Doha, Qatar – The second edition of the World Summit AI-Qatar 2025 commenced Tuesday, bringing together global leaders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on various sectors. Organized by Inspired Minds in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the summit is focused on fostering collaboration and accelerating the adoption of AI solutions. The event, held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), aims to position Qatar as a key hub for AI innovation in the region.
The two-day summit features high-level discussions, technology demonstrations, and networking opportunities for senior officials, technology experts, and entrepreneurs. Attendees are exploring the potential of AI to drive economic diversification, improve government services, and address global challenges. The event underscores Qatar’s commitment to becoming a knowledge-based economy.
Qatar’s Growing Role in Artificial Intelligence
Qatar is actively investing in the development of a robust artificial intelligence ecosystem, as evidenced by initiatives like the GovAI Program and the launch of Fanar 2.0. According to Minister of Communications and Information Technology HE Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, the summit reaffirms Qatar’s dedication to a diversified digital economy fueled by innovation. He emphasized that AI is no longer simply a technological option, but a strategic imperative for the nation’s future.
The GovAI Program, a national initiative led by MCIT, is designed to accelerate AI adoption across government entities. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed during the opening day with both international and local technology companies to develop innovative AI-powered solutions for public services. This program aligns with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 and the broader Qatar National Vision 2030.
Key Announcements and Program Tracks
A significant highlight of the summit’s opening was the launch of Fanar 2.0, an updated Arabic Large Language Model developed by the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid, Executive Director of QCRI, highlighted the platform’s expanded capabilities and its importance for advancing Arabic-language AI research. This development is crucial for ensuring AI technologies are inclusive and cater to diverse linguistic needs.
The summit’s program is structured around four main tracks. The Mainstage Core Themes will explore frontier AI, regulatory frameworks, and next-generation infrastructure. The Accelerating AI Adoption track focuses on the application of AI in industries like enterprise and energy. Meanwhile, the Deep Dive Tech Talks track features presentations from researchers and technologists, and the Global AI Edge track covers generative and responsible AI. This last track also incorporates a HealthTech AI Hackathon in collaboration with Qatar University.
These tracks showcase the breadth of AI technologies being developed and deployed globally, with a particular emphasis on practical applications and responsible innovation. The inclusion of a hackathon demonstrates a focus on fostering talent development and accelerating real-world problem-solving with AI.
Abdulla Al Misnad, Head of the Executive Office of HE the Prime Minister and Chairman of Qai, stated that Qatar’s transformation into a more resilient and diversified economy is heavily reliant on AI. He noted that the summit exemplifies the country’s progress in creating a holistic ecosystem connecting policy, infrastructure, talent, and private sector collaboration.
CEO and Founder of Inspired Minds, Sarah Porter, expressed excitement about returning to Doha for the second edition of the summit. She highlighted Qatar’s emergence as a regional and global leader in AI dialogue, facilitating engagement between policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers from both eastern and western hemispheres.
The summit is expected to continue attracting significant investment and fostering partnerships within the technology sector. The second day will concentrate on specialized sessions and interactive workshops designed to explore practical applications of AI across priority industries. Attendees will also have ample networking opportunities, including one-on-one meetings and engagement platforms for startups and investors.
Looking ahead, the success of initiatives like GovAI and Fanar 2.0 will be key indicators of Qatar’s progress in becoming a leading AI hub. Further developments in regulatory frameworks and talent development programs will also be crucial to watch. The summit’s outcomes may influence future government policies and investment strategies related to artificial intelligence within Qatar and the broader region.
