TLDR: The Sultanate of Oman has launched a pioneering initiative to expand its comprehensive, rights-based Ethical AI Governance framework. This move, supported by UNESCO, establishes the first global standard for the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence rooted in human rights. The initiative includes a two-day workshop targeting AI professionals and human rights advocates, and positions Oman as a pilot country for UNESCO’s AI Management System (RAM).
MUSCAT – The Sultanate of Oman has officially launched a significant initiative aimed at expanding the scope of its comprehensive, rights-based Ethical AI Governance framework. This groundbreaking endeavor marks the establishment of the first global standard document for the ethical implementation, development, and utilization of artificial intelligence, firmly grounded in human rights principles. The announcement was made on Sunday, October 12, 2025, during a two-day workshop focused on this critical expansion.
The workshop, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education (represented by the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science), the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen in Doha, and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, brought together key stakeholders. Dr. Jokha bint Abdullah al Shukailiyah, Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance of Education (OAAAQA), inaugurated the event. The sessions targeted a diverse group of specialists and professionals involved in AI systems from both public and private sectors, as well as members of the Oman Human Rights Commission.
Oman’s commitment to responsible AI development has been further highlighted by its selection as one of the beneficiary countries by UNESCO. This selection allows Oman to pilot the implementation of the AI Management System (RAM), an integral part of the broader UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence. The workshop’s agenda included discussions on mechanisms for developing national regulatory frameworks to govern AI systems in institutional settings, addressing challenges faced by relevant authorities in crafting these regulations, and ensuring that legal, social, cultural, scientific, and economic dimensions are thoroughly considered during their formulation.
Hassan bin Fida al Lawati, Head of the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies, emphasized that this initiative is in perfect alignment with Oman’s overarching strategy to ensure the responsible, safe, and human-centered application of AI technologies. He referenced Oman’s National Policy for the Safe and Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence, which was introduced in early 2025, as a foundational guide for integrating AI across various sectors while steadfastly upholding privacy, justice, and human dignity. Al Lawati further explained that the RAM tool empowers nations to evaluate their existing capabilities, pinpoint areas of strength and opportunity, and formulate policies that resonate with global best practices while reflecting national specificities.
Salah Khalid, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf States and Yemen in Doha, underscored the profound importance of integrating AI ethics principles such as equity, transparency, accountability, and sustainability. He stated, “these are not abstract ideals but values with real-world impact,” highlighting the tangible benefits of an ethical approach to AI. The workshop also featured presentations on various AI ethics frameworks, national policies, and relevant case studies, with discussions paving the way for the next phases of RAM implementation in Oman.
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This initiative reaffirms Oman’s unwavering dedication to harnessing artificial intelligence as a catalyst for human progress, sustainable development, and ethical innovation, ensuring that technological advancements serve the greater good of society.
