The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), in collaboration with the Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting, has officially launched the second phase of the “Smart Production Factories” project. This initiative marks a significant step forward in Oman’s journey towards industrial digital transformation. Scheduled to run until 2026, the project aims to incorporate technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution into Omani manufacturing facilities. Its goals are to enhance productivity, increase efficiency, and strengthen competitiveness, while also promoting sustainable digital growth within the sector. The initial phase of the project concentrated on raising awareness about advanced industrial technologies. It resulted in the development of a comprehensive guide for “Smart Production Factories,” based on the global SIRI assessment framework, and involved conducting introductory workshops across Oman’s governorates. During this phase, twenty factories underwent assessments and received tailored digital transformation plans, with local assessors being trained and certified. Collaborations were also established with international organizations, including the International Centre for Industrial Transformation, alongside the launch of the Advanced Automation Centre. In this newly initiated second phase, the Ministry plans to evaluate an additional 60 factories throughout 2025, working in partnership with the International Centre for Industrial Transformation. The assessment will involve preliminary meetings, field visits in October and November, and the creation of detailed reports with transformation recommendations. Furthermore, the Ministry aims to cultivate an ecosystem that encourages Omani companies to specialize in industrial assessments and provide digital manufacturing solutions. These initiatives are designed to enhance diversification and competitiveness in line with Oman Vision 2040. Engineer Idris bin Hassan al Sinan, Head of the Knowledge-Based Industries Department at MoCIIP, highlighted the Ministry’s dedication to expediting industrial digitalization. He stated, “Through this project, we aim to develop specialized national capabilities, foster innovation, and enhance the preparedness of Omani factories for competition in regional and global markets." Al Sinan added that this initiative will facilitate the adoption of smart technologies in Omani factories and align them with international standards, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable and knowledge-based industrial economy.
