Qatar on fast track to digital transformation: IT minister

The government is keen on maintaining the acceleration of Qatar’s digital transformation, HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohamed bin Ali bin Mohamed al-Mannai said Wednesday at the opening ceremony of Smart City Expo Doha 2022, being held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani.The two-day global forum organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in partnership with Fira de Barcelona, is being held at Msheireb Downtown Doha, which is hosting smart city experts from more than 60 countries. Held under the theme ‘Sustainable Future of Resilience’, Smart City Expo Doha 2022 has attracted global innovators to the event that has witnessed the unveiling of three smart city projects, which are supported by the Tasmu Accelerator.During the opening ceremony, HE al-Mannai said, “We are pleased to hold the Smart City Expo Doha in Qatar for the second time, where we will connect with local and international stakeholders, experts and specialists in the field to explore the latest trends and exchange ideas and experiences as we work to ensure accelerating digital transformation, achieving a knowledge-based economy, and transitioning towards smart cities with the aim of improving the quality of life in Qatar in various sectors.“I would like to thank Msheireb Properties and Fira de Barcelona for their co-operation and efforts. We look forward that Smart City Expo Doha will be beneficial for all participants, wishing for all success towards a sustainable future that is more economically, socially, and environmentally prosperous.” Msheireb Properties CEO Nasser Matar al-Kawari said, “A smart city became a real need to cope with the rapid change of today’s world. Technology is now an integral part of today’s construction projects and urban developments, which is keen to leverage the digital revolution to offer people more benefits in their daily life and work. “Based on that, Msheireb Properties envisioned a new smart city, which has been smart since its inception and planning. Msheireb Downtown Doha became one of the world’s smartest and most sustainable city districts and an ideal example of what modern urban planning should be to meet the demands of the future with resilience and flexibility.”He added, “This city we gather in today is the result of our vision a decade ago: to become a futuristic hub for the next generations. It relies on advanced and modern-day technology, but at the same time, carries the heritage and legacy of our country’s rich history. “Our mission and vision to expand knowledge sharing and promote smart and green building trends. In this context, Msheireb Properties is ready to share its expertise and knowledge in this field with entities wishing to implement such amenities in their future projects. This is part of our belief and contribution to our country’s progress and prosperity. Our conference is a very important platform to exchange our vision and experience to define fruitful outcomes and results that enhance our capabilities and promote smartness and sustainability.”Fira Barcelona International CEO Ricard Zapatero Camps said, “On March 29, Doha and the Msheireb district will become the capital of innovative smart city policies, bringing together representatives from all over the world to share projects, experiences and best ideas to maintain a future of resilience and a better life for all of us.”Hardie Davis, Jr, the mayor of Augusta, Georgia, said: “As the mayor of Augusta and the chair of Smart City Expo USA, I am pleased to join leaders from around the world at Smart City Expo Doha to discuss sustaining a future of resilience. The Msheireb district is a true representation of a smart, equitable, and sustainable 21st-century city.” Following the official opening speeches, HE al-Mannai and guests toured the exhibition area and visited the Sponsors area, Solution Provider area, Innovation Hub and Start-up area, Government area, Countries and Embassies area, and the MCIT pavilion. Smart City Expo Doha 2022 brings together more than 70 world-renowned smart city experts representing over 60 countries, more than 90 sponsors and exhibitors, and three keynote sessions to share ideas and solutions on how to create a better, more sustainable future for cities and their citizens. Key topics under discussion include ‘Sustainable Cities’, ‘Reshaping Digital Public Services’, ‘Global Economy and Digital Readiness’, and ‘Sport Events in a Connected Society’. Reem Mohamed al-Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development at the MCIT, said: “As cities across the world change rapidly, adopting smart city solutions like those presented during Smart City Expo Doha will be crucial as we transform our urban environments into sustainable spaces where the living, working and staying experience of people is enhanced by innovation.”