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The US-Qatar Business Council–Doha (USQBC Doha) in partnership with the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, hosted a virtual session to connect US firms with Qatar’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.The webinar highlighted Qatar’s R&D and innovation landscape, and introduced QRDI Council’s strategic programmes, funding opportunities, and pathways for cross-border collaboration with US startups, researchers, and corporate innovation teams in advanced and emerging technologies.The session supported the Third Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS3), which prioritises economic diversification through science, technology, and innovation.By facilitating direct access to Qatar’s innovation platforms and fostering structured exchange between the US and Qatari markets, the event advances USQBC Doha’s mission to deepen bilateral ties and promote innovation-driven growth.QRDI Council’s expertise and strategic initiatives underscore the alignment between institutional offerings and Qatar’s long-term development vision.“Qatar is rapidly emerging as a global hub for innovation, and USQBC Doha is committed to advancing partnerships that position US and Qatari firms at the forefront of this transformation. By linking cutting edge American capabilities with Qatar’s national innovation priorities, we are creating pathways for longterm growth, shared prosperity, and meaningful collaboration across both ecosystems," said Sheikha Mayes H al-Thani, Managing Director of USQBC Doha.“Through our partnership with QRDI Council, we are accelerating cross-border collaboration, unlocking growth pathways, and supporting national innovation priorities.”Hind Zaki, Senior Program Director, Global Innovation Alliances & Partnerships at QRDI Council, said:“By connecting global innovators with our strategic programmes, we create high-value opportunities that benefit both Qatar and international markets. These collaborations reinforce Qatar’s role as the region’s gateway for piloting and innovation, while actively supporting companies in their ability to scale regionally.”This webinar is part of an ongoing collaboration between USQBC Doha and the QRDI Council to create channels for US companies to engage with Qatar’s innovation ecosystem to expand technology and knowledge exchange, strengthen economic ties, and open new opportunities across both economies.USQBC Doha is a strategic platform advancing commercial engagement within and between the US and Qatar. At the intersection of business, policy, and investment, it provides institutional access, market intelligence, and targeted facilitation across high-impact sectors. Through dialogue, partnerships, and sector initiatives, USQBC Doha strengthens bilateral economic ties, supports private sector growth, and fosters innovation aligned with national development goals.QRDI Council is a government entity with the mission to support research, development and innovation (RDI) activities as well as to develop RDI talent in Qatar. The Council strives to make Qatar a top destination for global talent and a pioneering research, innovation, and development hub with its motto“locally empowered, globally connected.”Playing a pivotal role within the Qatar National Development Strategy, the QRDI Council is actively shaping the Innovation component of the Economic Diversification goal. The Council’s commitment underlines its unwavering dedication to the Qatar National Vision 2030.QRDI Council aims to make Qatar a global innovation hub and a top choice for R&D centres worldwide, seeing RDI as vital for Qatar's growth and prosperity.

The US-Qatar Business Council–Doha (USQBC Doha) and the AI Trust Foundation (AITF) hosted 'AI Market Exchange: Unlocking Opportunity across the US and Qatar Ecosystems', a virtual forum designed to strengthen cross-border collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI).The closed-door forum convened AI founders and leaders from both countries to explore how each ecosystem’s strengths can be leveraged for mutual advancement.The session came at a timely moment, aligning with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), the US commitment to supporting its AI industry, and ongoing bilateral efforts to advance commercial co-operation.Amna al-Kaabi, Head of Emerging Technologies at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), delivered a presentation highlighting opportunities within Qatar’s AI landscape. Following her remarks, participants joined breakout discussions led by industry leaders, including Chady Haddad (Microsoft Qatar); Michael Jordan (AST); Dr Ali Alaboudy (Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council); Huzayfa Patel (Qatar Financial Centre), and Prof Prasanna Kumar (Business Optima).These sessions surfaced actionable insights and forged new connections between US and Qatari participants. Sheikha Mayes bint Hamad al-Thani, Managing Director at USQBC Doha, said “AI is not only reshaping industries but also redefining the future of global competitiveness. By aligning the strengths of US-Qatar relations and building on our solid commercial partnership, we can accelerate innovation, expand knowledge transfer, and position both countries as contributors to global AI leadership.”Leah Perry, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors at AITF, said cross-border collaboration is essential for responsible AI innovation and for building commercially vibrant, resilient AI ecosystems. "We proudly support USQBC Doha’s work and partnership to bridge ecosystems and unlock shared value across regions and sectors,” Perry added.The AI Market Exchange is part of USQBC Doha and AITF’s ongoing partnership to accelerate responsible AI innovation across talent, capital, and policy levers. The two organisations will continue to develop platforms that connect the US and Qatari stakeholders and expand opportunities for strategic co-operation in AI.