Oman can become Gulf IT hub:
Expert
MUSCAT — Oman has all the rootstocks to become the Gulf IT (information
technology) hub, says Sultanate’s Tariq Hilal Al Barwani, one of the leading
IT experts in the region.
“Our top priority should be technology. Innovation is the way forward for the
development of digital economy. Oman should strive hard to promote technology
to become competitive — locally and globally. We can do much more. Students
should be introduced and equipped to technology from the early age in schools.
The government should invest in science and technology research centres and
programmes for the development of the economy and the new generation,” Tariq
told Times Business yesterday on his arrival from the Microsoft’s Most
Valuable Professional (MVP) Global Summit 2007, which was held from March
12–15, in Seattle, Washing-ton.
The MVP Global Summit 2007 event was conducted at the Washington State
Convention Trade Centre at Microsoft’s main campus in Redmond. Tariq attended
the summit following invitation from Microsoft Corporation.
Microsoft Chairman and Chief Architect Bill Gates inaugurated the event with a
keynote address. In his address he shared his insights, thoughts and vision
for technology, future development of his company and software.
Bill Gates later participated in a question-answer session with the audience
as part of his keynote presentation. According to Forbes magazine, Bill Gates
is still the richest man in the world with $56 billion in wealth.
The four-day summit was organised for the MVP award recipients whom were
invited to attend the summit. At the MVP Global Summit, MVPs were recognised
and appreciated for their talents and contribution rendered to the community.
The MVPs received access to exclusive technical content, participated in
direct feedback sessions, and met with Microsoft executives, product teams,
and their peers from around the world.
The MVPs who attended the summit were not limited to Australia, Brazil,
Canada, China, Denmark, France, India, Israel, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines,
Russia, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom and the USA. They arrived from
other countries as well.
Tariq was the first and only person from Oman to be recognised as part of the
IT talents around the world. “I was very pleased to see the flag of Oman
raised among the other award-winning countries,” exclaimed Tariq.
Tariq had the chance to meet, discuss and share ideas with a number of people,
on various topics related to technology, development and future insights.
In addition, he introduced and promoted the idea of investing in Oman’s
technology park — Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM), as being an ideal location for
investors keen to explore opportunities in information and communication
technologies.
The MVP Global Summit featured more than 400 technical sessions in which MVPs
connected with other MVPs, created relationships with Microsoft experts, and
provided real-world insights and feedbacks to technological solutions.
The summit provided MVPs and regional directors four days of activities and
technical sessions. At the summit, guests exchanged information with Microsoft
executives and product managers, shared best practices, network, as well as
having fun.
“The Sultanate should emphasise on the importance and benefits of technology,
as this medium can surely be an additional means of income for the country’s
wealth, apart from oil that the gulf region is currently dwelling-on,” Tariq
told Times.
Tariq also stressed on the importance of education especially in schools where
students are introduced and equipped with the necessary IT skills. “There’s a
lot of potential in Oman. I’m confident that Oman can do more, Oman could be
the hub of the Gulf in technology, of course, with the right resources and
mindset on board.”