An official of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has emphasised that the breakthroughs achieved in Artificial Intelligence (AI) will define the future of Qatar and its place in the world.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of ‘QSTP AI WEEK 2024’, a five-day event organised by the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), Reem al-Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT, said AI is “not just another technology” but a “force for transformation.”

AI is expected to contribute “$15.7tn” to the global economy by 2030, more than the combined GDPs of China and India today, remarked al-Mansoori during her opening speech.

“But what makes AI remarkable is not just the numbers. It is the way it amplifies human potential. AI is already helping doctors diagnose diseases faster, enabling farmers to produce higher yields with water, and optimising energy use to make cities smarter and more sustainable. These aren't hypothetical scenarios. They are happening now,” she noted.

Al-Mansoori also elaborated on the Qatari government’s efforts to place the country at the forefront of AI transformation, citing initiatives like ‘Fanar’, Qatar's world-class Arabic GenAI built on Arabic language learning model (LLM), and international partnerships with tech giants like Nvidia for the deployment of cutting-edge AI and graphics technology in Ooredoo’s data centres.

Under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, al-Mansoori pointed out that AI has become a cornerstone of Qatar’s National Development Strategy and Digital Agenda.

“We are diving in with a clear vision and bold initiatives. Our government has committed QR9bn to advanced technology and innovation programmes, placing AI at the heart of our urban and economic growth.

“Through our National AI Strategy, we are integrating AI into services like traffic management, energy optimisation, and public safety. These efforts are not just making our cities smarter, they are making them more liveable and sustainable for every resident,” al-Mansoori stressed.

The assistant undersecretary also emphasised that while AI possesses “great potential” in nation-building, the government of Qatar also recognises that this comes with “great responsibility.”

“AI must be developed with ethics, inclusivity, and sustainability at its core...we must ensure that this technology uplifts society. That’s why Qatar is not only advancing AI capability but also leading the global conversation on its governance and ethical use,” she said.

Al-Mansoori added: “AI is not just a tool. It is an invitation to rethink how we solve our problems, grow our communities, and improve lives. It challenges us to act boldly, to innovate responsibly, and to lead with purpose. Qatar is ready to lead.”

Dr Jack Lau, QSTP president, explained in his welcome remarks that the first edition of ‘QSTP AI WEEK’ highlights the park’s 15th anniversary. He said over the next few days, the event will explore various aspects of AI.

“During this event, we’ll showcase our commitment to advanced technology innovations and entrepreneurship in alignment with our effort to support the nation’s strategic national goals, the Qatar National Vision 2030, the Third National Development Strategy, and the Digital Agenda 2030,” Lau said.