In September 2017, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology launched the “Shurkum” initiative, an open dialogue platform that enables citizens and residents to express their views and suggestions through digital sessions, online surveys, and direct interaction on social media platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. The initiative is still ongoing today, reflecting the Ministry’s continued commitment to enhancing digital engagement with the community.
The initiative reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to engaging the community in the development of public services and legislation, particularly in areas related to technology and cyberspace. The sessions address key topics, including child online protection, open data, and the digital transformation of government entities. Statistics show that 93% of government institutions use e-participation tools, and 78% rely on social media platforms to engage with the public, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency and digital community engagement.
Digital indicators so far reveal a notable level of public engagement, with more than 2,500 posts on X, over 4,600 likes, and 60 ideas submitted, reflecting significant interaction and a strong sense of community involvement. Specialised sessions on child protection in cyberspace have also been held, bringing together experts, parents, and specialists to discuss key challenges and potential solutions. The proceedings and summaries of these sessions have been published on official platforms, with video recordings made available via YouTube.
The Ministry aims to expand the initiative by aligning it with the recently issued implementation roadmap for the Government Digital Framework, including the Regulatory Framework for Government Digital Transformation released in April 2025. The initiative will also benefit from more advanced participation tools, such as smart surveys and AI-powered sentiment analysis.
Shurkum stands as an advanced model of digital governance, enhancing governmental accountability to the public and transforming digital engagement into actionable institutional recommendations. It serves as a key driver in Oman’s digital transformation journey and in strengthening public trust in government, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
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