Digital agenda • Chapter summary

Qatar’s speed in digitalizing its economy and society is surprising, as blockchain, big data, 5G networks, automation, AI, and robotics are no longer headline news. The country has become quite familiar with new technologies and has been labelled as an early adopter of innovative solutions. In fact, Qatar was one the first countries to deploy 5G, enabling the development of related technologies such as cloud and IoT. In all, the ICT market in Qatar is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.1% until 2024, with total spending projected to reach USD2.77 billion.

This chapter sheds light on the three main topics we discussed with the sector’s top players: the expansion of 5G networks to cover the entire territory and create the perfect environment for the application of other new technologies; SME engagement in the digital era; and boosting business efficiency through technology.

Private companies such as Ooredoo and Vodafone are working to deliver 5G technology to all areas of the country to the benefit of citizens and the public and private sectors. However, SMEs are lagging behind their bigger cousins in terms of digital transformation. Working jointly, the public sector is adopting measures and launching funds and programs to guarantee their own digital transformation under the consideration that SMEs shall become the backbone of Qatar’s economy in the future.

The government starship digital program “TASMU” Smart Qatar is well on track in its aim to support the implementation of smart technology through five priority sectors: transportation, logistics, health, environment, and sports. “With TASMU Smart Qatar Program, MOTC will be soon launching Smart Qatar Central Platform (SQCP), an IoT-based platform being built on Azure Cloud that has not only spearheaded direct investment in cloud computing technologies but will also enable indirect investment in the cloud computing sector as various government and business entities utilize its capabilities to develop various smart city solutions and technologies. This has resulted in cloud computing being anticipated to have the highest growth rate of revenues, and could reach USD1.6 billion, equivalent to 17.8% growth by 2024,” declared Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications, in an interview with The Business Year.

Smart cities initiatives are also at the core of Qatar’s digitalization efforts. The newly established Lusail City, and Msheireb, a regeneration project of Doha’s downtown area, are both to feature stateof-the art connectivity and digital experiences. This chapter also includes the insights of companies that have established or expanded world-class infrastructure to support digitalization strategies such as MEEZA’s new data center M-VAULT 4 and Microsoft’s new cloud data center region in Qatar.