en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched a new digital initiative to drive the transformation of supply chain management in the energy sector, aiming to enhance procurement efficiency, optimize contract management, and strengthen operational performance. This sector is one of the largest economic sectors in the Sultanate of Oman, with annual supply contract spending exceeding 4 billion rials.
The initiative was unveiled at the first project meeting, chaired by Eng Mohsin bin Hamad Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, with the participation of Dr Aflah Said Al Hadhrami, Managing Director of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and Eng Musa Badr Al Sharyani, Director of Integrated Supply Chain at PDO. As part of the initiative, PDO has been tasked with leading the project, which is expected to expand in future phases to include energy companies within the sector and integrate with relevant government platforms.
The sector's supply chain currently supports a network of over 6,000 suppliers and contractors, overseeing more than 600 tenders annually across a wide range of areas. This context makes digital transformation a key driver for improving operational efficiency and enhancing transparency and governance throughout the procurement lifecycle. The new digital platform will provide a unified view of supply chain activities in the sector, strengthening data analysis, risk management, and decision-making capabilities. The platform will also introduce artificial intelligence to convert operational data into actionable insights and performance indicators, supporting continuous improvement and process optimization.
The initiative will introduce digital tools to measure and monitor local content across various projects and contracts, enabling a more accurate assessment of Omani enterprise participation and creating more opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals also envisions developing a dedicated digital marketplace for energy products and services, allowing suppliers to showcase their capabilities in a more transparent and competitive environment. The platform is expected to stimulate business growth while increasing the participation of national enterprises in investment and procurement opportunities.
Beyond operational impacts, the project will contribute to building national capabilities in digital supply chain technology by involving Omani enterprises in the development of technical solutions and digital applications, and localizing expertise in data analysis, change management, training, and operational support. The initiative aligns with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy, improve the business environment, strengthen local content, and accelerate the adoption of digital technologies in strategic economic sectors. Participants confirmed that the project will be implemented through carefully planned phases, designed to deliver sustainable value to the energy and minerals sector and the national economy, with further progress to be announced in due course.
