COUNTRY FOCUS : QATAR
Snapshot of Qatar ’ s ICT
Oxford Business Group states that Qatar ’ s prioritisation of its ICT sector is rooted in its ambition to become a knowledge-based economy , in line with the overarching economic development plan , Qatar National Vision 2030 . This strategy is a cornerstone of its economic diversification plans and growth , with spending on ICT set to reach $ 6.2bn by 2026 , compared to $ 5.6bn in 2023 , according to US-based digital market intelligence firm International Data Corporation .
Overseeing the evolution of Qatar ’ s ICT sector is the Ministry of Communications and IT , the remit of which is to make sure that the sector ’ s evolution continues in line with broader national development requirements .
Qatar ’ s ICT sector ’ s estimated value was $ 11.8bn in 2022 , and the sector is expected to reach a market size of $ 24.4bn by 2027 , demonstrating a CAGR of 15.6 %, according to UK data analytics firm Global Data .
Qatar expanded its cloud infrastructure with the opening of a new Google Cloud region from Google ’ s Centre of Excellence in Doha ’ s Ras Bufontas free zone in May 2023 .
Aside from the expected boost to economic growth and employment opportunities , Google and Microsoft ’ s regions are set to bring many long-term benefits . In an increasingly security-conscious environment , they have boosted confidence in the use of the cloud in Qatar , as it is no longer necessary to move data outside the country for cloud storage .
Google and Microsoft ’ s presence is expected to stimulate demand for their different service offerings , such as AI and predictive analytics , and support a wider digital transformation .
In September 2023 Ooredoo became the world ’ s first mobile service provider to deploy 50 GB-capable passive optical networks , a fibre-based access connection that offers network speeds of up to 50 Gbps on a single connection . Rum rerspic iassuntion necae des molestissim Qatar ’ s focus que on il its ipit ICT sector is a crucial component of its broader economic
diversification strategy to transition to a knowledge-based economy . Key initiatives such as the Qatar Digital Government Strategy 2021 – 26 , Digital Agenda 2030 and TASMU underscore the country ’ s efforts to leverage technology in order to improve public services and enhance economic competitiveness .
In fact , Qatar ranked 16th in the World Bank ’ s 2022 GovTech Maturity Index , reflecting its commitment to advancing technology in the public sector . sustainable energy solutions , blending technology with environmental goals .
Moreover , Qatar is supporting innovation and research through programs like the Qatar Science and Technology Park , QSTP , which nurtures startups and fosters R & D across various sectors . All these efforts are geared towards achieving Qatar ’ s goal of building a knowledge-based economy that thrives on innovation and technology .
In this evolving landscape , companies like Mindware are playing a crucial role in Qatar ’ s digital transformation . With a broad technology portfolio and a range of professional services , Mindware is a key player in accelerating the country ’ s shift towards a technology-driven economy .
The company ’ s contributions to Qatar ’ s technology sector include providing AI-driven solutions , advanced cloud computing services , and hybrid cloud infrastructure to help businesses and government entities modernise their operations .
Mindware also focuses on ensuring robust data security through scalable , high-performance data centres and enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions . Its support extends to digital transformation , offering consulting , implementation , and managed services to optimise IT environments for greater efficiency and innovation .
As an official distributor of global technology brands such as Dell Technologies , Nvidia , IBM , Oracle , Microsoft , Lenovo , Veritas , and others , Mindware ensures that Qatari businesses have access to the latest advancements in networking , AI , security , and cloud computing .
Toni Azzi , Vice President , Qatar , Africa and Levant , Mindware
In addition to AI and blockchain , Qatar is fostering a strong fintech ecosystem , promoting digital payments and blockchain-based financial services to attract global investors . The development of an ICT and innovation hub is also a priority , with Qatar pushing forward research in areas such as AI and cybersecurity .
As part of its green technology initiatives , Qatar has launched sovereign green bonds and invested in
Mindware ’ s strategic partnership with these global technology leaders enables Qatari organisations to adopt next-generation digital solutions , further fuelling Qatar ’ s technology-driven growth .
By assisting businesses and government agencies in embracing cutting-edge technologies , Mindware continues to be a crucial enabler of Qatar ’ s economic transformation in line with the nation ’ s Vision 2030 . p
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