Doha became a focal point for technological advancement as Microsoft’s global AI Tour arrived in Qatar. Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, the event gathered business leaders, government officials, and technology professionals at the Raffles Doha Hotel. The one-day event aimed to inspire and educate attendees on harnessing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various industries.
A Global Initiative with Local Impact
The Doha event was part of Microsoft’s AI Tour, a series spanning over 60 cities worldwide. Themed “AI for Everyone: AI Innovation Today and Tomorrow,” the tour offered a comprehensive program that included keynote presentations, technical workshops, and hands-on sessions led by top Microsoft executives and AI experts. This initiative underscores Microsoft’s commitment to empowering organizations in both public and private sectors to leverage AI for real-world impact.
Industry experts emphasized the significance of AI in accelerating digital transformation in sectors such as healthcare, finance, government services, and education. The event provided practical insights into AI-powered solutions that can improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation.
Qatar’s Vision for AI-Powered Growth
In his inaugural address, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai outlined Qatar’s national vision for AI-driven growth. He emphasized the government’s dedication to advancing AI projects across key sectors, aligning with the nation’s Digital Agenda 2030.
“Qatar has witnessed significant progress in Artificial Intelligence as part of its Digital Agenda 2030,” stated Al Mannai. “We are committed to integrating AI technologies across government institutions to strengthen Qatar’s global leadership in responsible AI adoption. Our focus is on fostering innovation, developing local talent, and ensuring ethical AI use to benefit society.”
He further highlighted the importance of collaboration between government entities, private companies, and research institutions to develop a robust AI ecosystem. By investing in AI research and infrastructure, Qatar aims to position itself as a regional leader in AI-driven digital transformation.
Microsoft’s Role in Shaping AI Advancements
Ralph Haupter, President of Microsoft EMEA, highlighted Microsoft’s influence in global AI advancements and its dedication to responsible AI practices. He showcased how Microsoft’s latest AI capabilities can assist Qatar in achieving its ambitious digital goals.
“AI is transforming every organization around the world in both the private and public sectors—improving the lives of residents and unlocking economic opportunity,” Haupter noted. “Through this AI Tour, we are sharing cutting-edge advancements that empower businesses and governments to harness AI’s full potential.”
Haupter also addressed the importance of AI ethics, emphasizing Microsoft’s commitment to developing AI that is fair, transparent, and secure. He stressed that responsible AI adoption must be a priority to ensure equitable and sustainable progress.
Showcasing Local AI Innovations
The event featured several leading Qatari organizations that presented their latest AI solutions. Participants included Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways, Ashghal, Kahramaa, Public Prosecution, and Power International Holding (PIH). These showcases demonstrated the practical applications of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and service quality across various sectors.
For instance, Hamad International Airport highlighted its AI-driven passenger experience enhancements, such as predictive analytics for airport congestion management. Qatar Airways demonstrated how AI is revolutionizing customer service, optimizing flight scheduling, and improving safety measures. Similarly, Ashghal and Kahramaa showcased their AI-powered infrastructure management solutions that help improve energy efficiency and streamline urban planning.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Endeavors
The AI Tour in Doha exemplified Microsoft’s commitment to fostering AI adoption throughout Qatar’s public and private sectors. The event was supported by partners such as QDS, ICT, Malomatia, Ebla, Mannai Trading, Cloud4C, netways, Crayon, and TeKnowledge. These collaborations aim to equip Qatar’s workforce with essential AI skills and tools, empowering them to thrive in the digital era.
A significant focus of the event was the role of AI in driving economic growth and job creation. Experts discussed how AI-powered automation can boost productivity while also creating new employment opportunities in emerging technology fields. Training programs and educational initiatives were highlighted as crucial components in preparing the next generation of AI professionals.
Strategic Partnerships Enhancing AI Integration
In a related development, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) signed a strategic partnership with Scale AI during the Web Summit Qatar 2025. This five-year agreement focuses on applying AI technologies to enhance the quality of services in government entities.
It includes specialized training programs to build AI capabilities within the national workforce and aims to develop over 50 AI-driven use cases by 2029. These initiatives are designed to streamline processes, improve operational efficiency, and enable smarter decision-making within the public sector.
Moreover, the partnership seeks to enhance AI research and innovation in Qatar by fostering collaboration between local universities, research institutions, and international technology leaders. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for AI development and deployment.
Advancing Smart Tourism Through AI
Further showcasing Qatar’s commitment to AI-driven innovation, Visit Qatar entered into a strategic partnership with Microsoft to advance AI-powered smart tourism solutions. Announced at the Web Summit Qatar 2025, this collaboration aims to enhance the visitor experience through advanced digital tools.
Building upon the success of Visit Qatar’s GenAI Travel Concierge, the partnership seeks to introduce AI solutions that make travel planning more personalized and interactive for visitors worldwide. Through AI-driven chatbots, augmented reality experiences, and predictive analytics, Qatar aims to offer a seamless and engaging tourism experience for international travelers.
Qatar’s Commitment to Arabic Language in AI
Demonstrating a dedication to cultural preservation in the digital age, Qatar inaugurated the Arabic Artificial Intelligence Large Language Model (LLM) “Fanar” during the World Summit AI. This project reflects Qatar’s commitment to enhancing the presence of the Arabic language and Islamic culture in the AI era.
Developed through collaboration between the MCIT and Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Fanar aims to empower the Arab community with advanced tools that respect cultural identity and contribute to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030. By developing AI models that understand and process Arabic language and dialects accurately, Qatar is ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in AI-powered applications.
Conclusion
The Microsoft AI Tour in Doha, under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, marked a significant milestone in Qatar’s journey toward AI-powered innovation and transformation. Through strategic partnerships, government initiatives, and a commitment to cultural preservation, Qatar is positioning itself as a global leader in responsible AI adoption. These efforts are set to drive growth, create value, and unlock the full potential of AI across various industries in the nation.
With continuous advancements in AI technology and ongoing collaboration between global and local stakeholders, Qatar is well on its way to becoming a hub for AI-driven innovation, economic diversification, and digital excellence in the region.
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