With the increasing focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and application modernisation, Google Cloud has identified opportunities for Qatari businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to leverage the tech giant’s latest advancements to enhance competitiveness and drive local innovation.

In an interview with Gulf Times, Ghassan Kosta, regional general manager, Google Cloud Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Iraq, said Google Cloud is dedicated to democratising accessible AI power, agility through application modernisation, enhanced competitiveness, and driving local innovation, allowing SMEs to leapfrog and innovate.

Kosta said SMEs can now access Google Cloud’s powerful AI and machine learning tools, like Vertex AI, pre-trained models, and its latest generative AI capabilities, such as Gemini, Veo (for video), and Imagen (for images).

This allows SMEs to enhance customer experiences through personalisation, optimise operations, gain valuable insights from data, and even develop new AI-powered products and services without needing massive in-house AI teams or infrastructure, Kosta explained.

By modernising their applications on Google Cloud, moving to cloud-native architectures, using containers, and serverless computing, Kosta emphasised that SMEs can significantly increase their agility, scalability, and speed to market, reducing IT overhead and allowing them to respond quickly to changing market demands.

He said, “These technologies level the playing field, enabling SMEs to compete more effectively with larger enterprises by offering innovative solutions and superior customer value. We empower SMEs to become engines of local innovation.

“By providing accessible, cutting-edge tools, we help them create solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Qatari market and even export their innovations. Initiatives like our Google for Startups Cloud Programme further support this by providing credits, mentorship, and resources.”

Ultimately, the company’s goal is to help Qatari SMEs leverage Google Cloud's AI and modernisation tools to not just transform their businesses but also to become key contributors to Qatar’s dynamic and innovative economy, Kosta pointed out.

Asked how Google Cloud is ensuring that its solutions are tailored to the unique needs and regulatory landscape of the Qatari market, particularly concerning data residency and security, Kosta noted that Google Cloud is “deeply committed” to supporting Qatar’s ambitions in building world-class smart city infrastructure.

Kosta further explained that Google Cloud understands that this requires solutions tailored to Qatar’s unique needs and stringent regulatory landscape. To ensure this, Kosta said the following factors will play a crucial role: local infrastructure for data residency, robust security and compliance, advanced technologies for smart solutions, collaboration and customisation, and global expertise and local application.

“The cornerstone of our tailored approach is our Doha cloud region. This allows Qatari organisations to store their data locally, addressing critical data residency and sovereignty requirements, which is paramount for smart city data and aligns with Qatar's regulatory framework, including the National Data Privacy Law (NDPL).

"Security is built into the fabric of Google Cloud. We offer a multi-layered, secure-by-design infrastructure and a comprehensive suite of security tools to protect sensitive data in smart cities. We adhere to global best practices and local compliance standards, ensuring our Qatari customers can innovate with confidence,” he said.

Kosta emphasised that Google Cloud’s portfolio encompasses powerful AI, machine learning, IoT, and data analytics capabilities, which are essential for smart city applications, ranging from intelligent transportation systems and smart utilities to efficient public services and sustainable urban planning.

“We work closely with Qatari government entities and businesses to understand their specific challenges and co-create solutions. Our open cloud approach also allows for integration with existing systems and customisation to meet specific operational needs. We bring Google’s global experience in powering smart, sustainable communities and tailor it to the specific context and vision of Qatar’s smart city initiatives,” Kosta added.