The QRDI Council, in collaboration with the British Embassy in Doha, MoFA, and MCIT, has announced a call for project proposals under the Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) 2024-2025. The focus is on a scoping project on Qatar-UK Collaboration on Artificial Intelligence (AI), with submissions due by August 12, 2024. The goal of these proposals is to find practical and ambitious ways to enhance cooperation between Qatar and the UK, supporting both countries’ AI and critical technologies strategies.
Eng. Omar Al Ansari, QRDI Council’s Secretary-General, emphasizes the importance of advancing bilateral cooperation in AI through initiatives like Qatar’s Digital Vision 2030 and the UK’s investments in AI research and development. The partnership with MoFA, MCIT, and the British Embassy in Doha is seen as crucial in strengthening the relationship between RDI communities in Qatar and the UK, facilitating the exchange of experience and knowledge to achieve common goals.
The project is scheduled to run from September 2024 to March 2025, with funds ranging from £50,000 to £80,000. Led by the British Embassy in Doha and co-designed with QRDI Council, MoFA, and MCIT’s AI Committee, the project focuses on building and scaling AI ecosystems and enhancing bilateral relationships between Qatar and the UK. One of the key aspects of the project is to utilize local RDI talent in Qatar by encouraging implementers to include Qatari graduates to support their professional development and explore opportunities for launching AI-enabled companies and integrating AI into existing enterprises.
This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering collaboration between Qatar and the UK in the field of AI. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both countries, the project aims to drive innovation and technological advancement in AI. The cooperation between government agencies, research institutions, and industry players is expected to create a conducive environment for the development and deployment of AI technologies in both countries.
The partnership between QRDI Council, the British Embassy in Doha, MoFA, and MCIT demonstrates a commitment to fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of AI. By pooling their resources and expertise, the partners aim to address common challenges and capitalize on shared opportunities in AI research and development. The project is not only expected to benefit the RDI communities in Qatar and the UK but also to contribute to the global advancement of AI technologies.
Overall, the call for project proposals under the Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) 2024-2025 represents a unique opportunity for Qatar and the UK to collaborate on AI initiatives. By working together to enhance cooperation, drive innovation, and build AI ecosystems, the two countries can position themselves as leaders in the development and deployment of AI technologies. The project holds promise for fostering long-term partnerships, creating economic opportunities, and driving societal impact through the application of AI in various sectors.
