Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), through its Government Digital Transformation Program, Tahawul, has signed a cooperation agreement with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences.
This partnership will introduce a Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Transformation and Innovation program to encourage collaboration with academic institutions and equip individuals with essential skills in creativity and innovation, all in support of Tahawul's strategic objectives.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Ali bin Amer Al Shaidhani, Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology at MTCIT and Dr. Said bin Hamad Al-Rubaie, President of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences.
MSc in Government Digital Transformation
This initiative seeks to harness the value of the MSc in Digital Transformation and Innovation, aligning with efforts to develop innovative, agile, and proactive government bodies. It supports the vision of Oman Vision 2040, which highlights the importance of fostering innovation and empowering national talent in the digital transformation space.
The agreement also ensures that the program aligns with the evolving needs of government digital transformation through regular curriculum reviews, project evaluations, research activities and student admissions.
H.E. Al Shaidhani emphasized that the agreement underscores the Ministry’s dedication to collaborating with educational institutions to achieve long-term digital transformation. The aim is to equip national talents with the necessary skills to create innovative government services capable of addressing future challenges. He stressed that coordinating both academic and practical efforts is a key element in the successful execution of the digital transformation program, similarly falling in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Under the agreement, the Ministry will provide access to its databases of digital transformation plans, projects, and evaluation outcomes to enhance research and project work within the MSc program. Students will also have opportunities to present their research and projects at high-profile events such as COMEX, GITEX, LEAP, and other global conferences.
Furthermore, the Ministry will offer students consultations on digital transformation research, assist with surveys, and organize interviews. Workshops on change management and innovation will be integrated throughout the Master’s program. Additionally, Master’s students will be involved in discussions about improving government services through the Manjam Labs initiative.
Academic Offerings That Meet National Objectives
H.E. Al-Rubaie expressed his appreciation for the Ministry’s support of the education sector, highlighting the significance of this partnership. He stated, “This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our academic offerings to meet national objectives and prepare a workforce capable of driving digital transformation in Oman. We deeply value our collaboration with MTCIT and look forward to further joint accomplishments in innovation and development.”
He also announced that the university will provide five free seats in the program each year to government digital transformation specialists nominated by the Ministry, provided that they meet the admission criteria. The university will encourage students to base their graduation projects and research on topics proposed by the Ministry and will participate in awareness and promotional activities related to the Government Digital Transformation Program and initiatives aimed at improving digital services and solutions.
This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening the collaboration between the Government Digital Transformation Program and academic institutions. It will prepare specialized national talent to lead Oman’s digital transformation and will foster innovation, in alignment with the government’s development goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
Also Read:
Oman Launches National AI and Advanced Digital Technologies Program
Oman’s MTCIT Plans to Establish Unified Open Data Platform by Year-End
Oman's Quest for Building a Tech-Advanced Nation
