CRA issues Blockchain Blueprint for Qatar

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has issued the National Blockchain Blueprint for Qatar, which has been developed by CRA in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Qatar University (QU).The initiative aims to identify and build an efficient regulatory foundation for blockchain, creating a solid basis for the government’s approach in this field and creating and enabling a supportive environment for creativity and innovation.The blueprint establishes the frame for blockchain at the national level and identifies its key elements, regulatory foundation, adoption foundation, innovation, and creativity. Further, it identifies key blockchain requirements and provides a set of recommendations for achieving the desired objectives.Ali al-Suwaidi, Technical Affairs Department director at CRA, said: "We are pleased to collaborate with HBKU and QU to issue the National Blockchain Blueprint for Qatar. Through the blueprint, we have set the most prominent opportunities that blockchain could bring to private and government sectors and outlined the necessities and incentives that must be provided by each sector for the technology adoption, which contributes to the development of emerging startups and pilot projects.”He added: "I would like to invite all stakeholders to review the blueprint, so that we work together towards developing the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, supporting local and foreign investments and a knowledge-based economy to support achieving the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. I want to thank HBKU and QU for all their efforts and cooperation in developing the blueprint and we look forward to expanding our collaboration in the future.”Dr Ahmed Elmagarmid , executive director, Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), HBKU, said: "We were delighted to work with the Communications Regulatory Authority and Qatar University on developing the National Blockchain Blueprint for Qatar”. "Our contribution reflects HBKU’s enduring commitment to solving challenges facing Qatar, particularly those concerning the country’s innovation and technology capacities.”Qatar University College of Engineering dean Dr Khalid Kamal Naji said, "We are proud to have contributed to the development of the National Blockchain Blueprint for Qatar, which is a crucial step towards realising the country’s vision for a knowledge-based economy. "Our collaboration with the Communications Regulatory Authority and Hamad Bin Khalifa University has allowed us to leverage our expertise in blockchain technology and promote its adoption across the public and private sectors.” He added: "We believe that this blueprint will serve as a guide for stakeholders and pave the way for future innovation in this field. College of Engineering is committed to continuing its partnership with CRA and HBKU to drive the growth of the country’s digital economy and foster a culture of innovation and creativity.”The National Blockchain Blueprint for Qatar is available through CRA’s website via https://www.cra.gov.qa/en/document/national-blockchain-blueprint-for-qatar