Doha, Qatar: Positioned at the crossroads of East and West, Qatar is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in both technology and tourism. Guided by its 2030 vision, Qatar is on a path to becoming a premier digital hub through significant investments in digital infrastructure, while also transforming its reputation as a vibrant tourist destination.
With a clear ambition, Qatar's Digital Agenda 2030 aims to elevate the nation as a tech leader. A flurry of investments in major tech players such as Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, alongside advancements in 5G technology, has resulted in Qatar becoming a trailblazer in digital infrastructure. Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and fintech are at the forefront of revolutionizing key sectors like healthcare, energy, and finance via a robust collaboration between government and private sectors.
Vahe Torossian, President, Chief Partner Officer, and Chief Revenue Officer of Builder.ai, stated in an interview with The Peninsula that digital innovation is driving substantial growth in AI and related technologies within Qatar and the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. "AI is transforming businesses, industries, and economies, especially in the GCC region, where governments see it as the future," Torossian emphasized.
One of the most notable developments in Qatar's tech landscape is its staggering investment of $2.5 billion in AI and data analytics, which is projected to generate an impressive $11 billion by 2030. An insightful report from Invest Qatar and Accenture predicts that this ambitious push could create approximately 26,000 jobs and position Qatar among the top 10 digital economies worldwide.
Qatar’s ascent on the global digital readiness scale is evident. The Oxford Insights AI Readiness Index 2024 ranks Qatar as one of the leading nations in AI readiness, comparable to its GCC neighbors, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, who are also making strides in innovation. Qatar's educational institutions, such as the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), Qatar University, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), are molding an AI-driven future by fostering a tech-savvy workforce.
The regional economic landscape is also undergoing a transformation. A recent report by PwC suggests that by 2030, the Middle East is set to secure 2% of the total global benefits of AI, translating to a potential $320 billion economic boost.
Builder.ai is a prime example of innovation in action. The company is experiencing rapid growth, with Torossian noting, "We are expanding to help more businesses bring their ideas to life. As companies go digital, we’re making software development easier, faster, and more affordable." With a focus on key markets across the Middle East, North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Builder.ai aims to democratize app development through user-friendly platforms like Natasha AI, which empowers even non-technical individuals to create applications.
Encouragingly, Qatar’s startup ecosystem is thriving as Builder.ai collaborates closely with incubators and innovation hubs, ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to no-code and low-code tools. This initiative allows individuals with ideas to develop real digital products, significantly contributing to the burgeoning digital landscape.
While Qatar's digital ambitions flourished, its tourism sector is undergoing a profound transformation as well. Positioned strategically as a global transit hub, Qatar is now leveraging its geographical advantage to entice tourists, shifting perception from a mere stopover to a premier travel destination.
Hamad International Airport (HIA) plays a pivotal role in this transformation and has earned accolades as one of the best airports globally, serving over 170 destinations. The airport epitomizes luxury and comfort, featuring cultural experiences that resonate with travellers, and actively promotes Qatar’s rich heritage through partnerships with local artists and institutions.
A significant component of this strategy is the Discover Qatar initiative, which permits airline passengers to make extended layovers into enriching short stays. This innovative Stopover Programme has effectively attracted over 100,000 room nights in just one year, offering curated experiences such as guided tours of iconic landmarks, including Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Qatar Airways is at the heart of these efforts, expanding aggressively into key markets and enhancing connectivity through strategic acquisitions, including a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. Such moves position Qatar as a vital stop for Australian travellers, linking them more seamlessly to Europe and North America and bolstering inbound tourism.
However, transitioning from a stopover to a tourist destination comes with its set of challenges. Competing hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi command strong recognition as tourism hotspots, making it imperative for Qatar to reshape global perceptions. Qatar's strategic response includes embracing its legacy from hosting momentous events like the FIFA World Cup 2022, which has established a new trajectory for tourism.
Looking ahead, Qatar is positioning itself not just as a stopover, but as a must-visit destination that combines culture, innovation, and unmatched hospitality. With ambitious projects such as Lusail City that feature luxurious hotels, shopping experiences, and entertainment venues, Qatar stands poised to unlock its tourism potential further and captivate the hearts of millions. The ongoing developments affirm Qatar's commitment to transforming transient passengers into enthusiastic tourists, enriching both its economy and global presence.
