The Qatar National Vision 2030 strategic statement acknowledges that nations that leverage ICT for economic development and mature into knowledge-based economies would be successful in the future. This nation has made some headway toward this objective by transitioning its energy-based economy into a diverse, knowledge-based society. The nation increased its efforts in recent years to modernize, develop, and integrate its ICT capabilities in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In terms of system automation, innovation, and the use of new technologies, Qatar is quickly establishing itself as a global leader. The ICT sector, which contributes 1.9 percent of GDP, is recognized as a key sector in the national agenda. The ICT market, which is currently valued at $4.4 billion and is expected to grow rapidly, will create a healthy environment for American businesses of all kinds to penetrate. The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) split into two distinct ministries at the end of October 2021. HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai is the minister-in-charge of the recently established Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). This ministry serves as the government’s technology champion, facilitator, and regulator. The Qatar Smart Nation program, also known as TASMU, is focused on modernizing Qatar. It is a five-year, $1.6 billion initiative launched in 2017 to develop Qatar’s ICT infrastructure and make Doha one of the most connected cities in the world.
ICT modernization
ICT modernization is a key component of Vision 2030 since it lays the technological groundwork required to develop future high-paying jobs, diversify the economy, and draw in foreign investors. To appeal to potential investors and partners, U.S. businesses wishing to market their technology products and services in Qatar must take into account Qatar’s growth objectives. Protecting people’s privacy and lowering the likelihood of cybersecurity hazards such as data breaches, exploitation, and cyber espionage are also critical components of this sector’s success. These are only some of the significant concerns that must be addressed. Preventing illegal access to critical business and personal data, which could compromise an individual’s privacy, economic sovereignty, intellectual property, and national security, is another concern for the sector. The Qatar Smart Nation Initiative aims to improve living conditions and support long-term economic growth in five main areas: transportation, logistics, the environment, healthcare, and sports.
As part of Qatar’s E-government 2020 objective, individual government agencies, including the Ministries of the Interior, Finance, and Municipality and Environment, continue their respective “digitalization” strategies. They opened up opportunities for the creation of smart solutions and applications in important industries using cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics, etc. To realize its Smart Nation objectives, Qatar has made tremendous progress and announcements, including the creation of a Microsoft Azure Data Center that became life in August 2022.
Sub-sector best prospects
- Cyber Security
- E-commerce
- Financial Technology
- Healthcare
- Logistics
- Smart City Solutions
- Cloud Services
Opportunities and major trade shows
Qatar is open to collaborating with American businesses to acquire high-quality, secure, and safe goods and services. Qatar has a clear development agenda, particularly for the ICT industry. There are opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with products and services in the ICT ecosystem to profit from having large U.S. firms as anchors in this market. Large U.S. firms have seen great success in the sector in recent years. Both the governmental and private sectors in Qatar are eager to see more American SMEs participate in the market.
Large-scale infrastructure-driven and government-led initiatives in the construction, transportation, logistics, healthcare, energy, environment, education, and sports sectors are the main drivers of growth.
