DOHA: Qatar is at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the MENA region, investing $2.4 billion (QR8.75bn) in incentives to enhance its AI capabilities and attract global technology experts. Faisal Al Monai, Co-Founder and Chairman of droppGroup, emphasized that these investments are part of Qatar’s broader strategy to build a smart economy, with digital investments expected to reach $5.7 billion (QR20.77bn) by 2026, up from $1.65 billion (QR6.01bn) in 2022.
“AI has significantly impacted Qatar and the broader MENA region, driving productivity, efficiency, and innovation across various sectors. In Qatar, AI initiatives like the Fanar AI project have been launched to enhance linguistic programs and support digital transformation,” said Al Monai.
He noted that significant strides in AI adoption and development are evident across the MENA region. For instance, Saudi Arabia’s National Strategy for Data and AI aims to secure $20 billion (QR72.88bn) in investments by 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in AI. This initiative includes training 20,000 AI specialists and creating over 30,000 AI-related jobs as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
The UAE is also making substantial progress, exemplified by the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the world’s first graduate-level AI university, highlighting its commitment to becoming a global AI hub.
In Qatar, AI is being leveraged to improve various sectors such as healthcare, education, and transportation, contributing to the national vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. Al Monai remarked, “These efforts collectively underscore the MENA region’s dedication to harnessing AI for economic growth and innovation, making it a burgeoning landscape for technological advancement.”
AI technologies are being utilized across numerous industries in the region, driving innovation and efficiency. Key sectors like energy, healthcare, and government in Saudi Arabia are leading the way. Organizations such as Saudi Aramco are using AI through initiatives like Metabrain AI to enhance energy efficiency and optimize drilling operations.
In the UAE, the transportation and logistics sectors are adopting AI to improve traffic control and support autonomous vehicle development. The healthcare industry is also making significant advancements with AI in diagnostics, patient care, and administrative efficiencies.
“Qatar is leveraging AI in education, employing AI-driven platforms for personalized learning experiences and administrative management. The country’s financial sector is also embracing AI for fraud detection, risk management, and customer service enhancements,” added Al Monai.
Experts across the region highlight the diverse applications of AI technologies, driving productivity, innovation, and economic growth.
