Oman's National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI) has won the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Digital Government Award for 2026. This award was granted during its seventh edition for the data portal project in the category of Best Open Data Initiative among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Award Ceremony and Role of Officials
The award was presented to the National Center for Statistics and Information at a ceremony held under the patronage of Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Information Technology and Communications. The ceremony was attended by representatives from government agencies of the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries.
Read more: Government agencies and companies reacted to the global PHP vulnerability by shutting down websites
National Achievement and Role of Omani Institutions
Dr. Khalifa Abdullah bin Hamad Al Barani, CEO of NCSI, stated that winning the Gulf Cooperation Council Digital Government Award represents a national achievement that reflects the progress of the Sultanate of Oman in digital transformation and the development of the government data ecosystem. He also emphasized that this achievement highlights the prominent role of Omani institutions in leading initiatives within the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Al Barani added that this award is the result of integrated institutional efforts and the collaboration of national talents in developing the data portal project, which enables the use of official statistics to improve society and the economy. He noted that this recognition underscores the importance of integration and the exchange of experiences among Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Commitment to Improving Data Quality
Al Barani also pointed out that the portal represents NCSI's commitment to creating a more open and efficient data environment, providing tools that allow users easy and flexible access to statistical data. He emphasized that this award acts as a catalyst for continued improvement in data quality, increased access to data, and the adoption of modern technological solutions.
The Best Open Data Initiative category is designed to facilitate access to government data for public and private sector entities through a national portal. This contributes to increased transparency, improved government performance, and supports scientific research, innovation, and the development of services in line with stakeholder expectations.
Read more: Oman's Ministry of Information held a workshop on future media · Opening of the AYUSH Information Center of India and Oman in Muscat
