The modern period is marked by quick technological breakthroughs, and Qatar has made conscious efforts to foster and embrace the adoption of advanced and intelligent technology in a variety of areas of its development and progress.
The country’s vision is set on a path towards a future powered by intelligent technology, as stated by Hassan Jassim Al Sayed, Adviser to the Minister and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Committee at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). Al Sayed made these remarks during the recent event titled, “From Imagination to Reality: Rise with Microsoft AI,” organised by Microsoft in collaboration with MCIT. Al Sayed emphasised Qatar’s strategic investments in AI research, development, and implementation, which are guided by the National AI strategy.
Recognising the transformative power of AI, Qatar seeks to revolutionise various sectors through collaborations between academia, research institutions, and industry. By attracting top talent, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and creating a favourable environment, Qatar is dedicated to accelerating AI advancements. Furthermore, Al Sayed stressed that AI is a game-changer that will shape the future of society. By embracing this technology and working together, Qatar can unlock its full potential, driving digital transformation and innovation at an unprecedented scale.
AI is heralded as an incredibly powerful system that can address the world’s most pressing challenges, ranging from climate change and education to disease eradication. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed these sentiments during the Qatar Foundation’s Education City Speaker Series recently. Altman highlighted that technology possesses immense potential to create positive transformations and that we are still in the nascent stages of this journey. He believes that with further advancements, we can achieve unprecedented outcomes.
In the Middle East, AI innovations have transitioned from research labs to practical applications, becoming indispensable partners across various sectors. AI tools have fuelled progress in areas such as research, development, and productivity, moving the region forward. According to PwC, AI has the potential to contribute approximately $320bn to the Middle East economy by 2030, equivalent to 11% of the region’s GDP. Moreover, AI is projected to contribute approximately $45.9bn, or 8.2% of GDP, to the economies of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.
Qatar’s strategic commitment to AI and its collaboration with global technology leaders reflect the nation’s dedication to harnessing the transformative potential of intelligent technology. As Qatar continues to embrace AI, it is poised to drive progress, shape the future, and reap the rewards of a digitally advanced and innovation-driven society.
