Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 108 | Page 49

COUNTRY FOCUS : QATAR
IDC forecasts that annual spending on AI-centric systems worldwide will surpass $ 300 billion by 2026 , while ICT spending in Qatar will surpass $ 5.8 billion by 2024 .

contributing to the growth of Qatar ' s digital economy . Additionally , the Award will honour digital innovators from startups , small and medium-sized enterprises , SMEs , as well as leading and distinguished individuals in technology . rnment

The 8th edition has been expanded to include seven new categories in order to promote innovation in advanced fields , while continuing to recognise the notable achievements in key categories from previous editions , such as : Best Systems Integrators , Best Smart Solution , Best Mobile App , Best ICT Service Provider , Best Innovative Digital Commerce Solution , Best Innovative Digital Startup , and Best SME Digital Transformation Initiative .
As for the new categories , they include Best Digital Transformation – Corporate , Best AI Solution – Corporate , Best AI Solution – SMEs , Entrepreneur of the Year , Best Cybersecurity Solution , Research and Development Excellence , and Best Digital Experience . These new categories are designed to acknowledge innovation in emerging fields that reflect the rapid advancements in the ICT sector . of an integrated digital government that provides effective , transparent , and easily accessible services to both individuals and businesses ; the development of a secure , advanced , and sustainable digital infrastructure ; and the empowerment of society with the tools needed for excellence in the global digital space , key factors aligned with the EGDI ' s criteria .
Qatar ’ s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology , has announced opening nominations for the 8th edition of Qatar Digital Business Award , QDBA 2024 . QDBA aims to recognise innovation and creativity in digital projects and supporting them , while fostering Qatar ' s leadership in various technological fields .
It also seeks to honour outstanding companies and institutions that provide innovative digital solutions
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology , MCIT , in partnership with Microsoft , has announced the expansion of the cloud data centre region in Qatar . This announcement was made during a Microsoft event celebrating the second anniversary of the opening of Microsoft ' s cloud data centre region in Doha .
The Microsoft ' s cloud data centre region in Qatar was inaugurated in 2022 and is part of Microsoft ' s global network of over 60 cloud data centre regions worldwide . The Region aims to empower government entities and businesses of all sizes to access a suite of Microsoft cloud services supported by cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities to reinvent the future .
Qatar has made impressive strides and announcements aimed at achieving its Smart Nation goals , including the establishment of a Microsoft Azure Data Centre , and Google Cloud Region Centre offering
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