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Securing Qatar’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure requires a cybersecurity workforce trained through realistic scenarios rather than relying solely on academic qualifications.CyberX founder and CEO David de Paula Santos Silva said the country is investing heavily in smart-city technologies and e-government platforms, making the need for capable local talent increasingly urgent.While Qatar has established a strong research foundation in locations like Education City, Silva noted there is a clear opportunity to connect this academic base directly with actual cybersecurity operations.According to Silva, theoretical knowledge is insufficient to protect national networks. He said people become proficient penetration testers and incident responders only by facing realistic situations repeatedly.To bridge this gap, he suggested investing in cyber ranges, industrial control system laboratories, cybersecurity events, and capture-the-flag environments.Silva also recommended internships and establishing regular incident exercises that bring together government agencies, universities, and critical infrastructure operators. Students need early opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals before they are expected to manage a national-level incident, Silva pointed out.“Students should have opportunities to work alongside experienced penetration testers, red teamers, incident responders and threat researchers before they are expected to handle a national-level incident,” pointed out Silva, who explained that offensive security training is highly important in this development phase.“If you want someone to defend infrastructure against a sophisticated attacker, they need to understand how attackers think, how they combine vulnerabilities and how they move through an environment after the initial compromise,” Silva said.According to Silva, these local defenders will face complex challenges as malicious actors adopt new technologies. He noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the economics of cyberattacks by making reconnaissance faster and allowing attackers to process large volumes of public information.“Critical infrastructure operators also need to recognise that their threat model is different from that of an ordinary company. The concern is not only ransomware or someone stealing credit-card information,” he emphasised.Silva warned that state-sponsored operations often involve espionage and gaining persistent access to infrastructure that could become strategically useful during geopolitical conflicts.“The smarter and more connected a country becomes, the more systems begin to depend on each other,” he said, noting that transport, telecommunications, energy, and cloud platforms increasingly become part of the same ecosystem.This interconnectedness “creates enormous opportunities” but also means cybersecurity cannot be treated as an afterthought, he stated.Discussing the role of foreign professionals, Silva noted that international expertise helps accelerate the learning process, provided it includes knowledge transfer. The ultimate objective is not to eliminate all external experts, he explained.“It should be to make sure Qatar is never critically dependent on external expertise when an incident is actually happening,” Silva said.Silva said he established his firm’s presence at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) to be close to researchers and the broader innovation ecosystem. He said Qatar has the national ambition and technology investment required to develop these capabilities locally.“Qatar has the universities, research environment, technology investment and national ambition to develop some of that capability locally rather than simply importing cybersecurity solutions from abroad,” he emphasised.Building this workforce from within ensures that a highly connected country also becomes a highly tested and secure country, noted Silva, who recently won the ‘Cybersecurity Leader of the Year’ award at ‘Cysec Qatar 2026’.

Doha Bank has joined the AFAQ Payments System, becoming one of the first commercial banks from Qatar to join the system, providing a secure and reliable means for its customers to execute financial transfers in local currencies across the GCC countries through Doha Bank mobile banking app.Joining AFAQ marks an important step towards facilitating the financial services offered to customers, reflecting Doha Bank’s commitment to keeping pace with developments in the payments sector, and aligning with its strategy to develop its digital infrastructure and expand the scope of its services regionally.Doha Bank Group CEO Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al-Thani said, “The GCC Payments System (AFAQ) offers a wide range of benefits, including secure, instant fund transfers through a network that leverages the latest electronic payments technologies and operates in accordance with the highest regulatory and technical standards. At Doha Bank, we were keen to join the system as part of our strategy to deliver innovative banking solutions that meet the evolving needs of our diverse customer base.”AFAQ is a regional payments system operated by the Gulf Payments Company, which is owned by the GCC central banks. The system links the payment systems of the GCC countries, enabling financial transfers in local currencies instantly, within a secure and stable environment.

