The 19th edition of the Katara Tech Forum, organized by the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), recently took place in Doha, focusing on the theme “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Driving Digital Transformation of Smart Cities.” The forum covered various topics related to the importance of information technology in enhancing efficiency, fostering innovation, and addressing associated challenges.
During the forum, Maryam Mohammed Majarrah, the owner of Southtech Technology Solutions and Southtech Security Systems, emphasized the importance of comprehensively understanding artificial intelligence (AI) and its benefits. She highlighted AI’s role in the digital transformation strategy for smart cities, explaining that AI involves developing computer systems that simulate human intelligence.
Majarrah further elaborated on the significance of advanced analytics in improving decision-making processes, enhancing customer service, boosting productivity by reducing costs, mitigating risks, and fostering innovation and creativity by improving efficiency. She noted that digital transformation entails integrating digital technologies into all aspects of an organization’s operations, leading to a fundamental change in how work is conducted to achieve desired values.
Thamer Al Qadi, the Director of Information Technology at Katara and President of the Katara Tech Forum, expressed that the forum aims to support startups and medium-sized enterprises, encourage Qatari talents, and bridge concepts and address topics and challenges in the field of information technology. He emphasized the importance of informing the public about these topics and promoting a culture of technology among both the general public and those with a specific interest in the field.
The implementation of AI and digital transformation requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that considers economic, social, ethical, and environmental dimensions. Both AI and digital transformation are transformative forces that offer significant opportunities and challenges. Majarrah concluded her presentation by showcasing examples of Southtech’s smart applications, including security and safety systems such as drones and robots, expressing her interest in promoting the concept of a “smart nation” and connecting rural areas with urban cities for mutual benefit.
The Katara Tech Forum is a reflection of Katara’s commitment to promoting a culture of technology among the public and those with a specific interest in the field. The goal of the forum is to inform and educate individuals about the role of AI and digital transformation in driving the digital transformation of smart cities, supporting startups and medium-sized enterprises, encouraging Qatari talents, and addressing challenges in the field of information technology. By emphasizing the importance of these topics, the forum aims to bridge concepts and promote innovation and creativity in the digital era.
