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Two companies specialising in innovation and digital technology signed a strategic two-year partnership on Tuesday aimed at empowering organisations with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that support the country’s AI strategy.The agreement was signed by Engineer Nayef al-Ibrahim, co-founder and CEO of Ibtechar, and Morad el-Mazyani, co-founder and CEO of AI Crafters.Addressing the media Tuesday, al-Ibrahim said the collaboration will strengthen Ibtechar’s current service offering by integrating AI-powered solutions, enabling organisations across Qatar to unlock the full potential of AI and implement it effectively to achieve their strategic goals.Al-Ibrahim noted that the partnership comes at a “critical moment,” as organisations here and abroad face growing challenges in integrating AI into their operations.Recognising that large-scale AI adoption “is a daunting prospect,” Ibtechar and AI Crafters are joining forces to ease this transition for organisations in Qatar, offering comprehensive support from foundational training to custom AI-engineering solutions, he said.Al-Ibrahim said, “The strategic implementation of AI is driving transformation across economic and societal spheres. Our partnership with AI Crafters furthers our commitment to bringing world-class AI capabilities to Qatar.“We’re here to help organisations navigate AI adoption, develop new skills and capabilities, and build a resilient, future-ready workforce, contributing to Qatar’s journey towards a more diversified and knowledge-based economy.”El-Mazyani said, “Qatar’s commitment to innovation and AI makes it an inspiring place for us to contribute and grow. This pivotal partnership with Ibtechar allows us to bring our expertise to a market that is actively embracing AI transformation and to support the country’s broader innovation agenda.”The partnership stipulates that Ibtechar will integrate AI Crafters’ solutions into its existing services, enabling it to deliver an expanded range of AI-powered interventions, including AI upskilling, such as masterclasses, B2B corporate training, and specialised professional development courses designed to build capacity and advance AI skills within organisations.Also included are tailored AI solutions like custom-built tools and experiences, such as the interactive AI Corner and supporting the strategic integration of AI into innovation labs and spaces.The joint initiative directly supports Qatar’s ambitious vision to transition into a diversified, knowledge-based economy, integrating AI into all sectors of life, governance, and business, as outlined in the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The infrastructure industry in Qatar is expected to grow strongly in the coming years, making it an ideal investment destination, according to a report prepared by the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar).The report, ‘Qatar’s Future-Ready Infrastructure’, stated that the country has placed a premium on the development of world-class energy, transportation, and network infrastructure, “and is currently positioned as a global hub for logistics, tourism and connectivity.”“As demand for infrastructure investment grows, future decisions will play a key role in shaping economic growth and ensuring long-term stability. Qatar is a prime example of how strategic investments can drive economic diversification.“Recent projects, including the award-winning Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, Doha Metro and advancements in 5G networks, have strengthened the country's connectivity and reinforced its position as a regional hub for business, logistics and tourism,” stated the report.It also stated, “Qatar offers attractive opportunities across the infrastructure industry with a strong market outlook,” stated the report, citing air transport, connectivity, leisure and property, and energy as “notable infrastructure projects” that align with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and global trends.The report further stated that Qatar’s National Development Strategy 3 (NDS3) prioritises strategic infrastructure sectors to drive sustainable development and economic growth.It also stated that (NDS3) has targeted growth in logistics, “aiming to make Qatar a global hub, enhance air transport, boost tourism and specialise in manufacturing.” Such examples include land transport, seen as “a key to economic growth, with the Qatar 2050 Transportation Master Plan guiding infrastructure investments.”“The National Manufacturing Strategy 2024-2030 aims to create a resilient, tech-driven industrial sector for global competitiveness. With strong government backing, Qatar's infrastructure industry is projected to grow at 12% CAGR over the next decade, according to BMI Fitch,” the report stated.Similarly, the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region is “emerging as one of the fastest-growing infrastructure markets, driven by rapid expansion and numerous large-scale projects, the report also stated.”The report noted that “the Mena region hosts the fourth largest infrastructure project pipeline among regions globally, with much of this project activity situated across Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) markets and Egypt.”The report added: “The Mena region is undergoing a massive infrastructure transformation, aligning with global trends in energy, digitalisation and transportation, with a focus on driving economic diversification. Leisure, property and transportation are one of the largest sectors, with mega rail, airport and port projects (Etihad Rail, airport expansions) boosting trade, tourism and logistics. Improved connectivity supports tourism (13%), a key driver in economic diversification strategies and growth plans of GCC countries.“Investments focus on modernising roads, water networks, rail systems, ports and airports, enhancing regional connectivity and economic activity. The market is projected to reach $469bn by 2033, growing at a 7% CAGR from $246bn in 2023. Mega projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM and the UAE’s Etihad Rail underscore the region’s commitment to urbanisation, economic diversification and global infrastructure leadership.”

The implementation of cutting-edge fibre technology will play a key role in Vodafone Qatar’s digital advancement, according to chief technology officer Ramy Boctor.In an interview with Gulf Times, Boctor stated that the initiative is a key part of Vodafone Qatar’s broadband capacity strategy, with a near-term potential to deliver speeds of up to 25Gbps and the ability to scale up to 50Gbps in the future.According to Boctor, this network upgrade will revolutionise the digital capabilities of both individual consumers and enterprise clients, characterised by fast Internet connectivity that supports various bandwidth-intensive applications.He said, “Consumers will benefit from smoother streaming of high-definition content and instantaneous downloads. Businesses will gain access to seamless and reliable cloud computing services, enabling greater efficiency and scalability in their operations.The infrastructure, he explained, will likewise facilitate the adoption and deployment of emerging technologies that demand high bandwidth, such as advanced video conferencing, large-scale data analytics, and sophisticated IoT solutions.“This transformation underscores Vodafone Qatar's commitment to driving digital innovation and providing its customers with the most advanced and ‘future-proof’ connectivity solutions available,” Boctor emphasised.Asked what future innovations consumers can expect as Vodafone Qatar continues its digital transformation, Boctor stated that Vodafone Qatar continues to pave the way for innovation across the country’s business landscape as part of its ambitious digital transformation journeyBy offering advanced digital services and cutting-edge technologies, Boctor noted that Vodafone is enabling customers to reimagine how they create and deliver products and services.He said, “Vodafone’s digital transformation unlocks a world of possibilities, enabling businesses to adopt new approaches to product development and service delivery. What we are offering consumers and enterprises is quality and scalability, empowering them to both reap the benefits of cutting-edge Internet speeds today, and preparing for the technological innovations of tomorrow.”Boctor added: “Through the continual integration of AI, 5G, IoT, and cloud platforms, we are providing a foundation that supports efficiency, agility, and long-term growth. With a customer-centric approach, Vodafone Qatar is not only transforming its operations but also enabling enterprises and entrepreneurs to thrive in the evolving digital economy.”

The Philippines’ economic relationship with Qatar is on an upward trajectory, propelled by significant contributions from the robust Filipino workforce here and high-level diplomatic engagements, the country’s top diplomat has said.Speaking at the 127th anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, recently celebrated in Doha, the Philippines’ ambassador to Qatar, Mardomel Celo D Melicor, expressed optimism over the burgeoning partnership between the two countries, highlighting its various facets that promise “greater things ahead.”Melicor emphasised that a cornerstone of this economic relationship is the substantial presence of Filipino nationals in Qatar, noting the “active presence of over 240,000 law-abiding and dutiful nationals who consider this country their second home.”Elaborating on their vital role and key economic contribution to Qatar’s growth, Melicor stated that Filipinos “have contributed, and continue to contribute, to Qatar’s development, bringing with them their skills and talents, their dependability and dedication to work, and their unique zest for life that enrich Qatar’s dynamic and multicultural environment.”Beyond individual contributions, Melicor pointed to robust official dialogues “that deepen the bilateral relations between Manila and Doha.”Indicating a comprehensive approach to strengthening commercial and trade ties, the ambassador said: “His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani’s historic State Visit to the Philippines in 2024, the recent political consultation meeting in Manila in May 2025, and other joint engagements on issues that cover labour, economic, transport and cultural relations, point to greater things ahead as we are set to celebrate 45 years of formal diplomatic relations between our two friendly nations next year.”Expressing optimism as the Philippines and Qatar approach this significant milestone, Melicor said the 45th anniversary of Philippines-Qatar diplomatic relations suggests an anticipation of continued expansion in economic co-operation, building on the existing foundation of labour and various bilateral engagements.During his speech, Melicor also affirmed the Philippines’ unwavering support for a peaceful resolution to the complex crisis in the Middle East, saying, “We remain committed to supporting multilateral efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the war in Gaza.”Melicor emphasised the critical need for humanitarian aid: “The Philippines calls for the full, safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip.”Emphasising the Philippines’ tangible show of solidarity, Melicor informed attendees that “last year, in firm solidarity with the Palestinian people, the Philippines doubled its voluntary annual financial contribution to UNRWA, to support the agency’s critical life-saving work.”Melicor also announced: “Building on its solid support for genuine multilateralism, the Philippines has formally submitted its bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028.This candidature, Melicor pointed out, “is premised on the great importance we attach to the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in maintaining international peace and security.”He said this includes “establishing institutions to ensure safety and order in post-conflict societies; implementing measures to prevent conflicts, acts of aggression, genocide, and impunity; and protecting civilians, their rights and freedoms, including promoting the role of women and youth in peace and security.”As a “maritime and archipelagic country,” Melicor emphasised that the Philippines places significant importance on maritime governance. He reiterated the country’s belief that such governance, “based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea...is an area of common action.”Melicor added: “As such, we continue to uphold the rule of law and strengthen partnerships with countries, including Qatar, to ensure that Philippine sovereignty is preserved in its waters, and that peace at sea and freedom of navigation are guaranteed.”

The Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) is set to launch a series of initiatives focused on fostering knowledge exchange, engaging small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and deepening provincial-level ties to strengthen bilateral relations.Beyond solidifying Qatar as a key investment gateway, CQBF executive director Yasser Dhouib told Gulf Times that plans are on the anvil for an event slated in September in Canada, specifically targeting the healthcare industry and healthcare technology, among others, and to promote Qatar and its various investment offerings to Canadian companies.“CQBF also expressed a strong desire for reciprocal visits between Canadian and Qatari delegations, exploring the opportunities either in Quebec, Ontario, or on the west coast of Canada,” Dhouib explained.According to Dhouib, a cornerstone of CQBF’s strategy is “a pioneering knowledge exchange initiative for the establishment of a Qatari-Canadian internship programme. This programme envisions Canadian students staying in Qatar for six months, allowing them to explore the country and learn about Qatar’s culture and heritage, as well as its business philosophy.“Once they are back in Canada, the objective is to promote further awareness about Qatar and to create a positive long-term impact on the internship participants. We are talking about a new generation and prospective leaders. We want to create leaders by giving them the opportunities to know in more tangible ways the culture, the business community, the business atmosphere of Qatar,” Dhouib pointed out.He confirmed the programme would be reciprocal, with young Qatari leaders heading to Canada for similar internships, emphasising: “If you want really to create strong bonds, it starts with education.”Dhouib noted that CQBF’s approach is “multifaceted”, extending beyond large corporations to embrace SMEs. He clarified that CQBF aims to be an inclusive “forum... bringing on people with different horizons, experiences”, rather than “a select club”.Recognising Canada's federal structure, Dhouib highlighted the importance of engaging provincial governments, which he described as “very effective, very powerful” in economic and educational matters.

Qatar’s investments in autonomous networks are essential for the country’s 2030 vision and future growth, according to Raghav Sahgal, president of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.Speaking to Gulf Times in an exclusive interview, Sahgal highlighted the “impressive progress” Qatar is making in building advanced networks, placing its operators among the global leaders in network quality and speed.He emphasised that as the country “moves towards 2030 and beyond,” with the advent of technologies like 6G, networks will become more intelligent. According to Sahgal, networks that can “sense, think, and act” autonomously, which he pointed out as “crucial for the increasing digital transformation of industries, not just for consumers and businesses.”He noted that Qatar’s vision for a digital society, where enterprises thrive, relies on creating an environment that fosters high productivity to attract investment and develop new industries.Sahgal underscored the vital role played by communication in today’s digital future, saying that while cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are important, “connectivity is what brings them together.”He said, “Nokia aims to bridge the world of cloud and AI through the networks they are building, especially as future networks evolve to autonomously sense, think, and act. These advanced networks will be able to serve the needs of various industries, businesses, consumers, and application developers.”Sahgal views the country’s current investments in autonomous networks as a “vital cog” in realising Qatar National Vision 2030, acknowledging the Gulf nation’s ongoing local investments in cloud and AI. But he was also quick to stress the importance of linking them all together through communication networks, noting that he finds Qatar’s commitment to building these autonomous networks “spot-on” with its overall vision.When asked about his message to Qatari businesses, Sahgal underscored that communication is the fundamental building block of digitalisation. He believes that anything that helps foster the development and innovation of communication networks will benefit any country.He likened communication, particularly mobile connectivity, to critical infrastructure, an area where innovation must flourish. Sahgal affirmed that Nokia’s primary goal is to provide innovative solutions to its customers, such as operators like Vodafone Qatar, to help the company achieve its vision of building world-class networks.

Vodafone Qatar’s latest partnership with Nokia marks a significant step towards deploying emerging technologies as a part of its commitment to driving digital transformation in the country, according to chief technology officer, Ramy Boctor.“Vodafone Qatar and Nokia have developed a plan for a nationwide network infrastructure modernisation to enhance our network capabilities and ultimately lead to the deployment of advanced 5G services in Qatar.“What this means for business and consumers is that Vodafone Qatar will be able to deliver faster, more efficient, and more secure telecommunications services,” Boctor told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.Only recently, Vodafone Qatar announced an agreement with Nokia to lead a nationwide network modernisation that will enable it to deliver faster, more secure, and highly adaptable 5G services to consumers and businesses across Qatar, while preparing for next-generation innovations.Citing the rapid evolution of the digitalisation and telecommunications market, Boctor noted that the company is anticipating “immense growth in the coming years,” noting that Qatar’s ICT sector is projected to grow at an annual rate of “8.5%” through 2030.“With this in mind, flexibility is paramount, and Vodafone Qatar has made it a primary goal of its nationwide infrastructure modernisation to develop highly adaptable 5G services for consumers and businesses across Qatar, while also preparing for next-generation innovations. Our vision is to both provide the best services possible while simultaneously allowing room for upcoming developments and innovations in 5G connectivity,” he explained.Boctor further pointed out that another primary focus of this transformation is boosting Vodafone’s broadband network capabilities. With increasing demand for high-speed, reliable internet across homes and enterprises, he said Vodafone Qatar’s infrastructure upgrades will enable it to deliver “fast broadband with higher capacity and coverage than ever before.”He said, “Crucially, this modernisation effort will also introduce automation and orchestration across the network, leveraging advanced AI capabilities. These technologies will not only enhance operational effectiveness and significantly reduce time to market, but also open the door for broader innovation beyond traditional telecom services.“From smart cities and IoT ecosystems to enterprise-level solutions, Vodafone Qatar’s network will serve as a dynamic platform for innovation, enabling the country’s digital future.”Speaking to Gulf Times earlier, Raghav Sahgal, president of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, spoke about how the company’s digital operations software could play a vital role in Vodafone Qatar’s journey towards fully autonomous networks and how AI-driven assurance and 5G slicing automation improve service delivery.5G provides the ability to deliver much higher performance and deterministic performance, noted Sahgal, adding that “if you want a certain amount of bandwidth guaranteed without fluctuation, you can deliver a slice of a network to that enterprise or the consumer.”On AI-driven network assurance, Sahgal explained that “assurance is about making sure that if there are faults in the network, you’re able to redirect traffic or whatever it is to ensure that services continue for customers.”“Digital operations play a strong role in making sure that what the customer wants is created for them and delivered based on their requirements, rather than just providing predefined services,” said Sahgal, citing 5G slicing automation.

