The State of Qatar is accelerating its transition toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy in alignment with its Qatar National Vision 2030. This strategic shift, which emphasizes innovation, digital infrastructure, and human capital development, positions Qatar as a regional leader in digital transformation and sustainable growth.
Central to this transformation is Qatar’s ongoing effort to shift from a hydrocarbon-based economy to one founded on knowledge and technology. With investments in AI, cloud computing, and advanced telecommunications, Qatar has achieved notable global recognition. In 2024, the country climbed from 78th to 53rd in the UN E-Government Development Index and ranked fifth globally in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index.
These achievements are supported by partnerships with leading global technology firms such as Microsoft, Google, and IBM. Qatar’s commitment to digital governance dates back to 2003, when it launched its first e-government platform. Today, the “Qatar Digital Agenda 2030” outlines a comprehensive framework covering six pillars: digital infrastructure, government, economy, society, technology, and innovation. The plan includes 23 strategic initiatives and aims to grow the ICT sector’s contribution to GDP from 1% to 1.3%, equivalent to USD 3.2 billion annually.
The Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) reinforces this shift, with goals such as automating 90% of government services by 2030 and improving global governance rankings. The creation of the Artificial Intelligence Committee in 2021 and the launch of the National AI Strategy in 2019 are further proof of Qatar’s intent to lead in smart governance and responsible innovation.
Qatar’s digital infrastructure already sets global benchmarks. According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index (April 2025), Qatar ranks first worldwide in mobile internet speed, with 5G and fiber-optic networks covering more than 99% of the population. This connectivity underpins Qatar’s use of technologies like AI and big data.
Telecom provider Ooredoo has been instrumental in this transformation. According to its Chief Business Officer Thani Al-Malki, the company is finalizing its rollout of standalone 5G (5G SA), crucial for next-generation services including smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and telehealth. Ooredoo is also investing in AI platforms, cybersecurity, and national cloud infrastructure, while offering upskilling programs in data science and AI for Qatari professionals.
Human capital remains at the core of this transformation. By 2030, Qatar aims to create 26,000 ICT-related jobs and increase national participation in the sector to 10%. National training programs and partnerships with academic institutions aim to cultivate the next generation of digital leaders.
Ali Bu Sharbak Al-Mansori, Acting General Manager of Qatar Chamber, emphasized the private sector’s role in supporting this transformation. He highlighted initiatives to develop AI entrepreneurship and digital business incubators but also noted the challenges SMEs face, such as high costs of AI adoption and limited awareness. He called for updated regulations that can keep pace with AI advancements while ensuring ethical, transparent, and inclusive use.
AI expert Abdulrahman Al-Harib noted that artificial intelligence is already transforming key sectors—enhancing efficiency in healthcare, renewable energy, education, and agriculture. He emphasized the need for robust national data strategies, suggesting that domestic data sources be treated as strategic assets and used to support research and AI-driven decision-making. Al-Harib also proposed the establishment of a national AI agency to monitor performance and support sector-specific innovation.
Qatar’s institutions, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Science and Technology Park, and specialized AI centers, continue to push the boundaries of research and applied science. The ICT sector’s contribution to non-oil GDP is expected to reach 3.5% by 2030.
Digital inclusion is also a key focus. Initiatives like “Digital Skills for All” and “Qatar Digital Challenge” aim to boost literacy among women, youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring broader participation in the knowledge economy.
In healthcare, digital records and telemedicine tools have improved access and reduced service gaps. These innovations highlight the wider societal benefits of Qatar’s digital strategy.
Ultimately, Qatar’s knowledge transformation is more than a policy—it’s a national reconfiguration of how the country generates growth and opportunity. With sustained investments and a clear roadmap, Qatar is poised to emerge as a global model for sustainable, innovation-driven development by 2030.
Source: Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
