GSMA MWC26 Doha: New agenda-setting speaker and exhibitor line-up revealed
The GSMA has announced an agenda-setting speaker and exhibitor line-up for MWC26 Doha, MENA’s premier connectivity event, which returns to the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on 8-10 November 2026, co-located with the opening days of ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26). The second edition of MWC26 Doha will bring together leaders in 5G, AI, digital infrastructure and policy to define the region’s next phase of connectivity and digital transformation. The programme will feature voices from AI, policy, satellite and digital infrastructure, with speakers from BYD, Es’hailSat – Qatar Satellite Company, Eutelsat Group, ITU, Khalifa University, Napster, Nokia, Oliver Wyman, Ooredoo Group, SAMENA Telecommunications Council, VEON, and Vora. In addition, exhibitors and sponsors – from operators, cloud and AI leaders, to security specialists, satellite providers and infrastructure companies – include Accenture, Cisco Systems, Ericsson, Fadaat Media, Fortinet, Google Cloud, Huawei Technologies, MEEZA, Microsoft Doha, PwC, Qatar University, Scale AI, Strategy&, Trend Micro, and Vodafone Qatar. Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA, said: “As the international connectivity community gathers in Doha for the co-located MWC26 Doha and ITU PP-26, the city will become a focal point for global dialogue on connectivity, AI and digital transformation. Across MENA, momentum around AI, advanced networks and digital infrastructure is accelerating, creating new opportunities for economic growth and societal impact. MWC26 Doha will showcase this progress and foster the partnerships needed Setting the agenda for the IQ Era The MWC agenda will be anchored around The IQ Era, with programme themes that reflect the issues now shaping boardroom and policy conversations across MENA and beyond: AI in Action: Practical AI deployment, from intelligent data centres and AI-ready networks to connected healthcare and new productivity models. Intelligent Economies: How governments and businesses can use technology to support competitiveness, inclusion and national transformation. Connected Infrastructure: The networks, satellite systems and secure digital infrastructure required to support resilient regional growth. In partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), MWC26 Doha will build on a debut edition in 2025 that drew more than 9,000 attendees from 110 countries and territories. GSMA and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) joining forces MWC26 Doha will run alongside the opening days of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26). Together, they bring industry leaders, policymakers and innovators together to explore critical digital issues transforming society. Separately, and in addition to its exhibition and conference programme, MWC26 Doha will also host the GSMA Ministerial Programme, convening ministers and regulators to shape the next phase of digital growth across the Middle East and beyond. Register now Registration for MWC26 Doha is now open. Media are invited to apply for an MWC Media Pass here and an ITU PP-26 accreditation here.
Parenting in the Age of AI: Navigating New Challenges
From New York Times bestselling author Dana Suskind, a timely, urgent guide to parenting in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) – and protecting what matters most in childhood As AI enters nurseries, playrooms, and classrooms, parents are being sold a “smart” childhood at every turn. This book is a guide to protecting the most important label of all: human raised. Dr. Suskind writes here to set forth some templates about how to keep your parenting (especially) guided toward making human connections, so that your children end up more human-focused than digitally guided people as adults. After all, the goal is not “good kids,” but adults capable of thriving in the world around them. Some folks will likely fault Dr. Suskind’s work because she does not come out flatly against using AI-tools in parenting, including exposing children to the products of AI. While there are valid ethical critiques of many AI-systems, she approaches the situation with the realism that says: “There will be AI, so how do we deal with it?” You have basic guidance on researching AI and what you should and should not use it for. There are several chapters