Rwanda is looking to Qatar to attract investments through a range of sports-related initiatives, an embassy official has stated, citing Kigali as a regional hub for conferences, sports, tourism, and innovation.Speaking at a recent networking event in Doha, Jean Claude Ngarambe, first secretary at the embassy of Rwanda in Qatar, lauded the Gulf nation’s “strong diplomatic ties” with his country and the “shared vision for sports as a transformative power.”According to Ngarambe, Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup has shown the world what is possible when sports is embraced not only as a form of competition, but as a national development strategy.“Through strategic investment, infrastructure, and global events, Qatar has become a beacon of what sport can achieve in the 21st century,” Ngarambe emphasised during the event, which explored opportunities to be presented at the ‘SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025’ (SBA2025), scheduled on September 9-10 in Kigali.During his speech, Ngarambe also highlighted Rwanda’s shared conviction that fostering sports and other related activities is “a powerful lever for youth development, for innovation, for socio-economic progress.”He explained that SBA2025 aims to unlock Africa’s potential in the global sports economy, noting that Africa's sports industry currently contributes only “0.5%” to the continent's GDP, far below the global average of “2%.”Despite this, Ngarambe emphasised that “the potential is vast,” with estimates suggesting that “every $1 invested in sport can yield up to $124 in economic value” due to the interconnected ecosystem of media, tourism, event management, infrastructure, technology, and talent developmentReferring to Rwanda, Ngarambe mentioned the country's reputation as a business-friendly partner with a strong legal framework, transparent governance, and efficient infrastructure, positioning Kigali as a regional hub for conferences, sports, tourism, and innovation.He reiterated that key features of SBA2025 will include a policymaker’s roundtable to create a continent-wide approach to industry growth and a deal room connecting investors with viable ventures.Ngarambe called on stakeholders from Qatar who participated in the networking event to join in Kigali and partner in building a sector that can “uplift communities, create jobs, and define Africa's future on its own terms.”He expressed hope that “as Rwanda and Qatar depend on our collaboration, let us work together to make the sports industry a shared success story for our economies, our youth, our continents”.Organised by Rwanda Events, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the networking event aimed to foster partnerships, promote investment opportunities, and share insights on the latest advancements in these interrelated fields during SBA2025.Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events, also underscored Qatar’s significant contributions to the global sports industry and its potential to collaborate on the upcoming forum.Gakwaya explained SportsBiz Africa as an initiative that began in Rwanda last year, built on four pillars: SportsBiz Africa Capital, a “$350mn” fund aiming to close at “$120mn” by September; SportsBiz Academy, focused on educating and training African talents for the global sports ecosystem; Sports Connect, a platform linking African talents with employment in the sports sector; and the SportsBiz Africa Forum, an annual two-day event.He also extended an invitation to attend the forum in September, highlighting its “deal room” for investment opportunities and a roundtable for 20-25 African sports ministers and ecosystem partners.

Google Cloud’s strategy in Qatar is fundamentally aligned with and designed to support the Qatar National Vision 2030, according to Ghassan Kosta, regional general manager, Google Cloud Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Iraq.Kosta said the tech giant’s strategic investments, notably the Doha cloud region and Google Cloud’s Centre of Excellence, “are tangible commitments to empowering the nation’s digital future.”According to Kosta, these investments directly contribute by accelerating digital transformation, driving economic diversification, and fostering a skilled workforce.“We provide the cutting-edge infrastructure and a comprehensive suite of AI, data analytics, and machine learning tools that enable government entities and private enterprises to modernise their operations, enhance service delivery, and become truly data-driven. This is core to achieving the digital transformation goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030,” Kosta told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.By making advanced cloud technologies accessible, he said, Google Cloud is helping to foster a vibrant digital ecosystem. This supports the growth of new, knowledge-based industries, nurtures innovation, and empowers entrepreneurship beyond traditional sectors, he pointed out.“Google Cloud acts as a catalyst for developing a diversified economy, a key objective of the 2030 vision. Our platform enables businesses of all sizes to innovate, scale, and compete globally, contributing to sustainable economic development,” he said.He also said: “Through our Centre of Excellence and various training programmes, we are committed to building local digital talent, which is crucial for the human development pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and ensures that the country can sustain its digital momentum.“In essence, Google Cloud provides the ‘new way to the cloud’, offering an integrated AI stack and powerful tools that are crucial for Qatar to achieve its ambitions of becoming a leading digital economy and a hub for innovation.”Kosta was recently in Qatar for the ‘Google Cloud Summit Doha’, which celebrated the tech giant’s second anniversary of cloud innovation in the region. The event also highlighted Qatar’s bold vision for a rapidly evolving digital future, powered by cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies.Kosta underscored the impact of the Google Cloud project and how it significantly benefited local industries and key segments of the Qatari population, saying, “Over the past two years, we’ve seen incredible adoption and innovation leveraging our Doha cloud region. A particularly impactful example is our collaboration with Qatar University and their exploration of NotebookLM, our AI-powered research and writing assistant.”Kosta said: “This initiative significantly benefits the education sector and the student population by providing a powerful tool that can help streamline research, synthesise information, and generate new insights from large volumes of documents. For students and researchers, this means enhanced learning capabilities, more efficient study processes, and the potential to produce higher-quality academic work.”He added: “It democratises access to advanced AI tools for academic exploration, fostering a new generation of researchers and innovators in Qatar. This project directly supports the human development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 by equipping the next generation with cutting-edge AI skills and tools, ultimately contributing to a more knowledgeable and innovative society.”

The Canadian-Qatari Business Forum (CQBF) is embarking on an ambitious drive to significantly enhance economic and strategic ties between Canada and Qatar, positioning the Gulf nation as a key gateway for Canadian investment in the region.CQBF Executive Director Yasser Dhouib underscored this objective during a recent visit to Doha, emphasising that his primary goal was “creating an outreach” for the forum by meeting with leading public and private sector players in the country.He noted that the initiative builds on growing bilateral relations, stating, “the momentum has been created by the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Canada in September last year.”Dhouib described the relationship between the two nations as “flourishing, blossoming, and driven by geo-strategic factors.”“Canada is much more interested in cementing its footprint in the region by using Qatar as a gateway, and by maximising the opportunities Qatar is offering,” Dhouib explained, adding that “the CQBF is aiming to get Canadian companies to invest and establish their offices here.”The CQBF executive also highlighted Canada’s significant contributions to potential partnerships, saying, “Canada has many initiatives and investment opportunities to make this partnership flourish.”He said: “Canada is one of the important nations at the forefront of health technology, artificial intelligence, education, and clean tech, among other sectors; the Canadian ecosystem is amazing and has a lot to offer its international partners.”While acknowledging the existing political willingness from both countries, Dhouib stressed the necessity for active engagement from the Canadian private sector.“We need Canadian companies, businessmen, and the business community in Canada to come to Qatar and recognise that it is an amazing country that offers numerous opportunities for business,” he pointed out.During his visit to Doha, Dhouib said he held meetings with key Qatari institutions, including the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Development Bank (QDB), as well as other leading companies, to explore ways to actively forge future partnerships.He explained that the Canada-Qatar Business Forum (CQBF) aims to establish a strong presence within Qatar’s business community. “We have a team in Canada, but we truly want to build a team in Qatar that is rooted in the local business community. Our goal is to increase membership within the CQBF,” he noted.Dhouib also commended the instrumental support from both nations’ diplomatic missions, saying, the ambassadors of both countries “have played an enormous role.” He added that his recent visit was “conclusive,” having established “important layers for a more constructive approach” in bolstering the Canada-Qatar strategic partnership.

The Google Cloud Summit Doha, which celebrated the tech giant’s second anniversary of local region, shone the spotlight on Qatar’s bold vision for a rapidly evolving digital future, powered by cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies.Held under the patronage of HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed al-Mannai, Thursday’s celebration gathered over 1,500 industry leaders, developers, and IT professionals.The summit marks two years of the Google Cloud Doha region empowering local innovation and is set to explore the latest advancements in AI, data analytics, and cloud technologies.The event featured significant discussions and announcements on strategic collaborations, including key developments with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) aimed at advancing Qatar’s digital transformation journey.The summit showcased the vibrant tech ecosystem in Qatar and Google Cloud’s commitment to it. Attendees experienced keynotes from Google Cloud executives and Qatari leaders, gained insights into transformative AI technologies like Gemini, AI Agents, and NotebookLM, heard compelling customer success stories, and participated in deep-dive sessions on data management and cybersecurity. This ongoing partnership with Qatar is poised to play a vital role in building a resilient, secure, and digitally advanced ecosystem in the nation.Sami al-Shammari, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs at MCIT, said: “Our collaboration with Google Cloud has served as a key enabler in Qatar’s journey toward a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.“Since the launch of the Doha cloud region two years ago, this collaboration has yielded tangible outcomes that directly support the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in enhancing digital infrastructure, delivering scalable and secure government services, and building a future-ready digital workforce.”Al-Shammari also said, “By providing access to cutting-edge cloud technologies, Google Cloud is empowering entities alike to innovate, improve service delivery, and accelerate progress across key sectors.“Their contributions in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics are also playing a pivotal role in developing local digital talent and equipping our workforce with the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges.”He added: “We are eager to continue this productive partnership, further solidifying Qatar’s digital future and working in tandem to realise the ambitious goals of the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.”Ghassan Kosta, regional general manager, Google Cloud Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Iraq, said: “Today’s Google Cloud Summit in Doha marks a truly pivotal moment in our Qatari journey, celebrating two years of our local cloud region and our strong partnerships. “We are deeply honoured by the continued collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and their trust in Google Cloud. This success is a shared achievement, magnified by the crucial contributions of all our partners and the inspiring innovation of our customers who join us in celebrating today.”The summit also highlighted how a diverse range of leading Qatari organisations are leveraging Google Cloud for their transformation journeys. These include Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN), Aspire, beIN MEDIA GROUP, Media City Qatar, Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), Ministry of Labour, Ooredoo Group, Ooredoo Qatar, Qatar Airways, Qatar Foundation Pre-University Education, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), Qatar Insurance Company (QIC), Snoonu, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), among many others that are driving innovation across various sectors.

