Information Technology Authority announces Oman's successful participation at Infoconnect08

The Infoconnect exhibition is the second largest exhibition in the region for IT and communications after Gitex - Dubai. His Excellency the H.E. Minister of Endowment and Islamic Affairs and Minister of Transport Abdullah Saud Al-Mehailbi inaugurated ITA's stand and Talal Suleiman Al Rahbi, Acting Senior Manager for Marketing and Awareness, presented him with a traditional Omani khanjar. After thanking the Omani delegation for the gift, the Minister enjoyed viewing ITA's stand and learnt about the role the Authority plays in Oman and the region.

Dr. Salim Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA is enthusiastic about ITA's participation in Infoconnect 08, 'This was a perfect opportunity for us to introduce a range of our initiatives to GCC government entities as well as regional and international markets that are involved in the IT and telecom industries, and to promote eOman. Our participation proved valuable in meeting other e-government officials in the region to form networking alliances in order to maximise our presence, as well as improve awareness of ITA's aims and objectives.'

During Infoconnect 08, representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education spoke about the e-services they offer, such as the education portal and the higher education admission system. The education portal is a very advanced system connecting the Ministry of Education's (MoE) teaching and administrative staff and the parents of school students.

Oman's Higher Education Admission System (HEAC) won the World Summit Award (WSA) e-Inclusion award for 2005-2007 as part of the WSIS events convened under the umbrella of the United Nations to recognise excellence in quality content for websites.

Visitors from throughout the GCC visited the ITA stand and showed a keen interest in developments in the ICT sector in Oman. ITA staff outlined achievements and increased awareness in initiatives for the training sector of the Sultanate.

ITA staff talked about projects currently being undertaken and the Authority's mission and vision, answered questions about their role in e-Oman and handed out information on their aims, objectives and services. They commented that ITA's innovative services were comparable to those in other countries and that it was stimulating and informative to be able to discuss their role with colleagues from around the region.

The Information Technology Authority established good relationships and new contacts with companies in GCC countries and consolidated affiliations that had already been made and is looking forward to networking with the Kuwaiti and other e-governments in the region. All representatives from the ITA were delighted with the success of their visit to Kuwait and having had the opportunity to promote Oman's e-services and projects.