The Tahawul Digital Digital Transformation Forum Commences Today
29 May, 2024, Muscat — The Tahawul Digital Transformation Forum, organised by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, commenced today, Wednesday, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event, which will run for two days, is under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shezawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology.
The forum aims to highlight the efforts and achievements of government institutions in digital transformation, review regional and global best practices, and foresee future trends to maximise the benefits of innovative technological solutions. It also seeks to transfer knowledge, develop skills, and empower national competencies, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation to global changes. Furthermore, the forum provides a platform for sharing experiences in digital transformation, strengthens governmental relationships, and creates new partnership opportunities between the public and private sectors in digital transformation.
The forum covers two main themes: Comprehensive Digital Transformation and Innovation and Digital Excellence. The Comprehensive Digital Transformation theme emphasises the significance of digital transformation in creating a flexible and innovative government sector. It discusses the roles of governments and institutions in achieving digital inclusivity and ensuring everyone has easy access to services. It also showcases success stories of digital transformation in Oman and public-private partnerships in digital transformation.
The Innovation and Digital Excellence theme focuses on global trends and best practices for achieving governmental innovation, mainly digital innovation. It highlights best practices in creating exceptional digital experiences and the importance of connectivity in achieving desired digital change. Additionally, it discusses leveraging intelligent technologies to develop digital infrastructure and create added value.
In his speech, H.E. Dr. Ali bin Amer Al-Shezawi stated, "The Government Digital Transformation Forum organisation underscores our commitment to enhancing digital transformation efforts in the Sultanate of Oman, which is a key pillar for achieving sustainable development. We are keen to adopt the best regional and global practices and innovative technological solutions to improve the efficiency and quality of government services provided to citizens and residents." He added that Oman has made significant progress in its strategic approach to government digital transformation in recent years. The overall performance in meeting digital transformation requirements reached 53 per cent by the end of September 2023. The average performance of government institutions in meeting these requirements was 72 per cent, and the average performance of governorates was 54 per cent among 56 government institutions participating in measuring digital transformation excellence in 2023.
H.E. Dr Al-Shezawi highlighted some impressive statistics, demonstrating the success of Oman's digital transformation. He noted that more than 30 million electronic transactions were completed using electronic authentication through personal ID/residence cards and mobile phones in 2023. The total electronic signature transactions reached 903,897 in the first half of 2023, and over 3.3 million certificates were issued in personal ID/residence cards in 2023. Digital transactions through the Oman portal reached 41,617,405 from January to October 2023, and the total data exchanged via the national electronic integration platform was 942 million in 2023. He mentioned that 2,199 services were simplified from January 2021 to September 2023, and 1,545 services were digitised during the same period, achieving 61 per cent of the targeted 80 per cent for digitising essential government services by 2025.
The forum included a panel discussion on government innovation and the future work environment amid modern technologies. The debate addressed opportunities presented by modern technologies for sustainable digital transformation and enhancing government performance. Participants shared ideas and visions on government innovation and anticipated the future work environment amid rapid technological developments. The forum also discussed how governments can benefit from artificial intelligence and data and analytics' role in digital transformation. It showcased a success story of enriching the digital experience to achieve beneficiary satisfaction from the Social Protection Fund's government services. Another success story highlighted was the Oman Business Platform, demonstrating the impact of digital transformation on improving the business environment. Specialised workshops were organised on investment opportunities in digital transformation, future projects, and automating traditional processes.
The forum also saw the launch of new digital services, solutions, and products. The Oman Medical Specialties Board launched a 3D printer at the Medical Simulation Centre and a national exam platform for medical personnel. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion launched licensing services and certificates of origin on the mobile application of the Oman Business Platform. The Ministry of Social Development launched a services platform for rehabilitating people with disabilities. The Supreme Judicial Council launched a trial video call service for the Notarisation Platform and issued marriage certificates through Onic's devices.
The Government Digital Transformation Forum in Oman, a pivotal event in the country's digital transformation journey, aims to provide a platform to showcase and disseminate best practices in digital transformation, transfer regional and global digital experiences and technologies, highlight achievements in Oman's digital transformation programme, share expertise, gain deep knowledge, explore national talents and competencies, and strengthen partnerships and communication with decision-makers in both the public and private sectors.