Qatar has emerged as a resilient, diversified, and future-focused economy, driven by rapid technological advancement, writes PwC executive Bassam Hajhamad. The nation climbed 21 places to rank 49th in the Global Innovation Index 2024 and jumped from 78th to 53rd in the UN E-Government Development Index 2024, reflecting its growing global stature.
Central to this progress is the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Qatar launched its National AI Strategy in 2019 and aligned it with the National Digital Agenda 2030 (NDA 2030), which emphasizes innovation, digital infrastructure, and skills development in emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and nanotechnology.
Generative AI (GenAI) has become pivotal in Qatar’s industries. PwC’s recent CEO Study revealed that 90% of Qatari CEOs adopted GenAI last year—surpassing the global average—and nearly all plan to integrate it further into technology platforms, business processes, and product development within three years. A strong 90% intend to embed GenAI in workforce strategies, reflecting a proactive drive to leverage emerging tech for competitive advantage.
Qatari businesses are already deploying AI in customer service chatbots, real-time analytics, AI-powered CRM, supply chain optimisation, and financial forecasting. This reflects a mindset keen on evolving business practices in response to global megatrends.
Government investments in digital infrastructure are soaring, with projected spending reaching $5.7 billion by 2026, up from $1.65 billion in 2022. The Qatar Investment Authority is a key player in scaling AI initiatives. Research hubs like the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing at Hamad Bin Khalifa University are advancing next-generation tech, impacting sectors such as smart grids, finance, and renewable energy.
Industry convergence powered by AI is unlocking new value through cross-sector partnerships, notably in finance, healthcare, energy, and technology. PwC’s survey showed 63% of CEOs collaborating with other organisations, 57% accessing new customer bases, and 47% pursuing innovative market routes.
Businesses are also investing heavily in AI skills development and employee training to maintain adaptability amid rapid automation and intelligence adoption.
Qatar’s forward-looking policies and investments are setting the stage for sustained economic resilience and global competitiveness, positioning the country to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
