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The US-Qatar Business Council–Doha (USQBC Doha) and the AI Trust Foundation (AITF) jointly led a high-level US delegation to Doha during World Summit AI (WSAI) MENA 2025, reinforcing a shared commitment to responsible artificial intelligence and cross-border innovation between the US and Qatar. The mission reflects and advances the commitments established under the April 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USQBC Doha and AITF, led by USQBC Doha managing director Sheikha Mayes al-Thani.  The 15-member delegation comprised founders and executives from small and medium-sized companies working across AI applications, infrastructure, governance, and cybersecurity. The delegation was co-led by Sheikha Mayes, AITF vice-chair Leah Perry, and AITF board member Justin Floyd, who is also CEO and co-founder of RedCloud Technologies. In addition to attending WSAI MENA 2025, the delegation participated in strategic engagements across Qatar to explore collaboration opportunities in policy, investment, business development, and talent — reflecting strong interest in deploying trustworthy AI solutions in the region.  The visit opened with a welcome reception hosted by USQBC Doha and AITF, with RedCloud Technologies and GemSoft serving as strategic sponsors. The reception convened leaders from the US and Qatari AI ecosystems and focused on responsible AI adoption, data integrity, and emerging investment pathways. The mission aligned with Qatar’s national innovation agenda under the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) and reinforced the US vision for global leadership in AI. **media[394655]**Sheikha Mayes said, “This delegation reflects the growing depth and maturity of the US-Qatar relationship in advanced technologies. Through USQBC Doha, we are enabling responsible AI collaboration that is commercially viable, policy-informed, and aligned with national priorities.  Qatar’s readiness across infrastructure, strategy, and investment makes it a compelling partner for US innovators seeking to scale trusted solutions globally.” Michael Jordan, CEO at Gem Soft, added: “Gem Soft is proud to have co-sponsored this important delegation, which showcased Qatar’s readiness to lead in secure, trusted AI and digital innovation aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030.  This visit laid the groundwork for concrete partnerships that will translate emerging technologies into real economic impact for both countries.” During the visit, the delegation engaged senior stakeholders shaping Qatar’s innovation landscape. These included a private luncheon with the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs His Excellency Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed al-Sayed at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), and an exclusive US-Qatar AI Exchange hosted by YPO Qatar, in collaboration with USQBC Doha and AITF.  Additional engagements included discussions with Eman al-Kuwari, director of Innovation Strategy and head of Emerging Technologies at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); and Ahmad el-Dandachi, general manager of Microsoft Qatar; as well as other public- and private-sector leaders.  Discussions focused on policy alignment, capacity-building, investment pathways, and scalable AI deployment. Perry said, “This delegation moved the April 2025 MoU from intent to action. By convening government leaders, global technology stakeholders, and founders building real-world AI solutions, we’re establishing practical pathways for trusted AI—grounded in strong governance, privacy, and measurable outcomes.” Delegation members also contributed as speakers and panellists at WSAI MENA 2025, including Perry; Lisa Rice, CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance; Rami Darawsheh, CEO of Olea Health; and Floyd.  The delegation’s initiatives culminated with RedCloud signing a major joint venture to deploy its RedAI platform in Turkiye’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market—an agreement valued at a minimum of $5mn annually over 10 years. The JV aims to address FMCG supply chain inefficiencies using AI-enabled intelligence and automation, with operations targeted to begin in Q1 2026. “After an impactful week in Qatar, it was exciting to take action by signing RedCloud's second joint venture.  Turkiye’s $166bn FMCG sector faces a $22bn inventory gap that AI can solve. We’re creating smart infrastructure to transform trade across the country and the Mena region, demonstrating how ethical AI can be deployed to address major industry and societal challenges for the good of all,” said Floyd. The mission was organised under the 2025 MoU between USQBC Doha and AITF, which advances collaboration on responsible AI governance, investment, and talent between the US and Qatar.  USQBC Doha and AITF noted that the Doha delegation precedes a broader set of planned initiatives, with additional programming and cross-border engagements to follow.

The US-Qatar Business Council Doha (USQBC Doha) and the AI Trust Foundation recently hosted a reception in Doha to welcome a 15-member US delegation comprising AI startup and tech CEOs, technology and AI governance attorneys, and civil society leaders.The delegation is in Doha as a planned initiative under the April 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation. The visit will also include the delegation’s participation in the two-day World Summit AI MENA, which opens today (December 9) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).The reception builds on joint programming developed under the April 2025 MoU between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation, which advances cross-border collaboration on AI, responsible innovation, and bilateral trade and investment. Through the partnership, both organisations have convened a series of engagements bringing together leaders from technology, policy, and civil society to strengthen US-Qatar co-operation in emerging technologies.“The delegation’s visit to Doha is emblematic of the ongoing commitment between USQBC Doha and the AI Trust Foundation to foster private-sector-to-private-sector exchanges in the areas of emerging technologies between Qatar and the US,” said USQBC Doha managing director Sheikha Mayes Hamad al-Thani in her opening remarks at the reception.Leah Perry, vice-chair of the AI Trust Foundation, added: “Our partnership with USQBC Doha is about building bridges across the global AI ecosystem – bridges that support research and development, workforce upskilling, and ethical standards that enable trade, innovation and investment. This reception follows multiple collaborative forums we’ve hosted together that have created momentum; now is the time to deliver concrete, meaningful outcomes.”Justin Floyd, co-founder and CEO of Nasdaq-listed RedCloud Technologies, as well as AI Trust Foundation board member, who supported the reception as a strategic sponsor, emphasised Qatar’s strategic appeal to US technology firms: “Qatar is future-ready. Its market clarity and long-term vision make it an ideal partner for American technology companies scaling responsibly. RedCloud’s regional growth, including our recently announced AI-driven FMCG platform joint venture in Saudi Arabia, reflects the commercial opportunities we see across the Gulf.”Michael Jordan, CEO of Gem Soft and reception strategic sponsor, emphasised its timeliness: “Qatar’s Vision 2030 creates a decisive environment for responsible AI leadership, and Gem Soft is proud to contribute technologies that reinforce the nation’s position as a regional hub for trusted digital infrastructure.”Supporting this vision, Gem Soft’s AI-powered enterprise platform, Gem Team, delivers secure and scalable intelligence that strengthens operational performance across various sectors.The reception brought together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to deepen private-sector collaboration on responsible AI, explore pathways for bilateral investment, and showcase US technology leadership in the region ahead of World Summit AI MENA.The USQBC Doha is a strategic platform for advancing bilateral commercial engagement between the US and Qatar. Positioned at the intersection of business, policy, and investment, USQBC Doha enables cross-border collaboration by providing institutional access, market intelligence, and targeted facilitation to stakeholders operating across high-impact sectors.The AI Trust Foundation is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that promotes and bridges tech innovation with responsible AI through cross-sector partnerships, standards development, and capacity building. It convenes industry, legal experts, and civil society to advance ethical, scalable AI solutions that support economic growth and public benefit. 

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.