OmanGPT: A National Large Language Model

OmanGPT is a strategically engineered AI initiative designed to address critical gaps in data sovereignty and cultural relevance within Oman's digital ecosystem. By leveraging localized datasets and advanced large language model (LLM) technologies, the initiative aims to transform public sector delivery and drive competitive advantage across key industries. Anchored in measurable outcomes—such as a 30–40% reduction in processing times, cost reductions of 25–30%, and enhanced citizen satisfaction—OmanGPT aligns with national objectives under Oman Vision 2040. This initiative not only reinforces operational efficiency but also provides a framework for ethical, transparent, and secure AI deployment that is positioned to evolve with technological advances.

Problem and Challenges

Oman’s reliance on international AI models has surfaced specific, quantifiable challenges that directly impact the quality and efficiency of public and private services. The current landscape is characterized by three distinct pain points:

Data Sovereignty and Security: Foreign models often access and process data without adherence to local regulations, creating vulnerabilities in data privacy and national security. This misalignment results in a 20–25% efficiency loss in public administrative tasks and exposes critical government information to unnecessary risk.
Cultural and Contextual Misalignment: Generic AI solutions fail to capture the nuances of Omani dialects, customs, and societal values. This leads to outputs that are frequently inaccurate or culturally insensitive—issues that have contributed to suboptimal service delivery in sectors such as healthcare and education.
Operational Inefficiencies: Off-the-shelf solutions require significant customization to fit the local context, leading to extended service processing times and higher operational costs. In many instances, these inefficiencies have resulted in delays of up to 40% in public service response times, directly affecting citizen satisfaction and trust.

The systemic reliance on inadequate models necessitates a change that not only improves performance but also prioritizes cultural alignment and national security.

Value Proposition

OmanGPT’s value proposition is built around the integration of local data and advanced AI capabilities to deliver tangible improvements. The initiative offers a robust solution that directly addresses the inefficiencies and cultural disconnects endemic to the current AI landscape by providing:

Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Utilizing data-driven insights, OmanGPT streamlines administrative processes, aiming for a reduction in processing times by up to 40% and operating costs by 25–30%.
Cultural Authenticity: By training on datasets derived from official Omani records, historical texts, and local community feedback, the solution delivers highly accurate and culturally sensitive outputs.
Risk Mitigation: Reinforced data security measures and adherence to national regulations ensure that the model complies with Oman’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), reducing external dependency and safeguarding sensitive information.

This tailored approach not only improves service delivery but creates a competitive edge for both public institutions and the private sector, enabling them to operate more responsively and cost-effectively.

Solution & Operational Impact

OmanGPT is built on a state-of-the-art AI architecture that combines a localized LLM with agent-based AI solutions and predictive analytics. By integrating with existing government infrastructures via secure APIs, the initiative ensures seamless data flow and operational continuity. Key elements include:

Localized Data Training: Use of specific data sources such as governmental records, cultural texts, and citizen feedback ensures the AI’s outputs are aligned with local needs.
Scalable Cloud Infrastructure: Deploying on scalable cloud systems and high-performance computing clusters allows the model to handle large datasets efficiently while ensuring real-time responsiveness.
Agent-Based Solutions: Incorporation of autonomous agents enables the system to provide immediate, contextually accurate responses, thereby reducing human intervention in routine tasks.

Quantifiable operational improvements projected by the initiative include:

A 30–40% reduction in average processing times for public services.
A decrease in operational costs by up to 30% by eliminating dependencies on foreign AI services.
An increase in citizen satisfaction scores by 20–25% through enhanced service personalization and accuracy.

Business Case

The OmanGPT initiative is directly linked to broad business outcomes and strategic national objectives. By localizing AI services, the project substantially decreases reliance on foreign providers, translating into significant cost savings and improved national security. The initiative supports critical government mandates and economic goals by:

Revenue Growth: Enhancing efficiency in public service delivery directly impacts revenue through better resource allocation and reduced waste. In sectors such as healthcare and education, improved AI accuracy leads to better outcomes and, consequently, higher trust and increased utilization of digital services.
Regulatory Compliance: Operating within the framework of the PDPL and other regulatory requirements ensures that OmanGPT’s deployment minimizes legal risk and protects citizens’ data.
Strategic Alignment: The initiative is tightly aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which underscores digital transformation and innovation as pillars of national growth. By fostering a competitive AI ecosystem, OmanGPT positions Oman as a potential regional leader in locally adapted technological solutions.

