Supported by Microsoft: Qatar seeks to lead global AI race, says MCIT official

On the back of partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft, Qatar is seeking to be a leader in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs Sami Mohamed al-Shammari has said.

Al-Shammari made the statement in an opening speech during Microsoft’s ‘Lead the Era of AI’ event on Tuesday held in the presence of HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai. The event celebrated the second anniversary of the opening of Microsoft’s cloud data centre region in Doha.

He said: “Since 2016, our partnership with Microsoft has been actively driving digital transformation across government entities, enhancing efficiency, and delivering superior public services. Together, we have implemented robust cloud solutions, boosted our cybersecurity, and used the power of AI to optimise public services.”

Al-Shammari said the MCIT’s partnership with Microsoft resulted in the following achievements: 143 government entities utilising Azure cloud services; 43 entities leveraging data, AI, and analytics services on Azure; 10 entities adopted M365 Copilot since its launch in November 2023; 20 entities developing their custom copilot solutions; and 1,393 professionals trained in data and AI over the past three and a half years through joint MCIT-Microsoft efforts.

“In addition, in partnership with Microsoft, we launched the Zero Trust Programme to support government entities in implementing a Zero Trust security model that adapts to the complexity of the modern environment, embraces the mobile workforce, and protects people, devices, applications, and data wherever they are located. This initiative leverages existing government investments in Microsoft technology and solutions,” al-Shammari emphasised.

He also said: “With the latest advancements in AI at their fingertips, public and private sector enterprises in Qatar are well positioned to drive progress towards the ambitious Digital Agenda 2030 aiming to make Qatar a smart and technologically advanced country.”

Al-Shammari also underscored the positive impact of cost optimisation from MCIT’s collaboration with Microsoft.

“By partnering with Microsoft Azure to digitise government operations, we have achieved $7.3mn in cost savings, supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. The strategic resource optimisation and Azure Hybrid Use Benefits have further reduced operational costs by 50%, projecting annual savings of $26.4mn,” he explained.

Speaking at the event, Microsoft Qatar general manager Lana Khalaf underscored the “tremendous growth” in cloud applications and AI capabilities, saying these “require a robust and secure infrastructure to ensure their development and effective use.”

“By further building the data centre region, we are unlocking unprecedented possibilities for AI-driven innovation across Qatar. Organisations will be able to harness the power of Microsoft’s trusted cloud to unlock the full potential of AI to enhance decision-making, transform industries, and drive sustainable economic growth,” Khalaf said.

One of the highlights of the event included the ‘AI Innovation Awards’, which recognised institutions in Qatar that have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in driving digital transformation and creating a positive societal impact through the use of AI.

Qatar Airways, Power International Holding (PIH), Real-Time Crowd and Transportation Management of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology - Tasmu Programme, Ashghal, Kahramaa, Hayya, Invest Qatar, the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, the Supreme Judiciary Council, Al Jazeera Media Group, and Qatar News Agency received their respective awards from HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai.