Reach For The Clouds
Lana Khalaf, Microsoft’s country manager for Qatar, explains how the tech giant’s cloud infrastructure is helping the country to accelerate its digital transformation.
How is Microsoft working with Qatar and what is the aim of the partnership?
Qatar’s forward-looking approach and the ambitions expressed through the Qatar National Vision 2030 speak to the ideology of transformation by design and not by chance. In partnership with the State of Qatar, we have brought Microsoft Cloud to the country, enabling enterprises to innovate and accelerate their digital transformation, while transforming the country into a digital hub for the region and the world.
Can you elaborate on the benefits of the new Microsoft data center? The new Microsoft cloud region will deliver unprecedented opportunity for public and private enterprises in Qatar to enhance their competitive edge and contribute to the nation’s digital transformation goals. Enterprises of all sizes and in all sectors, will have access to the latest, largest, and most advanced cloud services in the region, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things.
According to a study from IDC, Microsoft’s cloud investment in Qatar will lead to a $3.4 billion opportunity over the next five years and create more than 24,000 new jobs. There is a sustainability advantage too; Microsoft cloud services are up to 93% more energy efficient and up to 98% more carbon efficient than those of traditional enterprise data centers.
How has Microsoft already supported Qatar’s digital ambitions? During the coronavirus pandemic, Qatar leveraged Microsoft’s cloud services to achieve agility, resilience, security, and business continuity. Through joint efforts, more than 140,000 employees in Qatar were able to work remotely, and more than 400,000 students and teachers were equipped to learn online using Microsoft Teams. Within a matter of days, Microsoft technology was also enabling Qatar’s doctors, emergency responders, and caregivers to work remotely. These things were only possible because Qatar had already embarked on its digital transformation journey.
How important is the SME ecosystem and how is Microsoft supporting it?
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a profound impact on economic growth, representing up to 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. Some 600 million jobs will be needed by 2030 to absorb the growing global workforce, making SME development a priority for governments.
Microsoft is committed to empowering startups in Qatar by offering them the technology and resources to scale their businesses in the cloud. We work with Qatari entities such as Fintech Hub, QDB, TASMU, Ooredoo, Tawteen, and Nautica 360 to empower a diverse range of startups spanning sectors from fintech to sports.
How is Microsoft helping Qatar to prepare the current generation for a digital future?
Our mission is to empower every individual and organization across the world to achieve more, and we are dedicated to supporting Qatar as it works towards its visionary agenda. Through new, locally delivered services, we aim to help the current workforce to harness the power of the cloud and we are partnering with the Qatari government to deliver core digital skills to more than 50,000 people by 2025.