Qatar is steadily progressing towards establishing itself as a regional and global hub for the digital economy and innovation through investment in human capital, the development of innovation ecosystem, and the enhancement of the ICT sector’s contribution to the national economy, officials at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) said.
This was highlighted during a panel discussion at the Web Summit Qatar 2026, titled ‘Qatar’s digital agenda 2030: Building a knowledge-based digital economy.’
Participants reviewed mechanisms for translating the agenda into tangible results in terms of job opportunities, skills development, and economic impact, highlighting the role of the MCIT in leading this transformation through strategic pillars and pioneering programmes.
Director of Digital Society and Digital Competencies at the MCIT Duha al-Buhendi stated that Qatar’s vision for technology is based on a long-term approach aimed at making the country an incubator for ideas and a platform for international technological co-operation, noting that organising technological events is incomplete without genuine investment in the development of human capital and the cultivation of digital skills.
Al-Buhendi explained that the challenge lies not in the number of available jobs, but in the availability of qualified personnel capable of filling them, adding that the MCIT has launched several initiatives to develop local talent and attract international expertise.
The Director of Digital Society and Digital Competencies stated that more than 5,000 government employees were trained last year, with a high satisfaction rate recorded for workforce development programmes.
Director of the Digital Innovation Department at the MCIT Eman al-Kuwari said the ministry focuses on establishing supportive platforms to nurture talent and transform innovative ideas into applicable market solutions, thus bridging the gap between innovation and actual market needs.
She noted that innovation programmes have contributed to generating more than 160 sales opportunities, resulting in revenues exceeding QR670mn.
She emphasised that connecting international talent with the local ecosystem is a fundamental element in addressing national challenges and enhancing the efficiency of digital services.
Director of Digital Economy at the MCIT Faraj Jassim Abdulla said the ministry is working to increase the contribution of the ICT sector to the GDP, aiming to reach 10% in the medium term, in addition to creating thousands of new jobs in the technology market.
He pointed to the recent announcement of an additional $2bn in investments in the digital sector, adding that despite global challenges, technology companies operating in the country have managed to secure significant funding and achieve remarkable revenue growth, reflecting the strength and resilience of the digital ecosystem.
The Director of Digital Economy at the MCIT also noted that these efforts are part of a comprehensive vision to transform the national economy, supported by an attractive business environment, a high quality of life, and streamlined regulatory policies that encourage investment and innovation in the digital economy.
