National strategies for artificial intelligence (AI) prioritise local computing capacity to protect sensitive data within borders, according to an industry leader.
“A key focus of national AI strategies is ensuring that each country can develop and use AI capabilities domestically while preserving data sovereignty. Some data is sensitive or cannot be transferred across national borders,” Jawad Abbassi, head of MENA, GSMA, told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 2026 edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha Sunday.
Abbassi outlined how telecom networks and energy assets enable regional data centre development.
“Qatar’s excellent infrastructure, including its telecom and energy networks, and relatively low electricity costs make it a natural place to invest in data centres for AI applications serving Qatar and the wider region,” he explained.
He also pointed out that Qatar provides key competitive advantages for physical AI operations.
“It helps to have modern infrastructure and a globally connected, advanced telecom operator that understands the importance of AI. Just as importantly, it helps to have a reliable electricity grid and highly cost-effective power,” Abbassi emphasised.
Abbassi pointed to commercial models emerging for regional network operators to monetise these capital investments.
“One model is for telecom operators to invest in GPU capacity and lease it to organisations, countries, and other entities that want to run AI models using that computing power,” he said.
Looking at broader digital transformation goals, Abbassi noted that the next five years will centre on monetising advanced wireless networks across key economic sectors.
“Over the next five years, we’ll see many more relevant 5G use cases, particularly for 5G Advanced, emerging both locally and from models developed in other countries. The focus will be on monetising 5G by adopting use cases tailored to the capabilities of the networks operators have invested heavily in,” Abbassi said.
These network use cases support goals outlined under Qatar National Vision 2030, targeting deployment in manufacturing, logistics, aviation, transport, and tourism, according to Abbassi.
He noted that successful international applications will be adapted alongside local deployment models. The ongoing hosting of MWC Doha will provide a regular platform to demonstrate these technical developments and commercial implementations, Abbassi added.
