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Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence in Qatar

Qatar is building one of the most advanced and secure digital ecosystems in the Middle East. From big tech partnerships and world-leading cloud infrastructure to strategic smart investments, Qatar is placing artificial intelligence at the heart of its national transformation.

Qatar’s National AI Strategy focuses on the six pillars of education, data access, employment, business, research, and ethics, guiding the country towards a brighter future where AI will inevitably play an increasingly important role.

Driving National Transformation


Guided by the Third National Development Strategy, Qatar is leveraging AI to enhance public services, boost economic diversification, and advance sustainable development. These efforts are underpinned by the country’s world-class digital infrastructure, where strong connectivity supports the adoption of advanced technologies. Qatar has earned global recognition for its exceptionally fast mobile internet speeds, with its 5G and fibre networks reaching over 99% of the population.

In 2021, Qatar established the Artificial Intelligence Committee under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).

  • The Committee spearheads Qatar’s AI initiatives, strategically aligning its efforts with Qatar National Vision 2030 to accelerate digital transformation.


  • Its key responsibilities encompass implementing the Qatar Artificial Intelligence Strategy, coordinating AI initiatives across government entities, and fostering the development of skilled AI professionals.

 

Under the Digital Agenda 2030, Qatar aims to create 26,000 jobs in the ICT Sector by 2030, with a projected cumulative annual digital economic impact of QAR 40 billion (approximately $11 billion).

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        <p>Digital Agenda 2030 is building a thriving digital economy by developing six strategic pillars:</p>
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            <li>Establishing a world-class, secure, and sustainable ICT infrastructure.</li>
            <li>Enhancing digital government efficiency.</li>
            <li>Fostering innovation in data and emerging technologies.</li>
            <li>Powering an innovative digital sector through investments.</li>
            <li>Accelerating economic growth by promoting digital adoption.</li>
            <li>Building a digitally savvy population by providing top-tier training and talent development.</li>
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</ul>

 

Global Technology Partnerships & Digital Infrastructure

Qatar’s digital transformation is powered by global partnerships with some of the world’s largest technology companies:

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    In 2022, Microsoft launched its first global datacentre region in Qatar with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365. In 2025, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) signed another partnership initiative with Microsoft to launch the Azure OpenAI service across various government entities.

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    In May 2023, the first Google Cloud region launched in Doha, which is projected to contribute a cumulative $18.9 billion in higher gross economic output to the economy of Qatar between 2023 and 2030.

Strategic Investments


Qatar’s commitment to AI is matched by significant financial backing and international investment:

  • The State of Qatar has allocated QAR 9 billion in incentives for AI, technology, and innovation programmes, in partnership with the private sector.

  • In February 2025, Qatar signed a five-year agreement with Scale AI to deploy predictive analytics, automation, and advanced data analysis tools across government services.

  • Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country’s sovereign wealth fund, has invested in leading AI companies, including AI safety and research company Anthropic, data and AI company Databricks, and AI solutions company Cresta, to support global innovation and research.

Powering a Smarter,
Sustainable Future


Qatar is deploying AI to design cities, infrastructure, and services that are both smart and environmentally friendly. These national efforts are guided by flagship initiatives and strategic partnerships that demonstrate how AI is being applied in practice across multiple sectors. From energy grids to traffic systems, AI is improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing quality of life.

  • The TASMU “Smart Qatar” programme deploys AI to provide data-driven services in urban planning, transport, and public safety.

  • In 2023, KAHRAMAA, in partnership with Microsoft, launched an AI-enabled smart grid to improve the delivery of electricity and water while reducing waste.

  • Lusail City and Msheireb Downtown Doha use AI-powered and intelligent energy management systems to cut consumption by up to 30%.

  • Initiatives such as “Fanar” – the first Arab artificial intelligence model designed to understand Arabic, including its diverse dialects – demonstrate Qatar’s commitment to integrating AI with Arab cultural identity.

Ethical & Responsible AI

Qatar is committed to the ethical, transparent and inclusive development and deployment of artificial intelligence to ensure it plays a positive role in the country’s development. The State of Qatar has consistently emphasised that technological progress must remain rooted in ethical responsibility, warning of the growing risks of privacy invasion, reality falsification, disruption to education and the spiralling effects of disinformation.

Qatar’s believes that new technologies must be governed by clear, unified, and human-centred values, with regulations aligned with the principles of international law.