In 2022, Microsoft inaugurated its first global data center in Qatar, marking the country’s ambition to lead in Artificial Intelligence initiatives within the Gulf region. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has recently announced a significant expansion of Qatar’s cloud data center capabilities in partnership with Microsoft.
This collaboration has successfully integrated data analytics and AI services for 43 government and semi-government entities onto Microsoft’s Azure Cloud platform. Sami Al Shammari, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs at MCIT, praised the partnership, stating that the expansion reflects the ministry’s commitment to equipping government entities with state-of-the-art technologies, particularly AI innovations.
“Our goal is to keep pace with the latest developments in AI and apply them across various sectors, aligning with the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030,” Al Shammari noted, emphasizing the aim to position Qatar as a hub for innovation and technology.
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Microsoft’s Azure cloud services are experiencing rapid growth, bolstered by substantial investments in AI and access to technologies developed by OpenAI, thanks to their strategic partnership. Over the past three years, 1,393 individuals have trained in AI techniques, and 143 entities have transitioned to the Azure platform.
Microsoft’s cloud data center in Qatar is part of a global network encompassing over 60 regions. Before the 2022 launch, Microsoft and MCIT initiated the National Skilling Program, targeting the training of 50,000 individuals in digital skills over the next four years.
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