Navigating the AI Frontier in Public Service: Insights from Abdulrahman Al Busaidi
Leading Oman’s Digital Transformation Journey
Ahead of the 2nd Annual Qatar Digital Talent Ecosystem Dialogue, we interviewed Abdulrahman Abdullah AlBusaidi, Project Manager of Smart Administration and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications at the Ministry of Labor, Sultanate of Oman. As a key architect behind Oman’s Smart Administration Project, AlBusaidi brings invaluable insights to this landmark event where technology leaders will converge to address the future of digital transformation in the region.
With his extensive background in implementing best administrative practices and fostering innovation across the public sector, AlBusaidi’s experience bridging technology and strategic management positions him as an authoritative voice on government digital transformation in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
Bridging Legacy Systems with AI Innovation
When asked about introducing AI into traditional government settings, Al Busaidi identified a challenge familiar to digital transformation leaders: organizational rigidity. “Traditional workflows don’t always accommodate the flexibility and rapid iteration that AI requires,” he notes, highlighting how established procedures and entrenched mindsets can create resistance to technological advancement.
His solution centers on two critical factors: “Success hinges on a flexible organizational design that allows for adaptive project management, and consistent support from leadership that opens doors for innovation to take root and grow.” This dual focus on structure and leadership advocacy creates the foundation for sustainable digital transformation—principles he has applied while consulting with dozens of government entities throughout Oman.
The Smart Administration Project: Calculated Risk-Taking
The genesis of Oman’s Smart Administration Project reveals Al Busaidi’s strategic approach to innovation. Recognizing the global momentum of generative AI, he and his team understood that inaction carried its own cost. “Waiting wasn’t neutral—it came with a cost,” he explains, underscoring the responsibility public sector leaders have to explore emerging technologies.
Drawing on his previous experience managing the Research and Studies Program under the National System for Institutional Innovation and Change Management, AlBusaidi has focused the Smart Administration Project on integrating AI across governmental entities to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and operational performance. The project’s success metrics blend both quantitative improvements in efficiency and qualitative shifts in user engagement. Particularly notable is the “growing sense of ownership from users who now see how technology can make their roles more impactful”—a testament to the human-centered design principles guiding the implementation.
The Human Element in Technical Transformation
Al Busaidi’s philosophy transcends purely technical considerations, emphasizing the critical human dimensions of change management. “Technical deployment is only one part of the journey—it needs to be matched with trust, understanding, and open dialogue,” he asserts.
This approach reflects his diverse expertise in exceptional leadership, personal empowerment (coaching), and change management. His team prioritizes co-creation with end users, embedding stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation process rather than treating it as an afterthought. This collaborative approach addresses resistance at its source by giving teams “time to internalize what these changes will mean for their day-to-day work.”
Future-Proofing the Public Sector Workforce
Looking ahead, Al Busaidi envisions an evolution in government roles toward “more judgment, adaptability, and strategic thinking.” This shift requires intentional preparation, focusing on building confidence among public servants to effectively partner with AI systems.
“It is more of a mindset shift than just a technical upgrade,” he emphasizes—a perspective that reframes digital transformation as a cultural journey rather than merely a technological one. His work as a certified AI trainer has positioned him to deliver workshops and training programs that help individuals and organizations develop precisely this mindset as they harness the potential of artificial intelligence.
Ethics as Process, Not Afterthought
When addressing AI ethics in public service, Al Busaidi advocates for embedding ethical considerations into organizational culture. “I believe it starts with the kinds of questions an organization is willing to ask itself,” he reflects, highlighting how leadership that encourages honest reflection naturally cultivates responsible innovation.
This approach positions ethics not as a compliance exercise but as a continuous dialogue that shapes how technology serves public value—a critical consideration for his work supporting Oman Vision 2040 through strategic projects in governance and institutional development.
Assessing Organizational Readiness
For institutions contemplating AI adoption, Al Busaidi looks beyond technical infrastructure to assess cultural readiness. He evaluates “the tone of leadership and the openness of the teams,” recognizing that successful implementation depends on environments that “create space for experimentation, welcome uncertainty, and see learning as part of the journey.”
These insights stem from his extensive consultancy work with over 40 government entities through Oman 2040 Vision National Innovation and CM system, where he has assisted in implementing best administrative practices and fostering a culture of innovation essential for digital transformation success.
Building Digital Capability Through Awareness
In his capacity-building work, Al Busaidi addresses a common gap: the difference between casual AI exploration and deliberate, thoughtful integration. “Many professionals have explored AI casually, but few have had a chance to slow down and examine how it affects the way they think, ask questions, or make decisions,” he observes.
His training focuses on shifting “from usage to awareness,” helping teams develop the critical thinking skills needed to effectively direct AI tools rather than simply operate them. This approach aligns with his broader mission of contributing to Oman’s digital transformation journey by helping bridge technology and strategic management.
Building Digital Capability Through Awareness
In his capacity-building work, Al Busaidi addresses a common gap: the difference between casual AI exploration and deliberate, thoughtful integration. “Many professionals have explored AI casually, but few have had a chance to slow down and examine how it affects the way they think, ask questions, or make decisions,” he observes.
His training focuses on shifting “from usage to awareness,” helping teams develop the critical thinking skills needed to effectively direct AI tools rather than simply operate them. This approach aligns with his broader mission of contributing to Oman’s digital transformation journey by helping bridge technology and strategic management.
Advancing the Regional Dialogue
As he prepares for the Digital Talent Ecosystem Dialogue in Doha on 9-10 Sep, Al Busaidi seeks conversations about institutional adaptation in the digital age. His interest lies in exploring how organizations can develop digital talent while respecting existing cultural frameworks—a balanced approach that acknowledges both continuity and change.
This interview merely scratches the surface of Al Busaidi’s transformative approach to integrating AI into government operations. What actionable frameworks will he reveal about creating adaptable organizational structures at the upcoming Dialogue? How might his proven methodologies for balancing technical deployment with cultural readiness revolutionize your institution’s digital transformation journey? Discover these answers and more as this thought leader takes the stage to illuminate how public sector organizations can embrace AI while preserving their core mission of human-centered service.
Be part of the transformative 2nd Annual “Digital Talent Ecosystem Dialogue”- Qatar Edition, where visionaries like Abdulrahman Al Busaidi are redefining the intersection of technology and public service excellence. This landmark gathering aligned with Qatar’s Vision 2030 brings together the region’s most influential C-Suite executives, HR pioneers, government leaders, and academic innovators. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage directly with thought leaders who are architecting the digital talent revolution & future of work. Learn more: https://digitaltalentdialogue.com/qatar/
