Qatar Artificial Intelligence
Qatar’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) market has grown significantly in recent years. The AI market is estimated at over $400 million and is expected to grow rapidly in the next five years. Qatar aims to leverage its fossil fuel economic advantage to transition into a knowledge-based economy. Qatar has recently announced a $2.4 billion incentive package to bolster AI capabilities and move toward a comprehensive digital transformation by investing in technology, innovation, and AI. In addition, significant investments from multinational companies in the sector are strengthening the capabilities and drawing global tech leaders to Qatar.
Qatar’s AI strategy aims to enhance data centers and management capabilities, potentially attracting multinational businesses. To draw in foreign businesses and maintain stability in cross-border trade in important technologies, Qatar is harmonizing its AI regulations with those of the U.S. and the EU. Qatar is focusing its AI initiatives on critical infrastructure, human resources, healthcare, education, research, entertainment, and other areas of strategic interest to maximize efficiency and boost economic growth. Having access to semiconductors is crucial to the growth of the artificial intelligence market. However, semiconductor manufacturing development is not as important to Qatar given the supply chain challenges since the COVID pandemic. To gain access to cutting edge chips, the nation established solid ties with top suppliers.
In line with the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030’s implementation through successful national development plans, Qatar issued its Third National Development Approach (NDS-3), 2024- 2030, which defines the strategy for the next stage of the country’s development journey toward realizing the QNV 2030. Qatar strongly emphasized AI as a key priority sector by integrating AI in the NDS-3 with the aim to accelerate its economic diversification efforts and establish itself as a leader in AI innovation. In support of the NDS-3, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology subsequently announced the National Digital Agenda 2030, which defines the implementation of the NDS-3 and aims to serve as a roadmap to the further development of the country’s digital economy by building on Qatar’s technological evolution, sustainability, and economic diversification initiatives.
Sub-sectors with strong market potential
The future of AI-related industries in Qatar appears bright. Because of Qatar’s procurement-focused strategy, companies that specialize in AI hardware are likely to find a receptive market. Given the vast amount of data required to meet Qatar’s goals of maintaining and improving its high-quality public services and boosting business efficiency, providers of data centers and infrastructure, as well as those that offer data analytics, cloud computing, and AI-driven technologies, also seem to be in high demand. Furthermore, the inclination of Qatar to incorporate itself into current AI regulatory frameworks could provide comfort to foreign investors and partners by supporting stable supply chains and seamless cross-border operations.
Next Steps for the U.S. Client
U.S. companies offering products/services in the AI segment who are interested in exploring business opportunities in the Qatar market should reach out to Srinivasa Murthy, Commercial Specialist at: Srinivasa.Murthy@trade.gov
Upcoming Trade Shows
World Summit AI MENA 2024
Date: December 10-11, 2024
Venue: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center
Qatar Web Summit 2025
Date: February 23-26, 2025
Venue: Doha Exhibition & Convention Center
Conduct Market Research
U.S. firms should closely monitor the following resources to learn more about Qatar’s unique market and review potential opportunities:
Third National Development Strategy
National Digital Agenda 2030
Qatar’s National AI Strategy
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (mcit.gov.qa)
Communications Regulatory Authority
For further information regarding opportunities in this sector, please contact your local U.S. Office and/or Srinivasa Murthy, Commercial Specialist at: Srinivasa.Murthy@trade.gov