first establishing the very real need for parents and caregivers to be human-first in their interactions with children. Suskind makes plain that imperfect human interaction far supersedes algorithmic perfection. Each chapter in this book ends with a helpful TLDR section, giving you, the reader, the main takeaways from each chapter. One should still read the chapters! However, life gets busy. You will see the value of each chapter as you check these chapters out. If you see this book on a bookstore shelf and want to know if it’s worthwhile, take a peek at any of those chapter endings. Finally, almost worth the price of purchase itself, she walks the reader through an investigative framework using DETEK as an acronym. This shows up in the body of the text starting in chapter 8, but then is helpfully pulled-out into an appendix for easy reference. FOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR RAISING CHILDREN ALONGSIDE AI Human connection is irreplaceable Own your imperfections Protect the early years Enhance don’t replace connection
Artefact and malomatia Host AI Connect Summit in Doha
Artefact and Malomatia bring together Qatar’s public and private sector leaders to explore how AI is changing the way governments and businesses operate, make decisions, and redesign services. Artefact, a global leader in data and AI consulting, in partnership with malomatia, Qatar’s leading systems integrator and digital transformation provider, hosted the Artefact AI Connect Summit Doha 2026 at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. The summit brought together senior government representatives and business leaders to examine how artificial intelligence is changing operations, decision-making, and service delivery across the public and private sectors. In his opening statement, H.E. Arnaud Pescheux, Ambassador of France to Qatar, said: “By bringing its global experience and AI expertise to Doha, Artefact is demonstrating how innovation can create new opportunities, new sources of value and strengthen strategic partnerships across the region. It also reflects the growing momentum of France-Qatar cooperation in technology and innovation fields.” Discussions focused on how AI can strengthen public-sector efficiency, support sound decision-making, and improve citizen services. Leaders also examined how AI is being applied across Qatar’s key industries to address practical opportunities and sector-specific challenges. Rahul Arya, CEO and Managing Partner, Artefact Middle East, Southeast Asia & India, said: “What stood out in Doha is the focus on moving from discussions about AI to where it can actually be put to work. Organizations are looking at practical questions around data, use cases and implementation. That is where Artefact’s experience can help. Artefact AI Connect Doha provided a space for those conversations, where we could share lessons from our work with organizations and hear the perspectives of leaders here in Qatar.” Artefact brings expertise across the data and AI transformation lifecycle, from AI strategy and governance and data foundations to advanced analytics, AI solutions, and deployment at scale. As Qatar’s trusted digital transformation partner, malomatia brings local knowledge and proven delivery capability to support practical and responsible AI adoption. Bassam Fadol, Chief Digital Services, malomatia said: “Our experience designing and running government systems in Qatar shapes how we approach AI. We start with who retains decision authority, where data is processed, and how the system stays correct when policies change. Our partnership with Artefact combines that experience with their data and AI expertise. We build the controls that make these systems trustworthy in everyday use. Our responsibility does not end at go-live.” The summit comes as Qatar accelerates investment in the infrastructure, capabilities, and partnerships required for a data- and AI-driven economy. Under Digital Agenda 2030, Qatar aims to generate approximately QAR 40 billion in cumulative economic impact and create 26,000 jobs in the ICT sector by 2030. Artefact has supported more than 1,000 clients globally. By combining this international experience with malomatia’s expertise as Qatar’s national IT leader, the partnership aims to help organizations identify practical use cases, implement appropriate solutions, and integrate AI responsibly into their operations.
