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The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alchemist Doha, the local branch of the global Alchemist Accelerator, which specialises in supporting business-to-business (B2B) startups.This partnership aims to enhance Qatar's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, attract high-growth technology companies, and further reinforce Qatar's efforts to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven digital economy.This agreement establishes a strategic partnership between MCIT and Alchemist, opening global investment pathways for local startups and providing an attractive environment for international technology companies seeking regional expansion.The collaboration supports Qatar's national ambitions to advance digital transformation, diversify the economy, and strengthen the country's competitiveness within the global technology and innovation landscape.The MoU was signed by Director of Digital Innovation at MCIT, Eman al-Kuwari and CEO and founder of Alchemist Accelerator, Ravi Belani.Commenting on the agreement, Eman al-Kuwari affirmed that: "This partnership reflects Qatar's commitment to building a thriving digital economy powered by innovation, talent, and global collaboration. By attracting high-growth technology companies, we are creating new opportunities for local startups, strengthening our innovation ecosystem, and accelerating progress toward the goals of Digital Agenda 2030."Under the MoU, the ministry will support the attraction and relocation of 12 high-growth technology startups from within the Alchemist network to Qatar. MCIT will provide the required facilitation and support, including the allocation of five co-working spaces annually at the Digital Incubation Center, and will coordinate with the government entities to enable these companies to deploy their innovative digital solutions.Meanwhile, Alchemist will assume full financial responsibility for the operational requirements of these startups. Extending over three years and renewable thereafter, the MoU establishes a framework for joint governance that defines clear coordination mechanisms and responsibilities for both parties, ensuring effective collaboration and the achievement of shared objectives. The agreement is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen Qatar's digital entrepreneurship landscape and foster a dynamic, future-ready innovation ecosystem. 

As part of efforts to enhance the readiness of startups to keep pace with digital transformation and foster a culture of innovation in Qatar, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), through its Digital Incubation Center (DIC) and in partnership with Scale AI, launched the "AI for Startups - Training Workshop Series".The programme kicked off last week with the first session as part of a comprehensive training track comprising six applied workshops aimed at helping startups develop practical solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI).The workshops aim to equip entrepreneurs with advanced hands-on skills through sessions covering AI prototyping, creative coding, the development of intelligent AI agents, responsible AI, trust, and cybersecurity. The programme also featured a final demo session, in which participating startups presented their prototypes and received direct expert feedback.On this occasion, Eman al-Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, stated: "This training series comes as part of the ministry's ongoing partnership with Scale AI and provides a practical foundation that helps startups integrate AI technologies into their business models from the early stages. Through hands-on tools and applications, startups are able to explore modern technologies, test them, and transform them into viable prototypes. This initiative also contributes to bringing advanced expertise into Qatar's digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, enabling startups to build high-value, data-driven products and strengthening the overall readiness and scalability of the startup landscape." 

