Al-Sada urges engineers to leverage innovation

Engineers from various disciplines need to constantly work together and leverage innovation to inspire change, Qatar’s former energy minister has said during the recently held IBPC Tech Qatar Summit (ITeQS 2023).
“Behind all innovation and solutions, tools, and technologies, there is a mastermind. Thanks to a strong and wise leadership, Qatar, in this regard, has made great achievements,” said Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, chairman, board of trustees at University of Doha for Science &Technology, and Qatar’s former Minister of Energy & Industry.
The Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC Qatar) hosted ITeQS 2023 under the theme ‘Engineering Innovation for a Resilient World’ to mark ‘World Engineering Day for a Sustainable World’ and 50 years of bilateral relations between India and Qatar.
In his keynote address, al-Sada continued: “Ever since Qatar has adopted and promoted innovation in various fields, such as education, healthcare, and the environment, the government of the State of Qatar managed and mitigated the risks of the pandemic, built engineering marvels, and addressed all sorts of challenges that face an emerging economy.
“Most notably and most recently, Qatar delivered the world’s most successful and sustainable 2022 FIFA World Cup – a major success story that showed the world how capable, efficient, and resourceful Qatar is. The 2022 FIFA World Cup is a legendary achievement and is a legacy that will always remind future generations of the value of having a leadership with the wisdom, resilience, and determination of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.”
ITeQS 2023 was a deep dive into the latest technological advances like Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGTP, Machine Learning (ML), and exploring the parallel between technology, innovation, and sustainability, with emphasis on Qatar’s ecosystem.
During the event, al-Sada also led the official launch of the ‘Engineering and Innovation Awards’ for corporates and professionals. It was also highlighted by the launching of the IBPC Qatar app, as well as the launch of a ‘digital wall’ bearing the faces of engineers who contributed to the development of Qatar.
The event also witnessed speeches from other dignitaries in Qatar, including Jaikrishnan Menon, IBPC chairman, and Angeline Premalatha, charge d’affaires, Indian embassy.
Another highlight of ITeQS 2023 was a panel discussion, which included the following experts from Qatar: Dr Hessa al-Jaber, chairperson, Es'hailSat and Malomatia, and Qatar’s former Minister of Information & Communication Technology; Ibrahim al-Jaidah, Group CEO, Arab Engineering Bureau; Sheikh Mansoor bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairman, MBK Holding; and Khalid Abdulla al-Mana, executive director of Qatar Export Development, Finance & Promotion Agency (Tasdeer).
The panelists stressed the importance of business innovation, early adaptation of technology, sustainable development strategies, and opportunities for transformation in the context of Qatar’s engineering sector.
IBPC Qatar, an apex body operating under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Qatar, provides a platform for empowering its members and creating enrichment opportunities for Indian businesses and professionals to enhance Indo-Qatar trade and professional relations.