AI is an organic part of businesses, not an add-on
Saran B. Paramasivam, regional director, Middle East & Africa, Zoho, in conversation with Business Leaders ME, sheds light on a swathe of subjects – from productivity to decision intelligence, exploring how organisations across the Middle East are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform business operations, decision-making, and enterprise software, while maintaining responsible AI practices and governance. Paramasivam also examines AI adoption across enterprises and SMEs, regional trends, and the role of AI in supporting national digital transformation initiatives. “An assistant answers when asked. In contrast, an agent acts without being asked, within boundaries that are pre-set. That’s a meaningful shift, and it’s also where the risk conversation gets real. An assistant giving a wrong answer is a nuisance. An agent taking the wrong action, updating a record, sending a payment, changing a customer status, has actual consequences.” “We’ll see less talk about AI as a standalone feature and more about it as infrastructure, something that has to be governed, trusted, and verified, the same way we think about security or compliance today. And I think the businesses that win in this next phase won’t be the ones with the flashiest AI demo, they’ll be the ones who built AI on a foundation they can actually trust and control.” “My path has been unconventional by most standards. I joined Zoho straight out of high school in 2005 as the first student selected into what is now known as Zoho Schools of Learning, so no traditional degree, no conventional route in,” says Saran B. Paramasivam, regional director, Middle East & Africa, Zoho, commenting on his career path. Starting as a software developer, Paramasivam moved into product management, and spent a significant part of his career shaping Zoho Creator, the company’s low-code platform. That experience, according to Paramasivam, gave him a deep understanding of how businesses think about technology and what it takes to translate complex problems into real solutions. Over nearly two decades, Paramasivam’s role evolved across product, customer engagement, and strategy and that journey brought him to where he is today, leading Zoho’s business across the Middle East and Africa as its regional director. “I often say I did not just work for Zoho; I grew up with Zoho. And honestly, that depth of experience is what I bring into every market conversation across the MEA region,” asserts Paramasivam AI in day-to-day decision making of big businesses versus SMEs In the opinion of Paramasivam, for large enterprises, AI has already shifted from a nice-to-have to something embedded in daily decisions, forecasting, resource planning, customer response times. “The difference isn’t whether AI matters, it’s how it’s being adopted. Big businesses often have the budget and internal teams to build custom AI solutions. SMEs don’t have that luxury, so their AI adoption has to come built into the tools they’re already using, not as a separate investment. That’s actually the more interesting story right now: SMEs adopting AI isn’t about” catching up” to enterprise, it’s about accessing the same intelligence without needing enterprise-level resources to get there,” explains Paramasivam How, in Paramasivam’s view, is AI transforming modern business software and enterprise operations? Software used to be a tool one operated, explains Paramasivam. “Now it’s becoming something that operates alongside you. The shift is from static systems where a person has to pull a report, interpret it, and act, to systems that surface the insight and, increasingly, take the next step themselves. The businesses getting real value aren’t the ones bolting AI onto old workflows, they’re the ones rebuilding their operations around the assumption that AI is part of the process, not an add-on to it,” adds Paramasivam. The evolution from AI assistants to AI agents is something integral to Zoho. In the explanation of Paramasivam, an assistant answers when asked. In contrast, an agent acts without being asked, within boundaries that are pre-set. That’s a meaningful shift, and it’s also where the risk conversation gets real. An assistant giving a wrong answer is a nuisance. An agent taking the wrong action, updating a record, sending a payment, changing a customer status, has actual consequences. “So this evolution isn’t just a capability story, it’s a trust and governance story. The businesses moving fastest here are the ones building the guardrails at the same time as the capability, not after. That’s also why, as we build AI agents within Zoho, our approach is governance-first, not capability-first,” opines Paramasivam. Responsible AI strategies alongside privacy and governance The businesses doing this well are treating governance as part of the AI architecture, not a policy document sitting separately from it, explains Paramasivam. “That means permission layers that mirror the organisation’s actual structure, so AI only surfaces what a given person is already cleared to see. It means knowing exactly where data lives and who has access to it. And it means building recovery and accountability into the system from day one, not scrambling to add it after something goes wrong. Responsible AI isn’t a separate initiative from AI adoption, it has to be the same initiative,” mentions Paramasivam. In the region, what kind of evolution have businesses undergone to adopt AI into their day-to-day operations? In the opinion of Paramasivam, the shift being witnessed across the region is from AI being used for specific, isolated use cases to becoming embedded in everyday business operations. Companies are increasingly applying AI across functions, from customer service and sales to finance, HR, and operations, to improve productivity and decision-making. Government-led investment and national AI strategies have helped accelerate this adoption, but the bigger shift is happening at the business level: the conversation is moving from whether to adopt AI to where it can create the most value and how it can be integrated responsibly into the way people already work, describes Paramasivam In explaining the role AI will play in supporting the GCC’s digital transformation ambitions, Paramasivam says, “AI is the layer that makes a lot of the region’s broader digital transformation goals achievable at speed, not just on paper.