Director General of the GSMA Vivek Badrinath emphasised MWC25 Doha's great significance, which the association is organising in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), following the State of Qatar showing significant interest in technological transformation and having become an excellent and suitable place to promote the technological ecosystem.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Badrinath said that this event was developed and designed in partnership with MCIT because of a genuine desire within the telecommunications sector to conduct business in the field, adding that this edition's success will confirm the correctness of choosing to hold this conference in Qatar, praising MCIT's support organising it, with everyone working closely to make the event a success.The Director General of the GSMA pointed out that 2,500 relevant and specialised companies will participate in the conference, in addition to 250 exhibitors, along withan accompanying GSMA Ministerial Programme which will see very wide representation from 110 countries.Badrinath said that this wide international participation will be especially interesting, particularly from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, which will showcase their strengths, technological advances, infrastructure, investment and innovation capabilities, partnership opportunities, and new solutions related to these sectors.He spoke about MWC25 Doha's role in shaping the digital future of the region amid growing investments in 5G technologies, cloud computing, and emerging technologies in the Middle East. He pointed out that 5G technology has already reached 50 percent coverage in GCC countries, which he said are leading this progress, while the conference aims to extend this momentum across the Mena region.The Director General of the GSMA said that there is still much to be done in terms of the usage gap and people's access, when looking at the wider region, adding that 340mn people are still not connected to mobile Internet, yet the fact that GCC countries are leading this progress serves as a motivation to move forward.Regarding the impact of artificial intelligence and smart transformation on businesses and opportunities, Badrinath said that digital transformation is key, noting that 10 percent of corporate revenues in the region will be spent on it, amid an increasing use of AI today to make companies more efficient, modern, and productive.He said that the telecommunications sector today needs strong co-operation between governments and operators, with the GSMA Ministerial Programme being an example of that, where governments, regulators, and operators can hold a dialogue on what needs to be done to advance digitalisation within countries and economies.Governments can do several things to support policies, such as helping with AI governance, setting the right rules, enabling experimentation, and keeping sector-specific taxes low, because telecom and communication activities are the foundation of everything, with connectivity being a prerequisite for digital transformation and AI, said the Director General of the GSMA.Badrinath stressed the importance of giving operators room to invest, noting that low taxes and a reasonable, predictable spectrum framework are measures governments can take, noting that these topics will be discussed in the ministerial programme.In response to a question about increasing investments in 5G, cloud computing, and new technologies in the region, and MWC25 Doha's role in accelerating AI adoption and building the digital future, the Director General of the GSMA told QNA that the mobile economy in the region, currently valued at $350bn, will grow, expecting it to reach about $470bn by 2030.He added that this will happen when people innovate, invest, and collaborate, emphasising that MWC25 Doha will help strengthen collaborations.Badrinath stated that 2,500 companies are holding daily meetings here in Qatar to explore new projects, investments, and technologies, adding that seeing the pace of investments coming from GCC countries and this part of the world makes him believe that this event has great potential.Regarding MWC25 Doha's outcomes, Badrinath said that they will be reflected in the event's level of participation and in the announcements that will be made, totalling more than 30.He added that this platform exists to bring the sector together and thrive, which entails making new deals, launching projects, introducing new products and initiatives, which will be seen over the coming days.

Ooredoo will participate as the Strategic Partner at the inaugural Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha 2025, which will run until November 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).The event, organised by the GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), will mark the Middle East’s first-ever edition of MWC, bringing together global leaders in connectivity, innovation, and digital transformation.Under the theme ‘Empowering Intelligence, Connecting Futures’, Ooredoo will showcase its leadership in AI-driven innovation, 5G standalone deployments, and smart connectivity, reinforcing its pivotal role in building intelligent infrastructure that supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the country’s National Digital Strategy 2030.Throughout the two-day event, Ooredoo will host a series of engaging sessions, including ‘How Telcos Use AI Internally’ and ‘Telecom as a Service through API Capabilities’.It will also present interactive demonstrations at its booth, showcasing AI applications, enterprise solutions, and next-generation connectivity, offering visitors a first-hand look at how digital intelligence is transforming businesses and driving innovation across industries.Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad al-Thani said, “Building on the success of M360 Mena 2024, Ooredoo’s strategic collaboration with MWC Doha 2025 reflects our continued commitment to shaping Qatar’s digital future through the power of connectivity and intelligence.”

