Muscat Achieves Advanced Tier in Oman’s Digital Transformation
Muscat Governorate has secured a place in the Advanced Tier for digital transformation as part of the Government Digital Transformation Programme, Tahawul. This recognition follows the successful digitization of 24 essential municipal services, reinforcing Muscat’s status as a leader in e-governance and smart city initiatives. The latest rankings, published in Tahawul’s annual report, position Muscat among the top four government entities out of 49 organizations assessed over the past year. This achievement reflects Muscat’s commitment to modernizing its services and adopting technological advancements that enhance service delivery and efficiency.
A Strategic Vision for Digital Advancement
The success of Muscat’s digital transformation aligns with Oman Vision 2040, a national strategy that prioritizes technology-driven governance to improve public services and economic development. Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidy, Governor of Muscat, expressed pride in this achievement, noting that this milestone is a testament to the governorate’s dedication to digital innovation. He acknowledged the relentless efforts of the digital transformation team within Muscat Governorate and the Muscat Municipality, who have played a crucial role in developing a cutting-edge governance model.
In his statement, Sayyid Saud emphasized that this ranking is not merely an acknowledgment of past success but a stepping stone towards a more advanced and efficient digital ecosystem. He reaffirmed Muscat’s goal of setting a benchmark for Oman’s broader national digital strategy, ensuring that governance is more accessible, transparent, and user-friendly for residents and businesses alike.
Muscat Municipality’s Commitment to Digital Innovation
Ahmed bin Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, highlighted the urgency and necessity of digital transformation in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. He stated that digital governance is no longer a luxury but an imperative for ensuring efficiency and seamless service delivery. He underscored that Muscat Municipality had long recognized the importance of digitalization, proactively implementing strategies to enhance municipal services and optimize operational processes.
The municipality’s digital transformation efforts have been driven by the core principles of efficiency, accessibility, and innovation. Over the past year, the municipality has successfully digitized 24 essential services, eliminating the need for physical visits to municipal offices. Beneficiaries can now access municipal services remotely, anytime and anywhere, via user-friendly digital platforms. In addition to service digitization, Muscat Municipality has also invested in workforce training and promoting a digital culture, ensuring that municipal employees are equipped with the necessary skills to adapt to and implement digital solutions effectively.
Key Digital Services Transforming Muscat
Among the 24 services that have been digitized and streamlined in 2024, several stand out as key milestones in the governorate’s digital transformation journey:
- Building Permit Issuance – An entirely online process that allows residents and businesses to obtain necessary permits without the need for in-person visits.
- Security Deposit Refunds – A digital mechanism that expedites refund processing, reducing wait times and enhancing financial transparency.
- Electronic Authentication of Lease Contracts – Implemented through the “Eitimad” platform, this service simplifies the lease agreement process.
- Mobile Access via “Baladiati” Application – Residents can now submit and manage requests for municipal services from their smartphones.
- Burial Services – A fully online platform that provides seamless scheduling and service management.
- Permit Issuance for Construction and Additional Work – Accelerates approvals and enhances compliance monitoring.
- Complaint Services for Scrap Sales and Street Lighting Requests – Allows residents to submit complaints digitally, ensuring a prompt response from authorities.
- Modern Building System Auditing – Facilitates efficient evaluation of contemporary building designs and safety compliance.
- Tree Planting Services – Introduced to promote sustainability and urban greenery within the governorate.
- Registration and Cancellation of Lease Agreements – Streamlines property management processes through a fully digitized workflow.
- Renewal of Building Permits – Simplifies permit extensions, ensuring continued compliance with municipal regulations.
- Building Completion Certificates – Enables property owners to request and obtain completion certificates entirely online.
- Homogeneous Activities Service – Supports business owners in securing necessary permits for activities that require municipal oversight.
The digitization of these services marks a significant step forward in Muscat’s mission to implement efficient, accessible, and citizen-centric governance. The transition to digital platforms has resulted in shorter processing times, reduced paperwork, and enhanced service quality, making Muscat a model city for smart governance in the region.
Shaping the Future of Smart Governance in Oman
By embracing digital transformation, Muscat continues to lead Oman’s journey toward smart governance. The ongoing integration of advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and data analytics ensures that municipal services remain responsive, transparent, and adaptable to the needs of residents and businesses. This proactive approach aligns with Oman’s long-term vision of becoming a digitally empowered nation.
Furthermore, the Government Digital Transformation Programme, Tahawul, will continue to serve as a key driver in benchmarking progress, identifying gaps, and promoting best practices in e-governance across various entities. With Muscat’s ranking in the Advanced Tier, the governorate has set a high standard for other cities and government organizations to emulate.
Muscat’s continued investment in digital governance will likely pave the way for further enhancements, including the integration of blockchain for secure transactions, AI-powered chatbots for citizen inquiries, and cloud-based infrastructure for seamless interdepartmental communication. These innovations are expected to further streamline service delivery and elevate Muscat’s standing as a regional leader in smart governance.
Conclusion
Muscat’s recognition in Tahawul’s annual rankings as an Advanced Tier city for digital transformation is a testament to its forward-thinking approach and strategic commitment to modern governance. The successful digitization of 24 essential services, coupled with a strong emphasis on workforce training, smart technology adoption, and sustainability, underscores Muscat’s role as a digital pioneer in the region.
As Muscat continues its digital transformation journey, the governorate remains steadfast in its mission to enhance service delivery, promote transparency, and create a citizen-friendly digital ecosystem. With a strong foundation in place, Muscat is well-positioned to influence Oman’s national digital strategy and contribute to a more connected, efficient, and innovative future.
