Lucy - BQ Magazine EditorQatar, a wealthy natural gas exporter and partner of the United States, is working to develop artificial intelligence (AI) to stay ahead of other Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Qatar invests in AI infrastructure and trains specialists in line with its government’s doctrine to achieve leadership in the digital innovation industry. The AI sector is projected to reach a market value of QR2 billion by the end of 2025.
AI development affects various industries in Qatar, including fintech, medicine, tourism, education, etc. In the entertainment sector, the impact of innovative technologies is limited since gambling is illegal in the country in both online and offline formats. The only exception is Qatar Duty-Free, which organises a legal lottery. However, some users launch Qatari online casinos, which bypass the blocking. Choosing trusted websites is essential to avoid data loss and potential problems with law enforcement.
Key AI-backed instruments in Qatar
Innovative technologies are no longer a futuristic experiment; they are shaping the service industry and changing business strategies. The technologies in the table below have evolved from research ideas to practical tools, creating additional opportunities.
| Tool | Key Features | Use Cases |
| AI and generative AI | The tools change content creation, predictive analytics, and customer engagement. | The financial sector uses AI-backed fraud detection. Smart chatbots improve customer service. |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | The system provides real-time monitoring and automation. | IoT sensors are used in Qatar’s manufacturing plants, power grid, healthcare, and more. |
| Digital Twins | This technology predicts maintenance needs, improves asset utilisation, and delivers service. The Smart Roads program uses it to build infrastructure projects and improve traffic management. | This technology predicts maintenance needs, improves asset utilization, and delivers service. The Smart Roads program uses it to build infrastructure projects and improve traffic management. |
| AR and VR | Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have moved beyond entertainment to become useful problem-solving tools. | Education: AR/VR makes learning interactive.Medicine: AR helps surgeons, and VR prepares staff for unusual procedures.Tourism: Visitors to the Qatar National Museum can use AR to learn more about the artefacts. |
Qatar’s future depends on the rational use of technology. Innovative AI-backed tools create significant opportunities in the services industry, but their use must be focused and disciplined.
Several Projects Implemented by Qatar in the AI Sector
Qatar aims to maintain its leadership in AI technologies through practical projects and strategic collaborations. Below are some of the most promising initiatives in the sector:
Collaboration Between Qatar MCIT and Scale AI
In early 2025, the Qatar Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) signed a five-year contract with the US company Scale AI to transform public services with AI. This collaboration focuses on creating 50 AI-driven applications that utilise predictive analytics, automation, and predictive analysis to optimise public sector operations.
Fanar – The Arab Artificial Intelligence Project
Launched during the AI Qatar World Summit 2024, the Fanar project aims to advance AI’s understanding of the Arabic language. With a database boasting 300 billion words and over a trillion phonetic segments, Fanar is equipped to address the intricacies of Arabic dialects and cultural nuances, enhancing data generation and processing potential across the region.
QNBN and GBI Merger for Digital and AI Infrastructure
Autumn 2024 saw the launch of a project to merge Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN) with Gulf Bridge International (GBI). This initiative combines QNBN’s domestic fibre-optic network with GBI’s international submarine and terrestrial cables, creating a robust digital and AI infrastructure. This merger is a key component in Qatar’s strategy to establish itself as a regional and global digital hub.
Ooredoo Qatar’s Data Centre Expansion
Ooredoo Qatar has secured a QR2 billion ($550 million) loan to expand its data centres. Over the next five years, the company plans to partner with global players to develop 120 megawatts of capacity. This expansion underpins Qatar’s ambition to emerge as a significant force in the AI market.
Vodafone Qatar’s Investment in 5G, AI, and IoT
Vodafone Qatar is enhancing its telecommunication services by integrating 5G, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The company leverages automation and personalised solutions to improve network performance and customer experience. Additionally, it is expanding the infrastructure and ecosystems needed to ensure that data centres across the state fully utilise AI capabilities.
The Digital Agenda 2030 focuses on adopting digital technologies to boost economic growth, improve services, stimulate innovation, and reduce dependence on the energy sector. With over $5 billion in funding for startups and a substantial research and education system, Qatar is positioning itself as a global influencer in AI and emerging technologies.