Oman stands at a fascinating juncture, spearheading a national transformation—Oman Vision 2040—that is both aggressive in its technological ambition and fiercely protective of its centuries-old cultural identity.
While many nations treat digital modernization and cultural preservation as separate, sometimes conflicting, priorities, Oman is forging a blueprint where the two are systematically integrated. The core philosophy is clear: the future is not about replacing the past, but about using the most advanced tools available to ensure its vibrancy and continuity.
The depth of this commitment is immediately apparent in the sheer scale of the digital leap.
The Billion-Dollar Investment in a Cultural Backbone
Oman’s shift to a digital economy is far more than a policy statement; it is backed by significant financial and infrastructural commitment. The Sultanate has allocated over RO1 billion (USD 2.5 billion) since 2021 to fortify its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure.
This massive investment is laying the foundational connectivity—specifically through the expansion of fiber optic and 5G networks —necessary to support the National Programme for Digital Economy, which aims to raise the digital economy’s contribution to the nation’s GDP from a modest 2% to a substantial 10% by 2040.
Crucially, this high-speed, low-latency infrastructure is not just for smart cities and e-commerce; it is the dedicated cultural transmission pipeline. High-fidelity Virtual Reality (VR) tours of heritage sites, the instantaneous processing of ancient manuscripts using Artificial Intelligence (AI), and interactive gaming platforms designed to teach history all require this robust, modern backbone. Without it, the advanced cultural strategies would remain theoretical.
Simultaneously, the government’s aggressive move toward digital services provides the institutional platform for these efforts. Initiatives under the Tahawul program (2021–2025) are pushing for a fully digital government. Already in the first half of 2025, over 1.57 million digital transactions were signed using electronic authentication, demonstrating a profound shift in public service delivery.
This digital institutional framework makes cultural grants, community participation, and access to national archives more efficient and transparent.
The Core Tension: Preserving the Omani Character
The central tension in this transformation is philosophical: how does a society retain its unique ‘soul’ when exposed to the global currents of the virtual world?
Omani culture is deeply rooted, viewed not as a museum piece, but as a living “bridge linking the past with the present,” embodying profound values such as tolerance, coexistence, and peace. The preservation effort is therefore tied directly to strengthening national identity and authenticity for the next generation.
To manage this tension, Oman has formalized a concept of “cultural security.” This is where policy extends beyond infrastructure and mandates adherence to core principles in the digital sphere. Experts emphasize that responsible digital behavior—honesty, respect for privacy, and constructive criticism—must align with authentic Omani values and character.
The media, whether traditional or electronic, is expected to adhere to the “vocabulary of that culture”. This proactive approach ensures that digital platforms do not become vehicles for cultural dilution, but rather tools for reinforcement.
Localizing Technology to Preserve Local Nuance
Perhaps the most ingenious aspect of Oman’s strategy is its refusal to rely solely on generic global technologies. Recognizing that culture, language, and history are nuanced, the country is investing heavily in localized technology development.
This strategic localization is evident in projects such as the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Studio and the development of the Omani Large Language Model “Maeen”.
By developing its own core AI capabilities and digital identity infrastructure, Oman ensures that its technology can:
- Understand Dialects and Scripts: Generic AI often struggles with the specificity of regional dialects or unique historical handwriting. Localized models like “Maeen” can be trained on specific Omani manuscripts and oral histories, capturing nuances that would otherwise be lost.
- Align with Values: Locally developed platforms, like the Digital Identity “Theqa,” provide a controlled environment that aligns with Omani ethical and security standards.
By positioning technology development within the national strategic framework, Oman guarantees that its digital leap will speak fluent Omani.
A Global Model for Integration
Oman Vision 2040 is not just a national roadmap; it is establishing a clear precedent for other nations grappling with modernization.
The Sultanate’s approach is a masterclass in treating cultural preservation as an integrated strategic objective rather than a secondary charitable cause. By committing significant national capital, building a high-tech infrastructure specifically to handle the demands of cultural documentation, and implementing policies that protect cultural values in the virtual domain, Oman is securing its past.
This synthesis of ancient soul and digital future ensures that Omani identity remains robust, dynamic, and globally accessible for generations to come.
