As part of national efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem in the healthcare sector, the cybersecurity exercise accompanying the Oman Cybersecurity Conference in the Health Sector 2026 is being organized with broad participation from both public and private entities, and under the supervision of specialized experts. The exercise aims to enhance readiness levels and strengthen the ability to protect health systems from increasing digital threats.

Bader bin Suleiman Awlad Thani, Director General of the Information Technology and Digital Health at the Ministry of Health, affirmed that this exercise and conference represent a strategic step aligned with the objectives of digital transformation and the digital economy in the Sultanate of Oman. He noted that the initiative seeks to achieve the highest levels of institutional readiness and strengthen compliance with cybersecurity requirements across various components of the health sector.

Awlad Thani indicated that the exercise has been designed to simulate multiple realistic scenarios that reflect advanced patterns of cyberattacks, including targeting critical systems and health data. It involves the government and private entities, as well as security and military agencies, within an interactive simulation environment that enables the testing of response speed and the efficiency of coordination among all relevant stakeholders.
The Director General of the Information Technology and Digital Health further added that this type of exercise contributes to empowering work teams to effectively manage potential cyber incidents through the application of global best practices in response and crisis management, as well as the development of clear operational pathways that ensure the continuity of healthcare services without disruption, even in the face of emerging digital challenges.

Bader Awlad Thani indicated that the accompanying conference focuses on three main pillars that represent current priorities. These include the protection and management of health data in accordance with the highest standards of privacy and security, the enhancement of digital infrastructure and cloud computing to support system resilience and sustainability, and the utilization of artificial intelligence technologies in the healthcare sector while ensuring protection against cyber risks.

He further noted that the exercise will involve approximately 200 specialists, while the conference is expected to attract around 400 participants, including leaders, experts, and specialists from various government and private entities. This reflects the growing awareness of the importance of cybersecurity as a fundamental pillar in the development of the healthcare system.
Furthermore, Bader Awlad Thani emphasized that the expected outcomes of the exercise and conference include deriving practical, actionable lessons, developing corrective and proactive plans that contribute to strengthening compliance, and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare systems in confronting evolving cyber threats, thereby supporting the achievement of digital sustainability in the sector.

In a related context, the Director General of the Information Technology and Digital Health announced the launch of a specialized award targeting the private healthcare sector titling “Cyber Compliance Award” for the health sector. The award aims to foster competitiveness and encourage the adoption of best cybersecurity practices. Its categories include: Best Hospital, Best Private Clinic, Best Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, and Best Scientific Research in the field of healthcare cybersecurity.

He explained that the award will be implemented through integrated phases, beginning with registration, followed by screening and evaluation based on precise criteria, then judging by a specialized committee, and concluding with the announcement of results and the honoring of winners.