Top officials of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to foster co-operation in the fields of education, scientific research, and community development.The MoU, signed by QBA chairman HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani and CMU-Q dean Michael Trick, establishes partnerships across various sectors, including education and scientific research. It reflects the shared belief of both the QBA and CMU-Q in the vital role educational institutions play in enhancing the quality of the economy and society.The collaboration also aims to include training, exchange of expertise, and preparation of economic reports, public policy, business management, information systems, capacity building, specialised academic conferences, and community development initiatives.The QBA and CMU-Q have also agreed to establish a joint working group to ensure the effective implementation of the areas of cooperation outlined in the MoU.During the signing ceremony, Sheikh Faisal explained that Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) 2024–2030 places great emphasis on the outcomes of education. He noted that educational institutions in Qatar are producing “globally competitive graduates” who serve as a “strong asset” to the economic landscape.He said: “Accordingly, the Qatari Businessmen Association, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, is committed to supporting graduates — both now and in the future — by facilitating their entry into the labour market and creating wide-ranging opportunities.”He noted that by collaborating with CMU-Q, the QBA seeks to enhance academic and scientific research efforts in line with the goals of NDS3. He emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships between the business community and academic and research institutions to accelerate the application of research findings and development initiatives in economic and commercial sectors, thereby boosting overall productivity in the private sector.According to HE Sheikh Faisal, the QBA also plans to leverage the university’s educational programmes and strategic research, particularly in fields like computer science, business administration, and information systems offered by CMU-Q, as well as its renowned colleges and research centres in the US.Trick lauded the partnership, noting that it will contribute to the successful implementation of the NDS3, of which education and technology are key pillars. He highlighted CMU-Q’s commitment to utilising its research and technological capabilities to support this promising partnership, which will help develop innovative solutions to increase productivity across the private sector.Furthermore, the collaboration aims to prepare a new generation of highly skilled professionals who are equipped to integrate into the labour market or launch successful ventures in the digital economy, supporting Qatar’s ambition to become a regional hub for innovation, Trick also pointed out.

Global network technology leader Nokia is playing a pivotal role in driving simplification and enhanced capabilities for operators like Vodafone Qatar towards autonomous networks, an official has said.Raghav Sahgal, president of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia, said operators worldwide are investing heavily in automation to achieve network simplification and management, bringing more reliability and reducing the complexity of these networks.“The ultimate goal of autonomous networks is to create this end-to-end automation. This preparation is not just for 5G, but for the upcoming 'Gs' that come along, where you will have to run these networks much more autonomously,” Sahgal told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.He noted that automation is not merely a buzzword but a necessity for modern networks. “Cloud brings automation, and these networks are becoming complex; hence, automation has become one of the key topics,” he further pointed out.Sahgal explained that while human intervention will always be present, the sheer volume of data generated by these networks “demands a more automated approach.”He said, “Human augmentation will continue, but it’s essential to manage the growing complexity of networks and data effectively. By integrating concepts like AI and security, we can create an autonomous network fabric that requires less human intervention.”Sahgal also noted that the transition to autonomous networks presents unique challenges: “As companies automate many human tasks, they have to make sure that in this process, everyone involved understands those tasks.”He underscored the importance of responsible implementation, especially when integrating artificial intelligence (AI). “The primary hurdle in moving from a traditional to an autonomous network is how I can rely on tools and capabilities to be able to do that responsibly,” said Sahgal, who also reassured that “the current technologies are sufficient and continuously improving, leading to a push for automation while also augmenting human capabilities.”According to Sahgal, Nokia’s partnership with Vodafone Qatar exemplifies this forward-thinking approach.“Human augmentation will always be there, but these tools are also there to make sure that we as humans are dealing with so much complexity and so much data that we have the right tools of automation and artificial intelligence to help guide us in managing these networks better and better,” he emphasised.Sahgal also lauded Vodafone Qatar's vision, affirming that “this is the right move as you get into and scale 5G. These are necessary steps that you have to take to be able to overcome the challenges of these modern networks and manage them.”Nokia's “comprehensive end-to-end capability” is crucial in this transition, moving beyond just mobile networks, he pointed out. “For Nokia, 5G is not about just mobility, it's about the end-to-end capability of being able to provide all of the necessary technology, and that's our value proposition,” he emphasised.He explained that a core component of this modernisation is Nokia's digital operations software, particularly in the realm of AI-driven assurance and 5G slicing automation.“In the 5G era, delivering much higher performance and deterministic performance is paramount. Deterministic performance means if you want a certain amount of bandwidth and you want that guaranteed without fluctuation, you can deliver a slice of a network to that enterprise or the consumer,” Sahgal added.