AI Finance Startup GRO Establishes Doha Headquarters Following GrowthX Capital Investment
GRO, an emerging artificial intelligence-powered financial wellness platform, has selected Doha as its global headquarters following a pre-seed investment from GrowthX Capital, a newly launched venture capital fund founded by entrepreneur Hamad Al-Hajri. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of GrowthX Capital’s ambitious QAR 500 million investment strategy, aimed at supporting innovative startups and scale-ups over the next five years. The announcement was made during an event hosted at Qatar Chamber and attended by prominent figures from Qatar’s business, investment, and diplomatic communities. Among those present were Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) CEO Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar H.E. Andrii Kuzmenko, and Dr. Olga Revina, Founder and Chairperson of the Qatar–Ukraine Business Forum (QUBF). The investment marks an important milestone for both GRO and Qatar’s growing startup ecosystem, reinforcing the country’s position as a destination for international founders seeking access to regional markets, investment capital, and innovation-driven growth opportunities. From FinTech Incubator to Regional Expansion GRO’s connection with Qatar began through its participation in the Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), an accelerator programme developed by Qatar Development Bank (QDB). The startup successfully completed the programme’s seventh cohort and gained recognition after securing the “Best Pitch” award during the final showcase. The achievement opened doors to conversations with investors and ecosystem partners, ultimately leading to support from GrowthX Capital and the company’s decision to anchor its operations in Doha. Founded by Mariia Shevchenko alongside a team of Ukrainian and German entrepreneurs, GRO is focused on leveraging artificial intelligence to simplify personal finance management and improve financial literacy among individuals and families. Redefining Financial Education Through AI The company’s platform combines AI-driven insights with financial education tools designed to help users better understand spending behaviour, improve budgeting habits, and make more informed financial decisions. According to Shevchenko, the vision behind GRO is to make financial knowledge accessible to a broader audience rather than limiting it to those with access to specialised expertise or financial advisers. As financial products and digital payment systems become increasingly sophisticated, GRO aims to equip users with practical tools that help them navigate their financial lives with greater confidence while developing long-term money management skills. Strengthening Qatar–Ukraine Innovation Cooperation GRO’s decision to establish its headquarters in Doha reflects a broader trend of growing collaboration between Qatar and Ukraine in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Recent years have seen increasing engagement between stakeholders from both countries, with organisations such as the Qatar–Ukraine Business Forum actively working to create opportunities for startups, investors, and technology companies. The relationship gained further momentum following high-level diplomatic engagements and growing interest in cross-border innovation partnerships. Dr. Olga Revina noted that the investment demonstrates the strong potential for collaboration between Ukraine’s entrepreneurial talent and Qatar’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem. She highlighted the complementary strengths of both countries and the opportunities they create for building globally competitive businesses. Ukraine’s Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Andrii Kuzmenko, also welcomed the development, describing it as an example of how innovation-driven partnerships can strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities for international cooperation. GrowthX Capital’s Vision for Startup Development The investment in GRO represents the first publicly announced venture backed by GrowthX Capital since the fund’s launch. Founded by Hamad Al-Hajri, the entrepreneur behind Qatar’s technology success story Snoonu, GrowthX Capital has been established to support founders building scalable businesses with regional and global ambitions. The fund plans to deploy up to QAR 500 million across promising ventures operating in sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, digital services, and emerging technologies. Al-Hajri expressed confidence in GRO’s growth potential, citing the strength of its leadership team, product vision, and market opportunity. He emphasised that the fund’s objective is to help high-potential startups scale from Qatar while contributing to the country’s innovation economy. Looking Ahead With its headquarters now established in Doha, GRO is preparing for the next phase of growth. The company has launched an early-access programme ahead of its beta release and is actively building partnerships across the financial services, education, and technology sectors. The move adds another international startup to Qatar’s expanding innovation landscape and reflects the country’s continued efforts to attract entrepreneurs, investment, and technology-driven businesses aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. As Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for startups and venture capital, investments such as GrowthX Capital’s backing of GRO highlight the growing confidence in the country’s ability to nurture globally relevant innovation from the heart of the Gulf.
WISE Policy Dialogue Explores AI and Teacher Readiness in K–12 Education
The World Innovation Summit for Education, WISE, an initiative of Qatar Foundation, hosted a policy dialogue event titled “AI & Teacher Readiness in K–12 Education: Global Research Findings and Strategic Implications”, bringing together education experts, policy voices and school practitioners to examine how artificial intelligence standards can be practically implemented in school environments. The discussion focused on one of the most urgent questions facing education systems today: how prepared are teachers to use AI meaningfully, responsibly and effectively in the classroom? As artificial intelligence continues to move rapidly into schools, the event highlighted the need for stronger teacher support, professional development, national evaluation frameworks and AI tools that reflect local language, culture and curriculum needs. AI Is Moving Faster Than Education Policy Opening the dialogue, Selma Talha-Jebril, WISE Research and Policy Director, said artificial intelligence is entering classrooms faster than schools and policy systems have had time to prepare for it. Her remarks set the tone for a discussion that moved beyond the excitement around AI and focused instead on implementation, readiness and long-term educational value. The event examined how teachers are currently engaging with AI, with many using it for administrative or preparatory tasks. However, panelists noted that the real opportunity lies in moving towards deeper, transformational classroom applications that directly support teaching, learning and student innovation. Teacher Agency and Professional Development Take Centre Stage Moderated by Maimoona Junjunia, Research and Policy Associate at WISE, the discussion emphasized the importance of teacher agency in the adoption of AI. Panelists stressed that AI in education cannot succeed through technology deployment alone. Teachers need sustained professional development, clear guidance, trusted tools and the confidence to integrate AI into pedagogy in ways that enhance learning outcomes. The dialogue also addressed the importance of evaluating AI tools rigorously before integrating them into schools at scale. In this context, national initiatives such as the WISE EdTech Testbed were highlighted as essential mechanisms for testing whether education technologies deliver real value in classroom environments. Shahd Dauleh, Innovation Manager at WISE, said the WISE testbed helps move the conversation beyond hype by ensuring that AI tools are genuinely effective for teaching and learning. AI Tools Must Reflect Language, Culture and Values A key theme emerging from the discussion was the need for AI systems in education to be contextually relevant. Lolwa Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Director of the E-Learning & Digital Solutions Department at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, emphasized that for AI to succeed in education, it must reflect local language, culture and values while equipping teachers with the right tools. This point is particularly important for Qatar’s education sector, where strong digital infrastructure and national innovation ambitions have created a foundation for technology-led transformation. However, the discussion made clear that infrastructure alone is not enough. AI tools must be aligned with curricula, classroom realities, student needs and the cultural context in which learning takes place. Research Must Inform Policy and Practice The event also reinforced the broader purpose of the WISE Research & Policy Dialogue Series: ensuring that research findings do not remain confined to academic publications, but actively inform policy, practice and system-level decision-making. Selma Talha-Jebril noted that research only creates impact when it reaches the people with the power and responsibility to act on it. The dialogue series was positioned as a bridge between evidence, policy and education practice. This approach reflects a wider shift in education reform: moving from research as information to research as a tool for system transformation. From Classrooms to Innovation Labs Practical examples from schools offered a closer look at how AI can support student learning and innovation. Iyad Salameh, Teacher of Robotics and Automation at the Qatar Science and Technology Secondary School for Boys, shared how his students have used AI in hands-on projects. He noted that such projects show how students can use AI to build real-world solutions, turning classrooms into innovation labs. These examples highlighted the potential of AI to move beyond efficiency and automation. When implemented thoughtfully, AI can support creativity, problem-solving, applied learning and student-led innovation. For Qatar’s education ecosystem, this aligns closely with the country’s broader ambitions around digital transformation, innovation and future-ready skills. Qatar’s Teacher Readiness Gap One of the most important insights shared during the dialogue was the gap between teachers’ interest in AI and their understanding of how it works in education. According to Selma Talha-Jebril, WISE research found that 60% of teachers reported that AI helped them tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs. However, in Qatar, only 30% of surveyed teachers reported a strong understanding of how AI works in education. The finding points to a critical challenge for education systems: teachers are not necessarily resistant to AI, but many need tools, training and frameworks that are relevant to their classrooms. For Qatar, a country with advanced digital infrastructure and a strong national commitment to innovation, the opportunity is clear. The next phase of AI in education will depend not only on access to technology, but on building teacher confidence, capability and trust. Why It Matters The WISE policy dialogue placed teacher readiness at the centre of the AI education conversation. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in K–12 education, the success of these tools will depend on how well they serve teachers and students in real classroom settings. For Qatar, the discussion was especially significant. The country has invested heavily in education, digital infrastructure and innovation. The challenge now is to ensure that AI adoption in schools is guided by evidence, cultural relevance, teacher empowerment and measurable learning impact. The message from the dialogue was clear: AI can support the future of education, but only when teachers are prepared, supported and placed at the centre of the transformation.
Ooredoo Announces Launch of Strategic Digital & AI Transformation Programme
In Collaboration with Microsoft, Ooredoo is Shaping the Next Era of AI-Powered Connectivity and Digital Innovation Ooredoo Qatar has announced the launch of its Strategic Digital & AI Transformation Programme, supported by Microsoft, marking a major step in the company’s evolution into an AI-powered organisation and reinforcing Qatar’s ambition to build a future-ready digital economy. The programme has been designed to accelerate Ooredoo’s digital transformation at scale by focusing on sovereign and hybrid cloud capabilities, artificial intelligence enablement, and the development of a scalable digital foundation. Through this initiative, Ooredoo aims to enhance customer experiences, empower enterprises with advanced digital tools, and contribute to the growth of a resilient digital ecosystem aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar, and Ahmad El Dandachi, General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, in the presence of senior executives and representatives from both organisations. A Major Step in Qatar’s AI and Digital Transformation Journey The collaboration brought together Ooredoo’s advanced connectivity and digital infrastructure capabilities with Microsoft’s expertise in cloud, data, and artificial intelligence. The partnership aimed to create a strong foundation for the accelerated adoption of AI across telecom operations, customer engagement, enterprise solutions, and future digital platforms. For Qatar’s telecommunications and business sectors, the programme represented more than a technology upgrade. It reflected a broader shift towards AI-driven operations, intelligent infrastructure, and digital-first services that could strengthen competitiveness across industries. The initiative was expected to support Ooredoo’s transformation across its entire value chain, from intelligent network operations and predictive optimisation to personalised customer experiences and AI-powered enterprise services. This positioned Ooredoo to move beyond the traditional role of a telecom operator and further establish itself as a technology-driven company serving Qatar’s evolving digital economy. Supporting Businesses and Customers in Qatar As companies across Qatar continued to adopt cloud, data, and AI-powered solutions, Ooredoo’s collaboration with Microsoft aimed to provide businesses with stronger digital capabilities and scalable technology frameworks. The programme focused on enabling smarter enterprise services, improving operational efficiency, and delivering more proactive digital solutions to customers. For businesses in Qatar, this could mean improved access to advanced AI-enabled services, stronger connectivity solutions, and new opportunities to innovate in areas such as customer service, automation, analytics, and digital platforms. The collaboration also established a long-term co-innovation model between Ooredoo and Microsoft. This model was designed to support the development of scalable AI use cases and repeatable innovation frameworks powered by Microsoft’s advanced AI, cloud, and data technologies. Ooredoo Qatar CEO: A Strategic Transformation, Not Just a Technology Upgrade Commenting on the collaboration, Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, said the Strategic Digital & AI Transformation Programme marked an important milestone in Ooredoo Qatar’s journey towards becoming a more agile and future-ready organisation. He described the programme as more than a technology upgrade, calling it a strategic transformation focused on sovereign and hybrid cloud capabilities, AI enablement, and the development of a scalable digital foundation. He added that the programme was designed to deliver innovative digital solutions and services that meet evolving market demands, provide more personalised and proactive customer experiences, empower enterprises with advanced digital capabilities, and support the development of a resilient digital ecosystem aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. Microsoft Qatar: AI Can Unlock New Opportunities Across Industries Ahmad El Dandachi, General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, said Ooredoo’s transformation into an AI-powered organisation was a strong example of how technology could unlock new opportunities across industries. He noted that the collaboration brought together cloud, data, and AI to help accelerate innovation at scale, while supporting the development of a more resilient and dynamic digital ecosystem in Qatar. Strengthening Qatar’s Digital Economy The Ooredoo-Microsoft collaboration came at a time when Qatar continued to position itself as a regional leader in digital transformation, AI adoption, cloud infrastructure, and future-ready business innovation. By investing in sovereign and hybrid cloud capabilities, AI-enabled telecom operations, and scalable digital platforms, Ooredoo’s programme could play a key role in supporting Qatar’s digital economy and helping enterprises prepare for the next phase of technological growth. The partnership also reflected the growing importance of AI in Qatar’s business landscape, especially as organisations looked for smarter ways to improve efficiency, enhance customer engagement, and build more resilient operating models. Through this collaboration, Ooredoo and Microsoft aimed to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven technologies across connectivity, operations, customer engagement, and enterprise services, helping shape a more agile and innovation-led digital future for Qatar and the wider region.
Snoonu Expands to Kuwait, Accelerating GCC Super-App Growth
Qatar-born technology platform Snoonu has officially entered the Kuwaiti market, marking a significant step in the company’s regional expansion ambitions and strengthening its position as one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing super-app ecosystems. The launch signals a new phase for the Doha-based company as it continues scaling its technology-driven services beyond Qatar, bringing integrated digital convenience and on-demand solutions to users across the GCC. Unlike traditional delivery platforms, Snoonu operates as a multi-service technology ecosystem built on advanced cloud infrastructure, combining commerce, logistics, and lifestyle services into a single user experience that simplifies everyday living. As part of its initial rollout in Kuwait, the company is introducing four primary service categories: grocery delivery; on-demand courier services through Snoosend; flowers and gifting solutions; and home services that connect users with electricians, plumbers, maintenance experts, and other service professionals. The phased market entry strategy is expected to expand further over the coming months, with additional verticals and digital services anticipated as Snoonu strengthens its operational presence in Kuwait.
