Sunday 17 / May / 2026
Muscat: The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) began today conducting a public opinion poll on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies by community members in their daily lives. This initiative comes within the Centre's efforts to monitor digital transformations and measure societal trends related to modern technologies.
The poll, which will run until 28 May, targets Omanis aged 18 and above to identify the reality of using AI technologies, the level of benefit derived from them, the associated risks, and the level of trust in their outputs.
Mahfoudh Salim Al Musharafi, Director of the Public Opinion Measurement Department at the NCSI, stated that the poll aims to measure the prevalence of AI technologies' use among community members, as well as the different usage patterns in terms of fields, frequency, and motives. Additionally, it seeks to monitor the achieved level of benefit and the impact of these technologies on performance, including whether they reduce or increase errors.
Al Musharafi added that the study focuses on measuring the perceived risks associated with the use of AI, particularly when utilized in topics of special importance, and the extent to which personal data is entered into these tools. This is alongside measuring the level of trust and reliability in the outputs, and the behavior of individuals in verifying the information and answers provided by AI applications.
He indicated that the results of the poll will contribute to determining the priorities for regulation and intervention, developing appropriate awareness and training programs, and identifying the most critical skills the community needs for the safe and effective utilization of AI technologies.