Senior government officials, academics, and innovation leaders have explored how Public Innovation Labs (PILs) can help governments improve service delivery, foster citizen engagement, and build agile institutions.Eman al-Kuwari, director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), underscored how MCIT is reimagining the role of government in the digital age, citing the TASMU Innovation Lab.“Technology is the means, not the end; we created the Innovation Lab to offer a safe environment for experimentation. It’s a space where we can test emerging technologies, validate ideas, and include the wider ecosystem.“That includes startups, academia, and private sector partners. We’re reimagining how government works — and that starts with giving teams the confidence to try,” al-Kuwari pointed out during the inaugural ‘Ibtechar Majlis’, a new dialogue series launched earlier by Qatari innovation firm Ibtechar.She added that innovation must be embedded in the culture of public institutions: “It’s not just about infrastructure or policy — it’s about building a mindset. We want government teams to be able to experiment, to test, and to learn. That’s how we bring real value to public services.”Nejoud M al-Jehani, executive director of Strategy & Programmes at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, offered a strategic framing of innovation, distinguishing between internal reform and ecosystem-wide transformation.“We differentiate between government innovation and public innovation. Government innovation is about improving internal processes — policies, service delivery, operations. Public innovation is broader. It’s about creating value for society by mobilising the entire ecosystem: government entities, corporates, startups, and universities,” al-Jehani explained.Emphasising the dual role of government in this landscape, she continued: “As an adopter, government defines challenges and becomes the first customer. That builds market confidence. As an enabler, it sets standards, opens partnerships, and creates the conditions for innovation to thrive across sectors.”Hissa al-Tamimi, director of Governmental Innovation at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), spoke about the launch of Qatar’s first government accelerator and its role in bridging national priorities with operational realities.She said, “We’re rethinking how services are designed and how operations are managed. The accelerator helps us connect national projects with the day-to-day work of government entities.”Al-Tamimi also addressed the cultural challenge of embedding innovation in public institutions, saying, “If innovation were just about systems, adaptation would be easy. But when you’re dealing with people, that’s where the challenge lies. Innovation pushes us beyond our comfort zones. It’s not a privilege — it’s a way of living. That’s the only way we can advance.”Dr Georgios Dimitropoulos, professor and associate dean for Research at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Law, highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and government: “Academia brings ideas and evidence. The government brings implementability. The two sides need each other.”Citing historical examples to illustrate the power of this partnership, Dimitropoulos said: “Think of the Manhattan Project, the COVID vaccines, and the Internet. These were all born from collaboration between government and academia. Qatar’s AI strategy is a local example. It was developed with HBKU’s Qatar Computing Research Institute, and it positioned the country as an early adopter.”Ibtechar co-founder and CEO Nayef al-Ibrahim, who moderated the discussion, framed the Majlis as a culturally rooted space for dialogue and co-creation, adding that it is “an integral part of Qatari culture.”“Public Innovation Labs continue that spirit. They offer governments safe spaces to test ideas, co-create with citizens, and deliver agile services. In a small state, a model that combines centralised coordination with decentralised experimentation brings significant value. It allows for flexibility, inclusion, and scale—all while maintaining coherence,” he added.

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen Qatar's digital ecosystem and enhance national digital readiness in line with the Digital Agenda 2030, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) convened the second meeting of the Digital Skills Working Group (DSWG).The Working Group serves as a national platform that brings together government entities to unify efforts and coordinate initiatives to strengthen national digital capabilities systematically and strategically.The meeting brought together representatives from several key entities, including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE), the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), the Ministry of Labour (MoL), the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), and the Ministry of Sports and Youth (MSY), participating in the Working Group for the first time following its recent inclusion.Building on the outcomes of the previous meeting, participants reviewed the progress achieved within the sub-working groups focused on Digital Skills for Children and Youth, Digital Training and Development, and the Digital Skills Frameworks. The meeting also addressed approaches to strengthening integration among national initiatives to ensure greater coherence and effective coordination in advancing the national digital skills ecosystem, thereby setting the foundation for the practical implementation of priority initiatives.The meeting also examined Qatar's performance indicators in international reports related to digital competitiveness and future skills, with the aim of gaining insight into the current situation and discuss the future areas for improvement. Participants also discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration and unify national efforts to sustain Qatar's progress and reinforce its leading position in digital skills development indices.The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the valuable contributions of all participating entities. The discussions emphasised that advancing digital skills across all segments of society, from children and youth to the workforce and senior citizens, is a key enabler for building an inclusive digital society and strengthening Qatar's position as a leading model in digital development.Participants highlighted the importance of continued coordination, knowledge exchange, and unified planning among entities to ensure the effective implementation of national digital-skills initiatives, while emphasizing the need to present future proposals and initiatives that support inclusive and sustainable digital growth in the State of Qatar.