Snoonu Invests in Qatari Startup HASIF Through Startup Factory Initiative
Snoonu has announced its investment in HASIF, a Qatari startup focused on smart accounting and financial compliance solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as part of the company’s Startup Factory initiative designed to empower entrepreneurs and accelerate innovation in Qatar. The investment follows the successful Startup Factory competition and showcase held in Doha last week, where emerging startups presented technology-driven solutions addressing key business and market challenges across multiple sectors. Founded by Qatar University graduates and young Qatari entrepreneurs Noof Alhbabi, Maryam Eisa, and Dana Alwadaani, HASIF is developing an AI-powered digital platform to simplify financial operations for SMEs. The platform enables businesses to manage accounting, invoicing, financial reporting, and compliance processes more efficiently through automation and intelligent financial tools. In addition to streamlining operations, HASIF connects companies with accounting professionals and helps businesses prepare for future VAT implementation and evolving digital compliance requirements in Qatar and across the region. The investment marks the second startup supported through the Snoonu Startup Factory initiative, following the company’s earlier investment in Sufra AI. The move reflects Snoonu’s broader strategy to strengthen Qatar’s startup ecosystem, support local talent, and contribute to the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. As Qatar continues to position itself as a regional hub for entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation, initiatives such as Startup Factory are playing an increasingly important role in creating opportunities for young founders and in scaling homegrown businesses that address real market needs. The latest investment also highlights growing momentum in Qatar’s startup landscape, particularly in fintech, AI, and SME-focused digital solutions — sectors expected to continue growing as businesses across the Gulf accelerate digital transformation and compliance modernisation. With startups like HASIF entering the spotlight, Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to demonstrate its ability to produce scalable, innovation-driven companies with regional potential.
Startup Grind Doha Highlights Mental Resilience as a Core Pillar for Founder Success in Qatar
UK-trained CBT therapist Lorna Devine In the evolving landscape of startups in Qatar, a critical yet often under-discussed issue has begun to take center stage: founder mental wellbeing. As Qatar entrepreneurs continue to drive innovation across sectors, conversations around emotional resilience and psychological performance are becoming essential within the broader Qatar business ecosystem. A recent virtual session hosted by Startup Grind Doha addressed this growing concern, positioning mental fitness as a strategic advantage rather than a personal afterthought. The initiative reflects a wider shift in Qatar startup news and Qatar corporate news, where sustainable performance is now closely linked to founder wellbeing. According to insights shared during the session, founders operating in high-growth environments—particularly within venture capital Qatar and funding in Qatar ecosystems—are under constant pressure. From investor pitching and scaling operations to managing teams and navigating uncertainty, the cognitive and emotional demands are significant. Yet, these challenges often remain invisible within mainstream business news Qatar coverage. The session, titled “The Inner Game of Building a Startup: How to Lead and Perform with Clarity, Composure and Conviction,” brought together founders from Doha and key global startup hubs. It underscored a critical parallel: just as elite athletes invest in mental conditioning, founders must actively develop psychological resilience to sustain peak performance. Expert-led discussions emphasized that high-performing founders frequently experience internal stress, self-doubt, and performance anxiety—factors that directly impact decision-making, leadership effectiveness, and long-term business outcomes. This is particularly relevant in fast-growing sectors such as technology startups in Qatar and innovation-driven industries, where agility and clarity are paramount. A key takeaway was the importance of structured mental frameworks. Founders were encouraged to build awareness of their thought patterns and adopt evidence-based techniques such as cognitive reframing, mindfulness, and stress regulation. These tools are increasingly recognized within Qatar industry news as essential for leadership development. The discussion also highlighted that long-term success in BusinessInQatar is not solely driven by external metrics like revenue or valuation. Instead, it is rooted in internal foundations—self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a clear sense of purpose beyond the business itself. This aligns with evolving Qatar economic policy narratives that emphasize human capital development alongside financial growth. Interactive segments explored practical challenges faced by founders, including managing energy during business networking in Qatar, overcoming procrastination, and maintaining composure under external expectations. These insights are particularly valuable for emerging founders navigating company formation in Qatar and early-stage scaling. As DohaBusiness continues to expand and attract global attention, initiatives like this reflect a maturing ecosystem—one that recognizes the importance of holistic founder development. With increasing focus on investment in Qatar and Qatar development, integrating mental resilience into the entrepreneurial journey is likely to become a defining factor in long-term success. This shift signals a broader transformation in Qatar market news, where performance is no longer measured purely by output, but by the sustainability and wellbeing of the individuals driving innovation.
