Mada Centre Signs Pact with Oman’s ITA

January 30, 2019

Qatar’s Mada Assistive Technology Centre and Oman’s Information Technology Authority (ITA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance co-operation on digital innovation solutions.

“We are meeting to witness a successful start to future co-operation in innovation through the signing of an MoU on supporting innovation for digital solutions development within the Mada Innovation Programme and expanding the available options for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly,” Mada Centre CEO Maha al-Mansouri said in a press statement.

She added that this MoU is also dedicated to support the entrepreneurship and smart digital solutions of Oman, and expand their regional partnerships aimed at implementing the Mada innovation programme.

The Omani delegation was welcomed by Hassan al-Sayed, Assistant Undersecretary for Information Technology at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Access Programmes and Services director Amani al-Tamimi, and al-Mansouri.

The delegation included ITA CEO Dr Salim bin Sultan al-Ruzaiqi, Business Entrepreneurship Centre “Sas” director Hmood bin Dawoud al-Hamdan, Councils and Committees head Yasser bin Hilal al-Nasseri, eTransformation 1st specialist Noor bint Ali al-Hinai.

Mada and ITA senior officials met to discuss the scope of co-operation between the two countries in the field of access to information and communication technology, and ways to develop it.

The meeting also highlighted Mada’s achievements in enabling PWDs and the elderly through ICT and the promotion of digital access.

“We are really pleased today with what we have seen at the Mada centre to support PWDs. This is a source of pride for us in the Arab countries to have such an integrated and distinguished centre,” Dr al-Ruzaiqi said.

“We are all proud of the technologies we have seen for all PWDs and we appreciate the outstanding efforts of Mada. We in Oman are working through our centres to develop technological solutions to assist PWDs in various fields,” he noted.

The MoU also aims to organise co-operation through three tracks within the framework of the Mada Innovation Programme in Arabic, supporting competitions, entrepreneurship and the direct financing or localisation of assistive technology solutions.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the various sections of Mada and the latest ‘ArabIC’ technological solutions and innovations and other programmes developed and supported by Mada.

Source: Gulf Times