Transformation & Change Management

Successful adoption of OmanGPT requires comprehensive internal transformations. This involves reengineering established processes, updating governance structures, and re-skilling the workforce to adapt to new AI-driven workflows. Key elements of the change management strategy include:

Leadership Involvement: Top management and cross-functional teams are tasked with steering the transformation to ensure that AI adoption aligns with both strategic and operational goals.
Training and Upskilling: Tailored training programs are necessary to equip employees with the skills needed to work with new AI systems, thereby reducing resistance and accelerating integration.
Stakeholder Engagement: Regular forums, workshops, and feedback loops are established to ensure that all stakeholders—from government officials to end users—are actively engaged in the transition process.

These measures are critical to overcoming organizational inertia and ensuring that the technical benefits of the AI solution translate into real operational improvements.

Governance & Ethics

OmanGPT is underpinned by a robust governance framework designed to ensure responsible deployment and adherence to ethical standards. Key governance mechanisms include:

Steering Committee and Ethics Board: Multi-stakeholder bodies that oversee AI deployment, conduct periodic audits, and enforce transparency and accountability across all operational layers.
Compliance Protocols: Strict adherence to national laws, including the PDPL, reinforced with continuous independent reviews and risk assessments.
Transparent Reporting: Use of “model cards” and regular performance disclosures to maintain stakeholder trust and ensure ethical oversight throughout the project lifecycle.

These structures provide a controlled environment that assures stakeholders of the initiative’s commitment to ethical AI usage and continuous improvement.

Future Evolution

The design of OmanGPT incorporates scalability and adaptability to ensure long-term relevance in an evolving technological landscape. The solution is built to integrate future advancements such as:

Enhanced Multimodal Capabilities: Expanding beyond text to include image and video analysis, particularly for applications in healthcare, tourism, and public safety.
Federated Learning: Introducing methods that allow model training across decentralized data sources, further enhancing data privacy and local adaptability.
Edge Computing Integration: Enabling the deployment of AI applications in remote or resource-constrained environments, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.

These evolutionary strategies will allow OmanGPT to continuously refine its capabilities, maintain alignment with emerging market needs, and uphold its competitive advantage over time.

Conclusion

OmanGPT represents a definitive shift toward a truly national AI solution that prioritizes operational efficiency, cultural relevance, and data security. With clear, measurable outcomes and robust governance structures, the initiative not only addresses critical pain points but also aligns with Oman’s broader strategic aspirations under Vision 2040. Executives and decision-makers are advised to view OmanGPT as a transformative catalyst capable of driving operational excellence and sustainable economic growth. Immediate steps include finalizing infrastructure investments, establishing training programs, and setting up governance bodies that ensure ethical AI deployment—all critical for realizing the full potential of this groundbreaking initiative.

About the Author

Dr. Salim Al-Shuaili is a global leader in AI, Digital Transformation, and ICT, with 23+ years of experience. He directs the AI & Advanced Technology Projects Unit and has received major recognitions like CIO of the Year (2023) and the LEGEND award (2022 & 2023). Salim serves as a judge for global AI awards and advises academic institutions on tech education. He has led initiatives in e-Government, smart cities, healthcare, and more, across sectors including mining, tourism, and media. A frequent speaker and media guest, Salim hosts a radio show on AI and contributes to books, summits, and global tech discourse.

About the Report

This document was developed by Dr. Salim Al-Shuaili as a core requirement of the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) Program for attaining Certified CAIO status. The project underwent a rigorous review by selected members of the World AI Council (WAIC) to confirm its alignment with the WAIC AI strategic framework and to empower executives and organizations within the sector.

About the World AI Council

WAIC is an independent, global body of experts, thought leaders, and strategists dedicated to establishing the gold standard for responsible and effective AI transformation across industries.

Living Document Notice

This report is a living document that will be periodically updated based on feedback from the World AI Council and ongoing project evaluations. We invite readers to share comments or suggestions at: caio@waiu.org