Siraaj vs. Microsoft Copilot: Why Local Context and Data Sovereignty Matterma
In several recent meetings, I was asked a question that truly made me proud:
“What’s the difference between Siraaj—Rihal’s generative AI platform—and Microsoft Copilot?”
If you’re not familiar with Siraaj, it’s Rihal’s homegrown platform for generative AI and large language models (LLMs), developed entirely by Omani talent. So naturally, being compared to a global player like Microsoft Copilot is an exciting moment. But my answer to the question was simple:
There’s a big difference between the two.
1. Siraaj Is Built on Omani Data — Copilot Isn’t
At the heart of any AI platform lies its data.
What makes Siraaj unique is that it’s trained on local Omani data, meaning the outputs, tone, and understanding are aligned with Omani language, culture, context, and government standards. In contrast, Microsoft Copilot is trained on broad global datasets that may not reflect local realities or nuances.
If you're asking an AI to draft a document, analyze a report, or generate insights in the context of Oman — Siraaj simply understands it better. It speaks your language in more ways than one.
2. Siraaj Lets You Choose Your LLMs — No Vendor Lock-In
One of the most powerful features of Siraaj is its open architecture.
With Siraaj, organizations can integrate and switch between different LLMs—like DeepSeek, Qwen, LLaMA, or any other cutting-edge model—as new and better ones are released.
Why does this matter? Because the AI world is evolving fast. New models are emerging monthly, often outperforming older ones. With Siraaj, you’re not stuck with one vendor or algorithm. You get the flexibility to stay ahead, and the freedom to choose what works best for you.
3. Your Data Stays Inside Your Organization — Always
Siraaj is designed for private, secure, on-premise deployment.
That means all your data, prompts, and outputs stay within your network. No data is sent to third-party clouds, no external APIs are called, and nothing leaves your infrastructure. This is crucial for enterprises and government entities that handle sensitive or classified information.
In contrast, many global platforms like Copilot rely on cloud-based processing, where data could potentially be exposed or stored outside your country or control.
A Personal Note: Am I Biased Toward Siraaj?
Someone asked me this during one of those meetings:
“Aren’t you a little biased toward Siraaj?”
My honest answer?
I’m biased against vendor lock-in.
I’m biased toward data sovereignty.
And I’m biased toward having control over the tools we use, especially when it comes to innovation in a fast-moving field like AI.
Every month, the landscape changes. New models outperform the old. Why should we be stuck with just one?
The Bigger Message: It’s Not Just About Features
This isn’t just about promoting Siraaj. It’s about raising awareness.
We often adopt “famous” technologies without fully understanding the hidden limitations behind them—particularly when it comes to data privacy and freedom of choice.
What Siraaj represents is more than a platform.
It’s a mindset shift: from being technology consumers to becoming technology creators.
From outsourcing intelligence to owning our innovation journey.
And as Oman continues to lead its digital transformation under Vision 2040, platforms like Siraaj ensure that we’re building a smarter, more secure, and more independent future — on our terms.