Dhofar Forum Highlights AI and Employment as Key to Disability Inclusion in Oman

The Ministry of Social Development stated that technology and artificial intelligence are becoming a central route to independence for people with disabilities. The fourth edition of the forum brought together specialists, government officials and advocates in Dhofar to examine practical ways to integrate AI tools into rehabilitation and daily life. Sessions also focused on enhancing employment prospects through targeted training and workplace adaptations that align with national goals for an inclusive society. According to the Oman Observer, participants debated how AI applications can address specific challenges faced by persons with visual or mobility impairments in the governorate. One working paper presented at the event built on earlier research that identified economic, social and ethical hurdles in deploying AI for visual disability inclusion in Dhofar. The forum aimed to translate those findings into actionable policy recommendations for both government and private sector actors. Ministry of Labour figures show that private sector employment of persons with disabilities rose to 2,811 by the middle of 2026, up from around 2,500 at the end of 2025. During the first six months of the year 542 individuals secured new positions or returned to work, reflecting steady progress in labour market integration. The ministry has additionally announced plans to create 200 dedicated government jobs for this group over the current and coming year. Oman operates 139 rehabilitation centres nationwide that served nearly 10,000 persons with disabilities in 2025, the Ministry of Social Development reported. Of these, 41 are government-run facilities caring for almost 4,000 beneficiaries while the remainder include private and civil society centres. The Ta’heel digital platform launched in 2024 has streamlined service delivery across these centres by creating a unified database for better planning and support. A separate study on AI applications for visual impairment inclusion in Dhofar, published in a social services journal, found high levels of economic, training and legal challenges that require coordinated responses. The forum in Salalah provided a platform to discuss solutions including expanded vocational training and ethical guidelines for AI deployment in assistive technologies. Experts called for stronger collaboration between the ministries of social development, labour and higher education to scale successful pilot projects. The event aligns with Oman Vision 2040 priorities for building a knowledge-based economy that leaves no one behind, according to government statements. Discussions also touched on the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies that runs through 2026 and seeks to foster innovation across sectors including disability services. Participants left with recommendations to expand AI-driven tools in education, employment and independent living initiatives.