Qatar’s QRDI Council has concluded a two-day Foresight Workshop aimed at strengthening the country’s position as a regional hub for innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). The event brought together over 100 stakeholders from regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and industry leaders to explore Qatar’s AI trajectory and identify strategic interventions.
The workshop, held in Doha, was organized under the framework of Qatar’s National Development Strategy and Innovation Policy, focusing on building shared foresight on the future of AI innovation in the country. Participants engaged in scenario-based discussions and interactive sessions led by experts to examine key drivers shaping Qatar’s AI landscape.
Shaping Qatar’s AI Ecosystem
Executive Director at QRDI Council, Nejoud Al-Jehani, emphasized the importance of aligning with Qatar’s AI ambitions through actionable strategies. The workshop aimed to identify key enablers and opportunities that will drive innovation and position Qatar as a regional hub for responsible AI innovation. According to Al-Jehani, bringing together experts and industry leaders was crucial in achieving this goal.
Assistant Secretary-General for the Center for Future Foresight and National Visions at the National Planning Council, Bassam Issa Al-Mannai, highlighted the role of future foresight in shaping Qatar’s strategic direction in the age of AI. He stated that anticipating emerging opportunities and integrating foresight into national planning will ensure AI serves as a cornerstone for innovation and economic diversification.
Key Drivers and Opportunities
Participants explored how key drivers such as AI talent mobility, governance models, compute infrastructure, and public confidence could shape Qatar’s AI trajectory over the next decade. A high-level panel discussion titled “Where Can Qatar Lead in Innovation in AI?” examined areas where Qatar could demonstrate leadership in AI research, data governance, and responsible innovation.
The workshop featured opening keynotes by former Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Dr. Hessa Al Jaber, and Secretary-General of QRDI Council, Eng. Omar Ali Al Ansari. The event also included participation from various government ministries, technology providers, and investment organizations.
Artificial Intelligence and Qatar’s National Vision
The workshop’s outcomes will feed directly into Qatar’s broader efforts under the Qatar National Vision 2030, supporting the country’s ambition to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, research, and advanced technologies. The integration of AI into national planning is expected to drive economic diversification and innovation.
As Qatar continues to develop its AI ecosystem, the next steps will likely involve implementing the strategic interventions identified during the workshop. According to the QRDI Council, the outcomes of the workshop will guide national policy, innovation, and research priorities. The council is expected to release a report detailing the workshop’s findings and recommendations, which will likely inform future decision-making.
With the rapid evolution of AI technologies, Qatar’s progress in this area will be worth monitoring. The country’s ability to leverage AI for innovation and economic growth will depend on its capacity to address challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. As the QRDI Council moves forward with implementing the workshop’s outcomes, stakeholders will be watching for signs of progress toward Qatar’s AI ambitions.
