Qatar recently hosted the 4th Qatar Economic Forum with 50+ Plenary Speakers and 1000+ Global Leaders in attendance. The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced a $2.47 Billion AI-focused package. The announcement has created waves in the AI ecosystem.
Arab AI project ‘Al-Fanar’ was launched to develop Arabic, large linguistic models. Fanar aims to collect quality Arabic data to enhance linguistic models and preserve Arab identity. Additionally, the project reflects Qatar’s commitment to digital transformation. Al Mannai highlighted Fanar’s potential to lead in the AI sector and emphasized the importance of “data diplomacy” for technology access. This groundbreaking venture underscores Qatar’s unwavering commitment to digital advancement, with a particular focus on technology, innovation, and AI. However, Al Mannai highlighted the concept of “data diplomacy” as imperative for ensuring equitable access to technology. Drawing an analogy between AI and a restaurant, he likened data to the kitchen, essential yet often overlooked. Further, he emphasized the critical need for ample data availability to drive technological innovation forward.
Further to the AI incentive package, Al Thani announced that Qatar will host the Web Summit for the first time in the Middle East and Africa. He emphasised that this meeting aligns with the country’s digital transformation initiatives. Additionally, it would enable Qatar to collaborate with significant investors and share experiences with technological pioneers around the globe. The Forum was convened under the primary agenda of “A Changing World: Navigating the Unknown”. The major discussions revolved around Globalisation & Trade, Energy Transition and Technological Innovation.
