Did you know that Qatar’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector is projected to reach a market value of over QAR 2 billion by 2025? By 2030, artificial intelligence is expected to boost the national economy by 2.3% and generate approximately USD 5 billion in revenue, underscoring Qatar’s digital transformation and ambition to become a global AI innovator.
This rapid growth is being fueled by forward-thinking government strategies, substantial investments, and a strong commitment to embedding AI across critical sectors.
"AI is not just a tool; it is an invitation to rethink how we solve problems, grow economies, and improve lives,” remarked H.E. Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), during the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) AI Week 2024.
With this in mind, central to Qatar's AI progression is its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which outlines a comprehensive framework focusing on six core pillars: education, data access, employment, business, research, and ethics.
This strategy aims to cultivate a robust AI ecosystem by emphasizing education and talent development, ensuring data accessibility while maintaining governance, transforming employment landscapes, and fostering business opportunities. Ethical considerations and public policy are also being prioritized to guide the responsible development of AI applications.
Major AI Projects and Collaborations
Qatar is actively positioning itself as a regional leader in artificial intelligence through high-impact projects and strategic partnerships.
From government-driven AI deployments to private sector innovations, the country is fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem that supports its digital transformation goals and economic diversification efforts.
In February 2025, Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) entered a five-year strategic partnership with US-based Scale AI to transform public services through artificial intelligence. The collaboration aims to develop more than 50 AI-powered applications by 2029, leveraging predictive analytics, automation, and data intelligence to optimize operations across government sectors.
To support this initiative, the partnership also includes dedicated AI training programs designed to equip government employees, students, and young professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and AI-driven future.
Another significant initiative is ‘Fanar – The Arab Artificial Intelligence Project’, launched during the World Summit AI Qatar 2024. Inaugurated by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Fanar aims to elevate the Arabic language and culture in the AI era. Developed in collaboration with the MCIT and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Fanar is designed to understand Arabic in all its dimensions, encompassing diverse dialects and cultural expressions.
The project boasts a database of over 300 billion words and more than a trillion Arabic phonetic segments, facilitating advanced text generation and analysis capabilities.
Qatar's commitment to AI is further exemplified by substantial investments in digital infrastructure. In October 2024, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced plans to merge the telecommunications ventures of the Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN) and Gulf Bridge International (GBI). This merger aims to create a leading digital and AI infrastructure entity by combining QNBN's domestic fiber network with GBI's international submarine and terrestrial cables. The initiative is part of Qatar's broader strategy to position itself as a prominent digital hub both regionally and globally.
Additionally, Ooredoo Qatar has embarked on a significant expansion of its data center network by securing a QAR 2 billion (approximately USD 550 million) loan. Ooredoo Qatar will enhance its regional data centers to meet the growing demand for AI applications by building 120 megawatts of data center capacity over the next five years and collaborating with global tech giants. This move reflects the Gulf region's broader ambition to become a central player in the global AI and data center market.
Related: Qatar’s Data Center Market to Exceed USD 206 Million in 2025
Ooredoo Qatar has also been at the forefront of integrating AI into its operations to enhance customer experiences (CX) and transform network capabilities. Ooredoo has already integrated powerful AI tools to streamline workflows; reduce manual tasks; drive real-time, data-informed decisions; and deliver faster, more personalized customer support while maintaining high service quality. “These AI advancements support Ooredoo’s broader goals for digital engagement, positioning our company as a leader in customer experience innovation across Qatar and the wider region,” commented CEO, Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Bin Mohammad Al Thani.
Vodafone Qatar is also revolutionizing the telecommunications landscape by leveraging 5G, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The company focuses on enhancing network performance and customer experiences through automation and personalized solutions, positioning itself as a leader in the region's digital transformation. “AI is changing our lives… Vodafone Qatar is preparing the infrastructure, ecosystem, and connectivity required for every machine to utilize AI capabilities in data centers,” noted CTO, Ramy Boctor.
Qatar's commitment to AI also extends beyond its national borders. In February 2024, Qatar pledged to invest EUR 10 billion (USD 10.85 billion) in key sectors of the French economy, including artificial intelligence, energy transition, semiconductors, aerospace, digital technology, health, hospitality, and culture.
In line with its international collaboration efforts, Qatar has also partnered with the United Kingdom to launch a joint AI research commission to develop a strategic roadmap for UK-Qatar cooperation in artificial intelligence. This initiative is designed to foster innovation, drive ethical AI development, and deliver mutual benefits for both nations. Eman Al Kuwari, Digital Innovation Director from Qatar’s MCIT, said, “By partnering with the UK and leveraging the expertise of world-renowned institutions, we aim to unlock new opportunities for innovation, shape ethical frameworks, and contribute to global progress in AI.”
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite Qatar’s impressive progress in AI, several challenges still lie ahead. The race for global AI leadership demands ongoing innovation, talent development, and strong international alliances.
As nations adopt diverse approaches to AI, Qatar stands out by embedding cultural values and ethical considerations into its national strategy, offering a distinct and thoughtful model in the evolving global AI arena.
Looking ahead, Qatar's focus on education and talent development, as outlined in its AI strategy, will be crucial. By embedding AI across educational disciplines and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, Qatar aims to equip its workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven future.
By 2025, the National Skilling Program, launched in collaboration with Microsoft, aims to train 50,000 individuals in advanced digital competencies, including AI and data science.
Furthermore, the nation's commitment to ethical AI practices and public policy development ensures that technological advancements align with societal values and norms.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, spoke about AI's potential during his visit to Qatar, “The positive is [that] technology can create worlds which will be immense, and the main point I would like to make is that we are still at the very, very beginning, and that we can get immensely better with more skill systems.”
Moving forward, as the nation continues to implement its comprehensive AI strategy, it will make significant contributions to the advancement of AI technologies and their responsible integration into society.
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