Doha, Qatar – Qatar is rapidly establishing itself as a prominent hub for artificial intelligence in the Middle East, and recent discussions at the World Summit AI Qatar 2025 focused on the critical steps for successful Generative AI implementation. Experts emphasized that moving beyond experimental projects to deliver measurable business and societal impact requires a shift in approach. The summit, held this week, brought together industry leaders and government officials to explore the latest advancements and challenges in the field.
Mohamed Shaaban, Director of AI Product at Scale AI, shared insights with The Peninsula regarding the common pitfalls in deploying Generative AI solutions. He highlighted that many projects fail not due to flawed concepts, but rather due to ineffective delivery methods. This underscores the need for a more strategic and iterative approach to AI adoption.
The Challenge of Moving Generative AI from Pilot to Production
A significant hurdle for organizations investing in Generative AI is the high failure rate of initial projects, often referred to as proofs of concept (POCs). Shaaban explained that a large percentage of these pilots never make it into full production, and even those that do frequently fail to generate the expected return on investment. This is a concern echoed by many in the industry, as it can lead to skepticism and hinder further AI adoption.
Iterative Engineering and Value-Driven Delivery
Shaaban advocates for a methodology he terms “forward-deployed motion” or “iterative engineering motion.” This approach prioritizes delivering value incrementally throughout the development process. Rather than attempting a large-scale, all-encompassing implementation, organizations should focus on identifying specific, high-impact use cases and building solutions iteratively, constantly measuring and refining their approach. This contrasts with traditional “waterfall” project management, which can be less adaptable to the rapidly evolving landscape of AI.
He stressed the importance of aligning technology investments with concrete economic outcomes. This requires close collaboration between AI developers and end-users to ensure that solutions are tailored to specific needs and deliver tangible benefits. Effective communication and a shared understanding of objectives are crucial for success.
Qatar’s Growing AI Ecosystem and Strategic Partnerships
The World Summit AI Qatar 2025 served as a platform for announcing numerous partnerships aimed at bolstering Qatar’s AI capabilities. These collaborations involve government entities, local technology companies, and system integrators, signaling a strong commitment to building a comprehensive AI ecosystem. According to Shaaban, these partnerships are essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that both providers and adopters of AI solutions can thrive.
These partnerships are expected to accelerate the development and deployment of AI applications across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and education. The focus is on creating a supportive environment for AI startups and attracting foreign investment in the field. Qatar’s National Vision 2030 explicitly identifies technological innovation, including AI, as a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable growth.
Shaaban encouraged attendees interested in learning more about these new opportunities to connect with his colleague, Andrew. This provides a direct channel for stakeholders to explore potential collaborations and access resources to support their AI initiatives.
The emphasis on practical delivery methodologies and strategic partnerships reflects a maturing understanding of AI adoption. While the potential of Generative AI is widely recognized, the summit underscored the need for a pragmatic and value-focused approach to realize its full benefits. The development of robust AI infrastructure and a skilled workforce are also considered vital components of Qatar’s AI strategy.
Looking ahead, the success of Qatar’s AI ambitions will depend on continued investment in research and development, as well as the effective implementation of policies that promote innovation and responsible AI practices. The next phase will likely involve a focus on scaling successful pilot projects and addressing challenges related to data privacy and security. Monitoring the progress of the announced partnerships and the development of a national AI strategy will be key indicators of Qatar’s continued advancement as a regional AI leader.
