The National Centre for Statistics and Information conducted a trial launch of its Mega Data Portal (MDP) project, which is being touted as a global achievement in the field of using mobile data in statistical work as a source of bulk data collection.

The gateway project utilises data from located mobile phones to produce statistical indicators serving the areas of tourism, internal traffic, and connectivity between sites in the Sultanate of Oman.

The mega data portal explores inbound tourism traffic of delegations that visit Oman most from abroad, as well as domestic tourism within Omani governorates and Wilayats.

It also offers an opportunity to analyse data about connectivity among recurring visits to sites, the personnel operating during office hours and internal movement between Wilayats.

The pilot project constitutes a quality shift forward in statistical data production operations. It provides for the development of a comprehensive system to enhance decision making and covers social, economic, environmental and cultural indicators for the measurement of performance.

The United Nations’ statistical unit hailed the MDP as a global achievement in the field of mega data management.

The project is being undertaken in the form of a partnership between NCSI and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Omantel, and Ooredoo.