A diverse group of stakeholders representing Qatar’s thriving sports, investment, and innovation sectors gathered in Doha recently to explore opportunities to be presented at the ‘SportsBiz Africa Forum 2025’ (SBA2025), scheduled on September 9-10 in Kigali, Rwanda.Organised by Rwanda Events, in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the networking event aimed to foster partnerships, promote investment opportunities, and share insights on the latest advancements in these interrelated fields during (SBA2025).The event was highlighted by presentations, a panel discussion, and a first look at SBA2025’s initiatives, under the theme of sport as a catalyst for sustainable development.It also emphasised deepening ties between Rwanda and Qatar, underscoring shared ambitions to shape the global sports agenda through investment, knowledge exchange, and strategic co-operation.The upcoming SBA2025 aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, according to Christian Gakwaya, CEO of Rwanda Events.“Rwanda Events is committed to promoting inclusive industry growth, sustainable development, and the use of sport as a tool for socioeconomic progress. That’s why we’re here, not just to celebrate sport, but to spark partnerships, unlock capital, and explore the tremendous untapped potential of Africa’s sports economy,” Gakwaya pointed out in his speech.The panel discussion titled ‘Africa: The Next Sports Investment Frontier’ unpacked Africa’s readiness to attract and sustain investment in sports infrastructure, talent development, and innovation.The networking event also introduced SBA2025’s ‘Dealroom’, a new platform designed to connect investors with high-potential ventures across the sports ecosystem. It also offered a preview of an education programme led by the Johan Cruyff Institute, which will equip young African professionals with the skills to build and scale sports-related businesses.Gakwaya noted that stakeholders from Doha expressed “strong enthusiasm” for SBA2025 as “interest and anticipation for the forum continue to build,” describing the event as a “marketplace of ideas and investment” and “as a critical platform for shaping Africa’s sports narrative on a global stage.”

The recent launch of East-West Digital, a new company by global energy giant Iberdrola, is expected to play a positive role in Qatar's economic landscape, particularly through job creation and the acquisition of local and international talent.The launch of East-West Digital was held on the sidelines of the recently concluded 2025 edition of ‘Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg’, in the presence of Invest Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed al-Thani and Spanish ambassador Dr Alvaro Renedo Zalba.Speaking to Gulf Times during the event, Santiago Banales, managing director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East and CEO of East-West Digital, said the new company aims to develop and commercialise AI-powered digital solutions for sustainability.He noted that the launch of East-West Digital “marks a pivotal moment in the deepening relationship between Iberdrola and Qatar”, describing the country as “strategically positioned as a global crossroads for innovation.”Banales underscored the ambitious growth trajectory for the new venture, saying the new company aims to follow the successful talent acquisition strategy previously implemented by Iberdrola Innovation Middle East.“We have a very ambitious growth plan, stated Banales, who added, “and we want to base this plan, as we did before with Iberdrola Innovation Middle East, based on recruiting the best talent possible here in the country but also worldwide.”According to Banales, East-West Digital's commitment to local talent is robust, sharing that Iberdrola Innovation Middle East historically hired approximately “80%” of its technical staff, filling high-end positions, directly from Qatar.“We’ll see how this mix will develop over time, but we want to follow the same strategy,” affirmed Banales, highlighting the company's dedication to “giving opportunities to the people here in Qatar, help in the economic diversification of the country, and attracting top talent worldwide to be able to create this company and deliver in our products and our goals.”Beyond direct hiring, Banales explained that East-West Digital will continue Iberdrola’s established practice of investing in continuous learning for its employees: “I’m a firm believer that the best way to train people is to put challenges before them. And you learn by doing.”Banales further elaborated on the structured approach to talent development, noting extensive agreements with universities both in Qatar and internationally: “We have a lot cooperation with Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Texas A&M, and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. We have all these agreements. But also, internationally with Comillas in Spain and with South Clyde in the UK.“We are leveraging our international network to train employees effectively. The key to our employees’ professional development is to present them with meaningful challenges. This is precisely what we are offering — significant opportunities for growth.”Earlier, Iberdrola released a media statement about the launch event, quoting Sheikh Ali as saying: “The launch of East-West Digital marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to foster innovation and sustainability in Qatar. This initiative is a testament to our ongoing collaboration with Iberdrola Innovation Middle East that began in May 2022.“By leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, East-West Digital will not only enhance our digital landscape but also contribute to global sustainability goals. This venture underscores our commitment to supporting projects that drive economic growth and technological advancement, reinforcing Qatar's position as a hub for innovation and excellence.”Similarly, Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, said: “Iberdrola’s launch of East-West Digital at the 2025 ‘Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg’ demonstrates our strong dedication to advancing the electrification of the global economy.“This innovative initiative will leverage AI-powered solutions to develop smarter and more efficient grids, reduce external energy dependency, and boost competitiveness. By supporting local industries and generating employment opportunities, we aim to achieve not only technological progress but also economic stability and growth.”

