the University, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Omantel for their continuous support of scientific research at the university. This agreement marks a renewal and enhancement of the previous partnership established five years ago, during which Omantel supported approximately thirty research projects in the fields of communications, information technology, and nanotechnology.
This agreement is centered around the telecommunications and information technology industry, aligning with the National Program for Digital Economy and in accordance with the commendable guidance of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. His Majesty has emphasized the importance of developing a national program to implement and integrate artificial intelligence technologies, showcasing the Sultanate's determination to prioritize the digital economy and make it a cornerstone of the national economy.
Through the integration of its operations, processes, and extensive expertise in the field of communications and digital technology, Omantel has successfully established itself as a leading telecommunications company within the Sultanate of Oman and beyond. The company's innovative approaches have played a significant role in providing cutting-edge solutions to various consumer and business sectors. Omantel is committed to delivering an unparalleled and exceptional experience to its subscribers, constantly striving to exceed their expectations.
Furthermore, Omantel is actively working towards contributing to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 by investing in emerging technologies and offering state-of-the-art solutions in modern technology, information, and communications technology. This includes cloud solutions, ICT solutions, AI, Smart solutions, cybersecurity, and much more. Additionally, Omantel leverages its technological capabilities to foster innovation and leadership in new and advanced technologies.