Qatar has ranked first for customer satisfaction and among the world’s leading markets for overall telecom sector health, according to Kearney’s 2026 Global Telecom Health Index.The country was also placed among the top five markets for technology deployment, reflecting the strength of its high-speed digital infrastructure, network coverage and service quality.The index assessed 34 markets across five dimensions: financial performance, commercial capability, technology deployment, business environment and customer sentiment. The overall rankings were based on 20 metrics drawn from Kearney data, customer research and third-party sources.Kearney said Qatar and the UAE stood out at the top of the index as relatively small markets where co-ordinated investment had produced high-quality networks, strong customer satisfaction and sound commercial and financial performance.Qatar ranked first for customer sentiment, followed by the UAE. Both countries have two national telecom operators and finished among the five leading markets for technology deployment.The report said their performance demonstrated the benefits that could arise from a well-structured market in which investment, service quality, customer experience and financial returns reinforced one another.This created what Kearney described as a “virtuous cycle”, with investment in advanced infrastructure and innovative services improving customer satisfaction and generating returns that could fund further technological development.Qatar’s position was particularly significant because the study found no correlation between the size of a country or its wealth and the health of its telecom sector. The markets assessed ranged from Qatar, with a population of around 3mn, to China and India, whose populations approach 1.5bn.The report also found no direct link between gross domestic product per capita and telecom sector performance. Instead, market structure, investment co-ordination, technology take-up and customer experience emerged as more important factors.Kearney found that more concentrated telecom markets generally recorded stronger financial and commercial results, while also performing as well as or better than fragmented markets in technology deployment and customer sentiment.Across the 34 markets, countries with three or fewer mobile network operators achieved higher average scores in almost every category than those with four or more. The report said fewer operators could, under the right regulatory and competitive conditions, enable investment to be directed more efficiently towards coverage, network quality and customer service.The same trend was evident in fixed-line services. Markets where the three largest Internet providers controlled more than 80% of the market recorded average fibre coverage of 81%, compared with 68% in more fragmented markets. Fibre penetration was also higher, at 58% against 43%.Kearney cautioned, however, that the index assessed the overall health of national telecom sectors rather than the performance of individual operators. It also said the revised methodology meant that the 2026 scores should not be directly compared with those of the previous year.The report concluded that a healthy telecom sector had become a matter of national interest because connectivity underpinned digital services, artificial intelligence, remote working and broader economic development. Qatar’s performance, it said, illustrated how a smaller market could achieve strong outcomes when infrastructure investment, commercial sustainability and customer needs were kept in balance. 

Under the leadership of Max-Hervé George, SWI Group has taken another decisive step in its strategy to build one of the world's largest privately controlled portfolios of AI-ready digital infrastructure. SWI Capital Holding Ltd., the parent company of SWI Group, is listed on Euronext Amsterdam under the ticker symbol "SWICH" and has a market capitalisation of USD 3.3 billion.  The transaction gives SWI Group an effective controlling stake of more than 70% in Genesis Digital Assets, a U.S.-focused digital infrastructure platform, while increasing its combined AI-ready capacity across Europe and North America to more than 3.6 gigawatts.  The transaction significantly expands SWI Group's exposure to the rapidly growing artificial intelligence and high-performance computing sectors. The acquired platform includes 15 facilities, several of which are hyperscaler-grade sites located in Texas, a market increasingly viewed as critical to the future of AI infrastructure. The acquisition aligns closely with the long-term vision articulated by Max-Hervé George, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SWI Group, who has consistently emphasized the strategic value of power access in digital infrastructure investing. "Power connectivity is the most valuable commodity in digital infrastructure today, and converting legacycryptocurrency mining infrastructure to AI and high-performance computing is the best and highest use of these assets," said Max-Hervé George. "We have been investing in power connectivity since 2020. This is what that thesis looks like at scale." The GDA investment complements AiOnX, SWI Group's wholly owned European data center platform spanning Ireland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, and Italy. Together, the two businesses represent a combined 3.6 GW of AI-ready capacity across North America and Europe, positioning SWI Group among the most significant owners of digital infrastructure assets globally. For Max-Hervé George, the transaction reflects a broader investment strategy centered on identifying sectors where structural shifts create long-term value. As demand for computational power accelerates worldwide, access to large-scale energy infrastructure is increasingly becoming a defining competitive advantage. With this latest acquisition, Max-Hervé George and SWI Group are seeking to capitalize on one of the fastest-growing themes in global markets: the race to build the physical infrastructure underpinning the AI economy. 

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al Bedaiwi stressed the importance of evaluating and developing the digital infrastructure of the General Secretariat and its affiliated organizational units, to keep pace with developments in this field.This came during a workshop held by the General Directorate of Digital Transformation and Information Technology, at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat, with the participation of the assistant secretaries and heads of organizational units at the General Secretariat.The workshop aimed to review the efforts implemented and discuss the strategic guidelines for the future operational model for digital transformation. This workshop comes in support of decision-making and aligning digital initiatives with the institutional work needs of the GCC General Secretariat. 

The assistant undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Reem al-Mansoori, has affirmed that Qatar is steadily advancing toward strengthening its readiness for artificial intelligence (AI) and solidifying its future leadership in this field, relying on a clear national vision and long-term strategic investments in digital infrastructure.She said in the keynote address that AI is no longer an emerging technology but has become a decisive factor in revitalising the economy, transforming institutions, and accelerating societal progress.Al-Mansoori added that rapid developments, particularly in generative AI, are prompting governments and economic sectors to reimagine work methods, governance, and service delivery, pointing out that this brings great opportunities accompanied by significant responsibilities.The official said that Qatar’s interest in this field is based on the National Development Strategy and the Digital Agenda 2030, both of which define a unified vision centred on developing human capabilities, strengthening research and innovation, and steering AI to support economic diversification and improve quality of life.She noted that Qatar’s success in digital transformation is the result of decades of investment in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and reliable energy, in addition to global partnerships, making the country a competitive hub for high-performance computing and next-generation AI innovation.Al-Mansoori noted that Qatar is adopting an impact-driven approach in deploying AI, focusing on sectors capable of delivering national and regional value.She highlighted that the GovtAI Programme, led by the MCIT, serves as a unified framework enabling government entities to identify, test, and implement innovative solutions in collaboration with global technology partners.The official said that human capital is the main driver of digital transformation, highlighting that the State’s efforts will contribute to creating 26,000 jobs in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector by 2030 and building a robust knowledge-based economy.Al-Mansoori further stated that Qatar is building an AI ecosystem rooted in transparency, security, and ethical responsibility, while committing to protecting privacy, enhancing inclusivity, and ensuring that all segments of society benefit from these technologies.She noted that AI is reshaping the world at an unprecedented pace, and called on governments, the private sector, and the scientific community to co-operate with a shared vision to ensure a more sustainable and advanced future. 

Meeza and Huawei have signed two strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during MWC25 Doha to advance Qatar's national priorities in digital infrastructure, AI, and talent development.The agreements demonstrate how private-sector innovation can support the country's vision for economic diversification, technological leadership, and long-term resilience.The MoUs aim to deepen collaboration in Private Digital Infrastructure and AI services, and to launch a National Training Programme to cultivate local expertise in emerging digital fields. By enabling Qatar’s private sector to lead innovation and adopt advanced technological solutions, Huawei and Meeza aim to strengthen the country's digital foundations, foster homegrown talent, and enhance national competitiveness.“This partnership with Huawei reflects our continued commitment as a leading IT service provider to support Qatar's digital transformation and economic diversification,” said Meeza CEO Mohamed Ali al-Ghaithani.He said: “Building strong local capabilities in advanced technologies is essential for long-term national progress. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower local talent, accelerate innovation, and contribute to a technology ecosystem that benefits the entire country.”Rico Lin, president of Huawei Gulf region, emphasised the strategic significance of private-sector engagement in national initiatives: “Huawei is proud to partner with Meeza to advance Qatar's digital agenda.“Strengthening in-country infrastructure, AI capabilities, and local expertise is critical for fostering a knowledge-based economy, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons, and supporting sustainable growth. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building resilient, future-ready digital ecosystems that will underpin the country's economic and technological ambitions."As global digital transformation accelerates, the MoUs highlight the essential role of private companies in complementing national strategies. By jointly exploring advanced technologies, AI-driven solutions, and localised platforms, Huawei and Meeza aim to create robust, adaptable digital ecosystems that meet evolving technological demands and drive innovation across multiple sectors.Through these agreements, Huawei and Meeza reaffirm the private sector’s vital role in empowering Qatar’s national vision, strengthening critical digital infrastructure, enabling advanced technological capabilities, and nurturing local talent to lead the country's digital future.By boosting private-sector engagement in strategic digital initiatives, these partnerships support Qatar’s long-term economic resilience, help diversify the national economy, and contribute to realising Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives, ensuring sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity across multiple sectors. 

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) announced that Qatar Airways has activated Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) within its digital infrastructure, with regulatory support from CRA, to accelerate the adoption of IPv6 across key sectors. This milestone comes as part of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing Qatar's digital readiness, aligning with the latest international standards, and meeting the requirements of the digital economy. IPv6 is the latest version of the Internet Protocol, responsible for identifying devices, connecting them, and enabling data transfer across networks. It provides an enormous number of addresses compared to previous versions, making it a pivotal element in the development of communications networks. IPv6 also supports the expansion of smart and connected services while enhancing readiness for the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, Smart cities, and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions. As the entity overseeing the IPv6 Qatar Taskforce, CRA closely monitored Qatar Airways' transition from Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) to IPv6 across its networks, ensuring that the transition adhered to approved regulatory, technical, and security guidelines. This process reflects CRA's coordinating role in enhancing the integration of Qatar's national communications infrastructure. Qatar Airways executed the IPv6 transition through a well-thought-out plan, enhancing its digital readiness for future requirements and serving as a benchmark for other organizations. In this context, Director of Technical Affairs at CRA, Ali Al Suwaidi, stated: "The activation of IPv6 by Qatar Airways represents a significant milestone achievement, reflecting the close collaboration between CRA and the members of the IPv6 Qatar Taskforce. It also demonstrates Qatar Airways' readiness and the integration of its digital infrastructure, positioning it as a model within the national taskforce." Al Suwaidi further emphasized CRA's commitment to supporting all stakeholders in the transition to IPv6 through awareness-raising, technical assistance, and strengthened institutional coordination. He noted that the transition to this protocol is a strategic necessity for developing communications networks and enhancing data security, thereby enhancing the readiness of the national infrastructure and reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading digital hub, all in alignment with CRA's strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar Airways Chief Information Officer Suhail Kamil Kadri, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with the Communications Regulatory Authority in advancing IPv6 adoption, a milestone that underscores our commitment to innovation and digital transformation. This achievement reflects our alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and highlights the importance of secure, resilient, and future-ready digital infrastructure. By embracing this next generation of connectivity, we set a new benchmark for sustainability and operational excellence within the aviation industry." According to data from the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), Qatar has made significant progress in adopting IPv6. This advancement serves as a positive indicator, emphasizing the importance of accelerating institutional and technical adoption of IPv6 to keep pace with the evolution of digital services and enhancing the readiness of the national communications infrastructure.