Recent scientific and practical efforts have centered on the safe integration of artificial intelligence technologies into various systems, including healthcare, education, technology, and even legislative, regulatory, security, and military systems. Specialized companies have begun to open up vast horizons for integrating AI into new and innovative fields, facilitating the provision of public services to government institutions, improving work quality, and helping to achieve national goals.
Despite the challenges posed by this issue, it presents even greater opportunities for the future. Those who fall behind in the age of artificial intelligence will regress civilizationally to levels that are unimaginable.

In this context, the Sultanate of Oman has shown great interest in artificial intelligence, dedicating numerous discussions to it within research and educational institutions and as part of the activities of some of its ministries. This reflects its desire to understand the dimensions, risks, and benefits of these technologies and the areas in which they can serve. Therefore, the significant and advanced step of launching the “National Program for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies” in the Sultanate of Oman during September 2024, within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to make information and communication technology one of the basic and stimulating sectors of the national economy, came as a natural progression.

The program extends from 2024 to the end of 2026 and includes a number of initiatives and projects that keep pace with global developments in the field of artificial intelligence. Most notably, the establishment of a national platform for open data to support entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers; the establishment of a national center for research and development in artificial intelligence to support researchers and academics; the creation of an “AI Studio” to be a meeting point between AI specialists and companies and institutions seeking technological solutions using AI; the creation of an Omani language model trained on Omani cultural, historical, artistic, and scientific content using generative AI; the establishment of a Fourth Industrial Revolution Center in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and in partnership with the World Economic Forum; and the implementation of quantum computing initiatives to raise awareness, promote research and development, and adopt quantum computing applications.

Our interest at the International Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology in following the latest national and international developments in the field of artificial intelligence comes within our vision to be a leading force in shaping the future of artificial intelligence and biotechnology on the scale of the Sultanate of Oman and the international arena. We aspire to be recognized as a leading institution that transcends disciplinary boundaries and connects science and various fields with artificial intelligence, within a safe technological environment.

Therefore, the International Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology found it of great importance to hold a comprehensive conference to discuss the idea of safe integration of artificial intelligence into various systems. The institute realizes that most professions and specialties will change in the future and will need to change the systems of education, training, qualification, public service, entrepreneurship, and others.