Muscat:The Research and Innovation Authority celebrated the official opening of "Midad Digital" Centre at the Innovation Complex in Muscat, along with the launch of its visual identity. This initiative marks a strategic advancement in enhancing the innovation and digital transformation landscape in Oman, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
According to Oman News Agency, the event was held under the patronage of Dr. Saif Abdullah Al Hadabi, Chairman of the Research and Innovation Authority. Najah Mohammed Al Rashdi, the Acting Director General of the Innovation Centre, highlighted the significance of "Midad Digital" Centre as a pivotal development in Oman's communications and Internet of Things infrastructure. She emphasized the role of strategic partnerships between national and international entities in creating a robust innovation ecosystem.
Petra Schirren, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Gulf, noted the longstanding partnership with Oman, spanning over 50 years. She stated that the launch of the "Midad Digital" Centre is a crucial step in advancing the digital ecosystem in Oman and reaffirmed the company's dedication to nurturing national talent and developing future skills.
The ceremony included a review of the "Midad" Centre's journey, a visual presentation on the Ibn Firnas Drone Academy, and student project showcases in robotics and digital applications from the "Digital Laboratory" programme.
Dr. Salem Mohammed Al Waili, Director General of Training at the company operating the Centre, described it as a national institution focused on knowledge transfer, capacity building, and anticipating future trends in advanced communications, fifth-generation networks, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. He expressed the Centre's ambition to be a national leader in knowledge transfer and innovation development by empowering individuals and institutions and fostering integration among governmental, academic, and industrial sectors.
The "Midad Digital" Centre's project relies on strategic partnerships, with institutional oversight by the Research and Innovation Authority, while the Ministry of Finance facilitated its establishment through the Partnership for Development programme. Ericsson is tasked with equipping the Centre with advanced technologies, Omantel supports the technical environment, and the Ibn Firnas Academy is involved in the Centre's operations.
