IfG.CC - The Potsdam eGovernment Competence Center

Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the Sultanate, has introduced for the first time in the banking sector in Oman a state-of-the-art biometric system compatible with the national identification card (NID). The new system available across the network of 137 branches is aimed at improving efficiency and speed of transaction processing. The NID enables accurate data capture during banking transactions, especially when opening new accounts. The new biometric identification system has been launched in collaboration with the Royal Oman Police to provide the latest solutions in national identity during banking services. The new facility enhances customer experience with a one-touch customer identification and transaction authentication process. In line with the e-governance initiative of the government, the new facility is faster, convenient and risk free for secure banking transactions.

Read more: OM: Bank Muscat launches biometric customer ID system

The Ministry of Higher Education recently launched an electronic portal to provide scholarship students with the facility for online booking of air tickets as part of the ministry’s endeavours to offer quality services to Omani students studying in overseas universities. The step also comes in line with the measures taken by state departments to activate the e-government project.

Ahmed bin Mohammed al Azri, Director, Scholarship Department, said the students have to visit the ministry’s website www.mohe.gov.om and then log in to the ‘Student Services’ menu where a number of options appear including update of information, air ticket request etc. Then they are required to click on the Students’ Air Ticket button, fill in a form and click ‘Send’ on the bottom of the screen.

Read more: OM: Online air ticket service for overseas students

HE Eng. Ali Bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry, met the Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Roivas in Estonia and discussed economic cooperation between the two countries on Tuesday.

Both discussed ways to boost Omani-Estonian relations in the fields of e-government services, improving the business environment and increasing trade exchange between the two countries.

Read more: OM: Sunaidy holds talks in Estonia

A recent Arab Advisors Group survey of Oman’s Internet users revealed that around 19.4 per cent of adult users buy products, and pay for services and bills online.

The survey was conducted between January and April 2014 by the Arab Advisors Group, which provides reliable research, analysis and forecasts of Arab communications, media, technology and financial markets.

The Arab Advisors Group conservatively estimates the number of these e-commerce users to be around 180,000.

Read more: 19% of adult users in Oman buy products, pay for services and bills online, finds survey