Scale Now, which enables Qatari founded technology companies to become global competitors, has secured deals valued at $12.9mn, positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation, according to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).Of the $12.9mn in deals secured, as much as $7.2mn was in B2B (business-to-business) and $5.7mn in direct investments, said a MCIT presentation made recently after roping in four more partners – Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Invest Qatar, QDB (Qatar Development Bank) and Qatar Research Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council - for the programme."Scale Now is more than a programme; it is a coordinated national platform turning digital innovation into tangible economic impact," MCIT said.About $7.2mn in B2B (business to business) transactions; the presentation said it demonstrated strong market validation and confidence in Qatar’s scale-up ecosystem.The Cycle 1 had secured $5.7mn in direct investments through a mix of private funding, grants, and investor partnerships.The participating entities from Cycle 1 reported sustained growth, validating the effectiveness of the programme’s capability-building and market access model, it said, highlighting more than 50% average revenue growth and one successful international market expansion in Cycle 1.The Cycle 1 brought together six market-ready companies delivering solutions from digital payments and marketplaces to airport operations and immersive media.It saw Mzad Qatar, providing a multi-category marketplace with a digital auction platform that connects buyers and sellers; SkipCash, enabling businesses to implement secure online payment solutions through a streamlined digital platform; and EMMA Systems, delivering airport software that improves operational efficiency and data management.The Cycle 1 also saw ADGS, offering behavioural biometrics and predictive maintenance powered by proprietary AI models; SPONIX, providing immersive video solutions and virtual advertising that enable engaging real-time content during live events; and ClassTap, offering flexible access to more than 3,000 fitness studios and classes through a subscription platform.Scale Now contributes directly to Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030's national employment target by equipping founders and creating high-value digital roles across tech sectors, aiming more than 26,000 ICT (information, communication and technology) jobs by 2030."Through its collaborative model, Scale Now is enabling Qatari-founded technology companies to become global competitors, strengthening the nation’s economic resilience, export potential, and job creation capacity," it said.By providing tailored mentorship, strategic partnerships, investment readiness and facilitating access to pilot opportunities, the programme helps high-potential companies transform proven traction into sustainable growth. It strengthens Qatar’s digital economy, aligns with the Digital Agenda 2030 and positions the country as a global hub for innovation and expansion."We will refer high-potential companies from Startup Qatar to future Scale Now cohorts, support access to funding and grants, and help shape a connected, resilient ecosystem where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive," Invest Qatar had said.Invest Qatar serves as the gateway for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, guiding them through each stage of their business journey — from exploration to expansion — by providing comprehensive insights, market knowledge and facilitating connections with key government and private sector stakeholders.

