Qatar’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2019)

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Qatar (2019) is a comprehensive plan designed to position Qatar as a leader in the AI-driven global economy. Its purpose is to harness the power of AI to secure Qatar’s economic diversification, enhance societal development, and advance the nation’s technological capacity in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The strategy outlines a path to integrate AI into all sectors of life, governance, and business, fostering an ecosystem where AI empowers innovation and growth.

The scope of the strategy is broad and forward-looking. It considers Qatar’s unique position as a small, well-connected, and resource-rich nation capable of building AI capabilities tailored to local needs while contributing to global advancements. AI’s transformative potential is captured through its ability to revolutionise key sectors, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, national security, and economic development.

The strategy acknowledges AI as the driving force of the future and emphasises Qatar’s readiness to embrace the AI+X paradigm—a concept where AI permeates all aspects of human endeavour. With its high internet penetration rate, cutting-edge research institutions, and existing infrastructure, Qatar is well-positioned to pioneer AI-driven solutions for local challenges and establish itself as a role model in integrating AI into daily life.

The document also highlights the urgency of Qatar’s action. Globally, the AI race is accelerating, and nations are competing to establish leadership through innovation and adoption. Without proactive measures, Qatar risks falling behind in an increasingly AI-dependent global economy. However, through this strategy, Qatar seeks to balance its rapid technological progress with ethical governance, ensuring that AI development aligns with its cultural, social, and economic values.

At the core of the strategy are six strategic pillars that outline Qatar’s priorities for AI development and adoption. These pillars form the foundation for transforming Qatar into an AI-enabled nation.

Six strategic pillars

1. Education and talent development (AI+X era)
   The strategy emphasises the need to build a robust AI talent pipeline by integrating AI education into all levels of learning. This includes preparing students, professionals, and educators to adapt to an AI-driven future while attracting international AI expertise to the country.
2. Data access
   Recognising that data fuels AI innovation, the strategy highlights the importance of creating guidelines and governance mechanisms that encourage data sharing. Qatar’s small size and centralised infrastructure provide a unique opportunity to establish a national data strategy that ensures accessibility, security, and privacy.
3. Employment transformation
   AI will inevitably reshape the employment landscape. The strategy aims to leverage AI as a tool to augment the workforce, focusing on enhancing productivity and creating new AI-related roles. By upskilling Qatari citizens, the strategy envisions a workforce capable of managing and coexisting with AI technologies.
4. New business and economic opportunities
   Qatar’s economic diversification relies on fostering AI-driven innovation across strategic industries, such as oil and gas, finance, and logistics. The strategy calls for investment in AI infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and support for AI startups, ensuring businesses embrace AI to remain competitive in a globalised economy.
5. Focus areas for Qatar
   The strategy identifies key areas where AI development is both strategic and imperative. These include Arabic language processing, national security, precision medicine, transportation, food security, and oil and gas. By focusing on these domains, Qatar can develop homegrown AI solutions that address national priorities while achieving global leadership.
6. Ethics and public policy
   Ethical considerations are central to Qatar’s AI strategy. The strategy stresses the importance of creating transparent, fair, and accountable AI systems. It advocates for governance frameworks that align with Qatari cultural and social values while addressing global ethical challenges associated with AI.

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Qatar (2019) is both a call to action and a roadmap for the future. It highlights the transformative potential of AI while urging strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and governance. By acting with urgency and foresight, Qatar can leverage AI to secure its position as a critical player in the global AI economy while improving the quality of life for its citizens and residents. The strategy aligns technological progress with societal values, ensuring that AI becomes a force for sustainable development and prosperity.