Owing to Qatar’s strategic vision to become a global investment and lifestyle destination, coupled with increased transparency and strong demand across various segments, the country’s real estate sector is entering a robust new phase of growth, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority’s (Aqarat) top official has said.Speaking at the ‘The Future of Real Estate Supply & Demand’ panel discussion on the sidelines of Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg Wednesday, Aqarat president Khalid al-Obaidli shared an optimistic outlook of the sector, alongside co-panellists David L Steinbach, global chief investment officer, Hines, and Fettah Tamince, founder and chairman, Rixos Hotels.Al-Obaidli underscored Qatar’s proactive approach to promoting the country’s real estate market globally, saying among Aqarat’s focus is to ensure various developments like the world-class Simaisma project, meet top international standards in governance, information availability, and transparency.According to al-Obaidli, Qatar’s successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup served as a vital catalyst for infrastructure development. He said, “The World Cup provided a foundation not just for a single major event, but for numerous future events that Qatar is hosting and plans to host annually.”Al-Obaidli acknowledged the natural downturn post-FIFA World Cup, but he emphasised that “the market cycle is now picking up,” citing strong demand in residential and specialised, luxurious office spaces that offer solutions rather than just open areas. He also noted significant demand in niche markets, such as private hospitals and sports facilities across strategic locations in the country.He noted that Q1 2025 marked the strongest in Qatar’s real estate history in terms of sales and rentals, with a “17.9%” increase. He also pointed to other promising economic indicators, including a “2.4%” GDP increase last year and a drop in inflation to 1.1%.Asked about concerns of a potential oversupply compared to Doha’s Gulf neighbours, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, al-Obaidli emphasised that the country is “competing with ourselves” to offer a “unique lifestyle.”He underscored the need for private sector developers to explore and understand the specific requirements for Qatar and the broader Gulf region, saying that investing in Qatar opens access to key markets like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain.Al-Obaidli also described Qatar as a model for future cities, citing the convenience of short commutes to schools, work, and world-class hospitals and medical facilities. He said Qatar offers a work-life balance compared to other larger cities around the world.Tamince echoed al-Obaidli’s sentiment on Qatar’s strategic advantage as a “future city.” He explained that Rixos’s strategic investments, particularly for multi-use projects like theme parks and resorts, are heavily influenced by a city’s vision, infrastructure, promotional efforts, event calendars, and safety.Meanwhile, Steinbach weighed in on the topic of “deglobalisation,” and predicted that while trade patterns are shifting, the Middle East region, including Qatar, “stands to be a winner as new trade routes and ways of working emerge.”

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk clarified that his company has no plans to develop or venture into the business of military drones or weapon systems during the 2025 edition of the ‘Qatar Economic Forum Powered by Bloomberg’ Tuesday.Musk underscored that SpaceX is a leader in space launch and global connectivity, saying, “SpaceX doesn’t do drones. SpaceX builds rockets, satellites, and Internet terminals.”Elaborating on SpaceX’s current role, Musk highlighted the company’s dominant position in space launch, projecting it will account for approximately “90%” of mass launched to orbit this year.He said, “China will do half of the remaining amounts of 5%. And the rest of the world, including the rest of the US, will do about 5%. So, SpaceX will do about 10 times as much as the rest of the world combined, or 20 times as much as China. And China is doing a very impressive job.“The reason for this is that we are putting into orbit the largest satellite constellation the world has ever seen by far. So, I think at this point about maybe approaching 80% of all active satellites in orbit are SpaceX. And they’re providing high bandwidth global connectivity throughout the world. In fact, this connection is on the SpaceX connection.”Musk also explained that while SpaceX is “frequently asked to do weapons programmes,” the company “has thus far declined.” He reiterated, “I don't currently anticipate SpaceX getting into the weapons business. That’s certainly not an aspiration.”Asked if there are plans for a public listing of SpaceX or Starlink, Musk said: “It’s possible that Starlink may go public at some point in the future...I mean, [there’s] no rush to go public.”

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is considering artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation as promising sectors amid plans to double its investments in the US, QIA CEO Mohammed Saif al-Sowaidi announced at the 2025 edition of the ‘Qatar Economic Forum Powered by Bloomberg’ Tuesday.Earlier, the QIA announced plans to deploy “$500bn” in the US over the next decade. Al-Sowaidi explained that the country’s sovereign wealth fund is preparing for an unprecedented investment push into the US, which is part of Qatar’s “$1.2tn” economic pledge announced during President Donald J Trump’s “historic visit” to Qatar last week.This marks a significant acceleration in QIA’s investment pace, effectively doubling or more its previous commitments in the past years, stated al-Sowaidi, who emphasised that the US remains a priority due to its robust financial systems and dominant global trade position.“His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani indicated openly that a lot of the additional reserves sales that are coming from the LNG expansion will be routed to the Future Generations Fund...and the US is 60% of the available trading markets in the world. It makes sense that most of our investments will go to the US market. We believe in the robustness of the US systems, the growth perspective the US enjoys, and we will continue to be there,” al-Sowaidi told the forum.Al-Sowaidi noted that a major portion of these investments will be directed toward digitalisation and AI-related technologies, which, he said, are among the sectors that QIA considers fundamental for long-term economic growth.“AI is definitely at the centre of what we’re focused on...more AI-enabled software and applications may improve people’s lives and increase productivity, especially as demographics are decreasing everywhere around the world,” he further explained.According to al-Sowaidi, the QIA has already taken significant steps into AI and digital infrastructure, having invested “$500mn” in Databricks this year. The fund also remains actively involved in hardware, infrastructure software, and applications, reinforcing its commitment to a technology-driven future, he also pointed out.“We started investing in data centres and AI hyperscale space about 10 years ago. We were hesitant when we started, but after a couple of years, we deployed size, and we’re very happy that we did it early because those investments are very valuable now,” al-Sowaidi noted.Beyond digitalisation, al-Sowaidi said the QIA has also invested significantly in Elon Musk’s AI venture XAI, citing this as an investment that aligns with Qatar’s broader strategy of capitalising on next-generation technological advancements.