The second cycle of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's (MCIT) Scale Now – a growth programme designed to equip Qatar’s digital entrepreneurs achieve success on local, regional, and global levels and featuring as many as 13 high-potential firms from Qatar and beyond – is scheduled to conclude on November 15, 2025.The Cycle 2 – currently in the capacity building phase, with pilot and expansion plans in progress – has entities driving innovation across AI (artificial intelligence), Healthtech, EdTech, Gaming, Cybersecurity, ERP (enterprise resource planning), Retail, and Sustainability; said MCIT in a presentation made recently.The Cycle 2 has two AI companies Bilby, which provides AI-driven data analytics that evaluate public statements to predict future behaviour; and Khadoom, an on-demand AI-powered personal assistant platform that helps users outsource daily errands through messaging apps.It saw SEK Games, a Turkish game development studio specialising in free-to-play mobile games in the idle, arcade, and simulation genres; Adeer, offering a business management app that simplifies sales, inventory, finance, and tax operations for small and micro businesses; and ENABLE, providing an AI-driven retail platform that boosts revenue through customer loyalty and operational optimisation.On Cybersecurity, Cytomate delivers automated threat assessment and cyber defence solutions that reduce human error and enhance protection.The Cycle 2 has two Edtech firms as Ynmo, which offers a bilingual AI-powered platform that helps educators create personalised learning plans for children with disabilities; and Kamkalima, which develops Arabic literacy through interactive learning tools, AI features, and a comprehensive digital content library.The Cycle 2 has four Healthtech firms as Rhazes, providing a generative AI clinical assistant that supports doctors with real-time patient care guidance; and Dieture, offering a personalised meal subscription service that delivers customised, health-focused meals.It also had PhysioHome, connecting patients with licensed rehabilitation professionals for home-based therapy and care; and Shezlong, operating a secure mental health and psychotherapy platform for Arabic-speaking users in the Middle East and North Africa.On environment and sustainability, the Cycle 2 has Nafas, which offers AI-driven air quality management through hardware-as-a-service, helping buildings maintain healthy indoor environments efficiently.The Cycle 2 companies are currently participating in an intensive capability-building phase, combining specialised mentorship with targeted business acceleration.This phase focuses on four core areas such as Strategy, which encompasses growth mapping, market positioning, and competitive differentiation; Product (product-market fit, feature refinement, and scalability engineering); Operations (key performance indicators alignment, process efficiency, and resource optimisation), and Finance (forecasting, capital structure, and investor readiness).The programme’s capability modules turn ambition into execution, equipping founders not just to grow, but to lead sustainably."Following the capability-building stage, Cycle 2 will progress into pilot development and regional expansion planning, partnering with local enterprises and government entities to co-develop solutions, validate business models, and prepare companies for global scale," MCIT said.The Cycle 1 brought together six market-ready companies delivering solutions from digital payments and marketplaces to airport operations and immersive media.It saw Mzad Qatar, providing a multi-category marketplace with a digital auction platform that connects buyers and sellers; SkipCash, enabling businesses to implement secure online payment solutions through a streamlined digital platform; and EMMA Systems, delivering airport software that improves operational efficiency and data management.The Cycle 1 also saw ADGS, offering behavioural biometrics and predictive maintenance powered by proprietary AI models; SPONIX, providing immersive video solutions and virtual advertising that enable engaging real-time content during live events; and ClassTap, offering flexible access to more than 3,000 fitness studios and classes through a subscription platform.

As part of joint national efforts to attract Qatari talent to the government sector, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in co-operation with the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), concluded the first round of the 'Rapid Recruitment Campaign'.This campaign targeted candidates through the 'Kawader' platform and lasted two days. It witnessed a strong turnout from national candidates. During the campaign, a number of in-person interviews were conducted with Qatari candidates over two days, resulting in the selection of several candidates to join various departments across the ministry. The campaign also provided candidates with the opportunity to learn more about MCIT’s work environment and gain insights into the major national digital projects it oversees.The initiative aimed to facilitate the integration of qualified national professionals into MCIT by enabling direct interviews, assessing their skills and capabilities, and expediting their recruitment into a digital work environment. It further sought to expand their participation in major national projects and contribute to advancing Qatar’s digital transformation.The campaign is fully aligned with the objectives of Digital Agenda 2030, which aspires to create over 26,000 new job opportunities in the ICT sector by 2030, in addition to enhancing the skills of professionals working in the ICT field. These efforts will further strengthen the readiness of Qatar’s national workforce to support the country’s digital transformation and solidify its position as a leading nation in digital innovation and progress.

As part of their efforts to promote digital innovation in the tourism sector, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in collaboration with Qatar Tourism, held an awareness workshop under the SMEs Go Digital Program, the national initiative aimed at supporting SMEs in adopting digital solutions.The workshop focused on showcasing the role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving innovation across hotels and tour operators. Two workshops have been organized in collaboration with Qatar Tourism emphasized the vital role of digital transformation in advancing the tourism industry, where participants explored practical AI applications that enhance customer experience, simplify operations, and open new avenues for SMEs growth.On this occasion, Faraj Jassim Abdulla, Director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: "The SMEs Go Digital Program is a cornerstone of our strategy to foster a diverse and sustainable digital economy in Qatar. The program goes beyond offering technical solutions; it provides an integrated system of tools and services that empower SMEs to innovate business models, achieve greater operational efficiency, and expand their presence in local and global markets. Our partnership with Qatar Tourism represents a key opportunity to accelerate digital transformation in a sector that is a major driver of economic growth, by integrating AI technologies and digital solutions that improve service quality and enrich visitor experiences. This program reflects MCIT’s commitment to building a business environment founded on digital innovation, strengthening collaboration with strategic partners, and enabling SMEs to be a central engine in achieving the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030."Commenting on the workshop, Omar al-Jaber, Chief of Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, stated: "At Qatar Tourism, we are committed to keeping pace with technological advancements by integrating artificial intelligence into our website and applications. We strive for all our partners to adopt these solutions to elevate the tourism sector in Qatar. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, we are supporting SMEs in embracing digital solutions that enhance service quality and reinforce Qatar’s position as a leading global tourism destination."This workshop is part of a series of specialised sessions under the SMEs Digital Transformation Program, targeting key sectors including tourism, education, healthcare, retail and wholesale, and transport and logistics. The program supports the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030 by building a business ecosystem driven by digital innovation. As a national initiative, it aims to accelerate the digital transformation of SMEs in Qatar, with a particular focus on enabling them to adopt emerging technologies and enhance their readiness for the digital future.It offers a wide range of benefits to SMEs, including tailored digital assessments, customized digital transformation roadmaps, opportunities to connect with service providers, exclusive technology offers, and potential financial support through Qatar Development Bank. It also provides training courses and awareness sessions that equip SMEs with the skills needed to leverage digital technologies for sustainable growth.

Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference has announced that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has joined the upcoming edition 'Driving GCC Entrepreneurial Growth' as strategic partner. This high-level forum, organised by The Business Year and Msheireb Properties aims to foster dialogue between policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the Gulf region.The partnership underscores MCIT's commitment to advancing Qatar's digital transformation, fostering innovation, and building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in line with the Third National Development Strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, and Digital Agenda 2030. By focusing on emerging technologies, digital inclusion, and innovation-led growth, MCIT's participation emphasises the vital role of public-private collaboration in shaping the region's future as a knowledge-based economy.Faraj Jassim Abdulla, director of the Digital Economy Department at MCIT, stated: "Through the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference, MCIT aims to empower entrepreneurs and innovators across the GCC by providing a platform to connect, share ideas, and explore growth opportunities. This conference is an excellent example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen the digital economy, accelerate innovation, and position Qatar as a leader in innovation and sustainable economic transformation."The conference, scheduled for November 3 at Barahat Msheireb, will convene senior leaders from government, investment, and the private sector to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation across the GCC. Msheireb Downtown Doha will provide a fitting venue for these regional stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth, strategies for scaling start-ups, the evolving investment landscape, and the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening global competitiveness.New to this year's edition is the “AI for Good Innovation Challenge”, hosted in collaboration with the AI for Good initiative YAILs and its Doha chapter. This dynamic segment will provide a global platform for showcasing emerging AI-driven solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), featuring emerging companies from across the GCC alongside main panel discussions with industry leaders and policymakers.As a Strategic Partner, MCIT will play a central role in shaping the programme, ensuring alignment with Qatar's national priorities and reinforcing the country's position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

QNB announced a significant partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to support the Tasmu Accelerator, an annual initiative launched to support global startups in introducing innovative solutions that contribute to Qatar’s transformation into a smart nation.The initiative focuses on strategic sectors such as healthcare, transportation and logistics, environment, financial services, and smart cities, aligning with Qatar’s long-term development objectives.As part of this partnership, QNB has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering innovation and fostering sustainable growth by supporting startups that drive digital transformation and technological progress in Qatar.Khalid Ahmed al-Sada, Senior Executive Vice-President, QNB Group Corporate and Institutional Banking, said:“Our sponsorship of the Tasmu Accelerator reflects QNB’s strong belief in the power of innovation and technology as key drivers of Qatar’s sustainable future. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs through this programme, we are contributing to Qatar’s Vision of becoming a Smart Nation and reinforcing our role as a trusted partner in the country’s digital transformation journey.”Commenting on the partnership, Eman al-Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, stated: “Our partnership with QNB reflects our mutual commitment to building a more diversified and sustainable economy by supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.“Through this co-operation, we aim to empower startups and emerging companies with the tools and opportunities needed to grow, while enhancing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. This also aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and supports the country’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy.This initiative comes as part of QNB’s broader strategy to support the nation’s economic diversification and digital innovation goals in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.