In the framework of developing sisterly relations between the State of Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman, the delegation of the Information Technology Authority (ITA) in Oman visited Mada Assistive Technology Center. The delegation was headed by HE Dr. Salim Bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, Chief Executive Officer of the Information Technology Authority of Oman. Mr. Hamood bin Dawoud Al-Hamdan, Director of the Business Entrepreneurship Center “Sas”, Mr. Yasser Bin Hilal Al-Nasseri, Head of Councils and Committees Team in ITA and Ms. specialist Noor Bint Ali Al Hinai, eTransformation 1st Specialist.
The purpose of this visit is to learn about Mada’s achievements in the field of enabling persons with disabilities and elderly through ICT and the promotion of digital access. The Omani delegation was received by HE Mr. Hassan Al Sayed, Assistant Undersecretary for Information Technology at the Ministry of Transports and Communications, Ms. Maha Al Mansouri, CEO of Mada Center and Ms. Amani Al Tamimi, Director of Access Programs and Services.
The two parties held a meeting during which they discussed the scope of cooperation between the two countries in the field of access to information and communication technology. Afterwards, they held a press conference during which they addressed the framework agreed upon, how to develop it and enhance joint cooperation, and then answered the questions of the journalists present.
Maha Al Mansouri, CEO of Mada Center, said: “We are meeting here today to witness a successful start to future cooperation in innovation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Supporting Innovation for Digital Solutions Development within the Mada Innovation Program and expanding the available options for Persons with Disabilities and the elderly. This MoU is dedicated to support the entrepreneurship and smart digital solutions of the Sultanate of Oman, and to expand our regional partnerships to implement the Mada Innovation Program for the innovation of Arabic IT solutions.”
HE Dr. Salim Bin Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, Chief Executive Officer of the ITA of Oman said: “We are really pleased today with what we have seen at the Mada Center of advanced AT technologies to support people with disabilities. This is a source of pride for us in the Arab countries to have such an integrated and distinguished center. We are all proud of the technologies we have seen for all persons with disabilities and we appreciate the outstanding efforts of MADA. We in Oman are working through our centers to develop technological solutions to assist people with disabilities in various fields.
The MOU was signed by the Information Technology Authority (ITA) and the Mada AT Center to organize cooperation through three tracks within the framework of the Mada Innovation Program for Assistive Technology solutions in Arabic; supporting competitions, entrepreneurship and the direct financing or localization of AT solutions.
During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the various sections of Mada and the latest Arabic technological solutions and innovations and other programs developed and supported by the Mada successfully. A presentation was then made about Mada Innovation Program.