With an elite gathering of experts and technologists, Microsoft showcased its latest artificial intelligence innovations to support Omani organizations and boost digital transformation efforts.
Under the patronage of His Excellency Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the Omani capital of Muscat hosted the “Microsoft AI Tour” event, which kicked off on February 20, 2025. The event featured leading figures and experts in technology and artificial intelligence, in a move aimed at driving digital transformation, innovation, and economic growth in the Sultanate. Microsoft showcased a wide range of advanced artificial intelligence solutions, focusing on how to empower organizations across various sectors to boost operational efficiency and unlock new horizons for development and innovation.
Event details and objectives
The event witnessed a distinguished attendance of senior Microsoft officials, alongside representatives from government and private entities in Oman. Organizers explained that the “Microsoft AI Tour” aims to accelerate the pace of digital transformation across the Sultanate by showcasing the latest smart technologies and their practical applications across multiple sectors. This step reflects Microsoft’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that support Omani organizations on their journey toward digital transformation and achieving sustainable development within the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
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Officials’ remarks and highlighting the partnership
A group of senior Microsoft executives delivered keynote speeches during the event, including Samer Abu Ltaif, President of Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who expressed his delight at the company’s presence in Oman to help shape an advanced digital future. Abu Ltaif emphasized in his speech that Microsoft is moving forward with strengthening its partnership with the Sultanate, pointing out the vital role that artificial intelligence plays in developing the business ecosystem and achieving greater milestones.
For his part, Sheikh Saif bin Hilal Al Hosni, General Manager of Microsoft in Oman and Bahrain, stressed the importance of artificial intelligence as a core pillar for growth and innovation. He explained that the company is working to empower organizations to make optimal use of cloud technologies and world-class artificial intelligence solutions, thereby helping enhance the Sultanate’s readiness to face future challenges and build a more developed digital economy.
Success stories and adoption of smart technologies
Joining Al Hosni on stage was Ahmed Al Habsi, Head of Information Technology at the Oman Housing Bank (Project Management Office), who discussed the bank’s experience in adopting the “Microsoft 365 Copilot” system to boost productivity and operational efficiency across various departments. Al Habsi provided an overview of the impact of these technologies on the bank’s development journey, and how artificial intelligence contributed to improving operations and raising technical security levels.
During the event, Microsoft also showcased several successful models of partnerships with Omani institutions that adopted artificial intelligence technologies to achieve qualitative leaps in their businesses, including:
•Education sector: The Ministry of Education collaborated with Microsoft to develop a chatbot providing instant access to information, as well as enabling teachers and students to utilize “Microsoft Copilot” to improve teaching and learning methods.
•Academic institutions: The University of Technology and Applied Sciences adopted “Microsoft Copilot” to facilitate the preparation of course content, and also developed a smart system integrated into learning management to help faculty members invent more effective teaching methods.
•Telecom sector: “Omantel” adopted Microsoft solutions to elevate operational efficiency and develop employee productivity via “Microsoft 365 Copilot” technology, in addition to integrating AI-powered cybersecurity technologies to protect the digital environment from potential risks.
•Energy sector: “OQ” adopted “Microsoft 365 Copilot” technology to boost efficiency and productivity, and innovated an AI-based system to streamline the candidate screening mechanism for vacancies, contributing to higher recruitment efficiency and operational agility.
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Honoring pioneering organizations and the role of partners
The event witnessed the honoring of several Omani entities that successfully integrated artificial intelligence into their operations, thereby achieving a radical transformation across various sectors. These institutions include the Ministry of Education, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, the Oman Housing Bank, Omantel, OQ, Renaissance Services, and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences. Sheikh Saif bin Hilal Al Hosni praised the significant role played by these entities in fostering an innovation environment, thanking key partners supporting the event, such as IITC, Netwrix, T-ology, Wizard Cyber, Insomia, and Gulf Leaders Circle. Al Hosni also affirmed his aspiration for the continuation of this fruitful cooperation that contributes to deepening the culture of innovation and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies in the Sultanate.
Panel discussions and live demonstrations
The Microsoft AI Tour in Muscat featured a series of panel discussions focusing on Microsoft’s latest artificial intelligence tools and solutions, including “Microsoft Copilot” and “Copilot Agents”, specifically designed to support various business sectors in elevating productivity. These discussions also addressed the importance of responsible artificial intelligence, emphasizing Microsoft’s commitment to ethics and transparency standards in the use of smart technologies.
During live demonstrations, Microsoft experts showcased innovative features provided by AI-powered Surface devices, including “AI Surface PCs” and “Copilot+ PCs”, alongside the “Microsoft Copilot” application. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the seamless integration between these devices and software, and how these solutions can revolutionize business environments by boosting efficiency and increasing employees’ creative capabilities.
Event conclusion and future outlook
As artificial intelligence technologies continue to evolve and contribute to reshaping work patterns across various sectors, the “Microsoft AI Tour” in Muscat serves as a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to keeping pace with this digital transformation and supporting Omani organizations and government entities in their endeavors to achieve comprehensive development. These efforts include providing advanced solutions and technical expertise that contribute to building a more sustainable and innovative economy.
