Kingdee expands its footprint into the Middle East, opening Qatar office
25 February 2025, Doha – Qatar: Kingdee International Software Group Company Limited（0268 .HK）announced today the opening of its regional headquarters in Qatar’s Free Zones, marking its official entry into the Middle East market. The establishment of this regional headquarters has been facilitated through the support of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, Invest Qatar, the investment promotion agency of Qatar and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ). Founded in 1993, Kingdee is a globally renowned enterprise management cloud SaaS company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Expanding its global presence has been one of Kingdee’s key strategic objectives. In December 2023, Kingdee and QIA announced an agreement in which QIA would invest around $200 million in the company. This investment recognised Kingdee as a category leader and key enabler of enterprise cloud transformation in China. The investment in Kingdee aligns with QIA’s strategic objective to invest in leading companies and technologies in global digitalisation trends. Robert Xu, Chairman and CEO of Kingdee Group stated: “Today marks a pivotal moment in the global expansion plans of Kingdee. Following the investment by QIA in December 2023, we are excited to further strengthen our collaboration with Qatar by opening our first office in the Middle East, in Qatar’s Free Zones. Kingdee plans to leverage Qatar as a bridgehead for expanding our footprint into the Middle East and North Africa markets, drive the digital transformation of local enterprises and supporting Qatar to achieve its “Qatar National Vision 2030. We are excited to collaborate with QIA, Invest Qatar and QFZ to bridge the gap between Kingdee and the Middle Eastern market, supporting Kingdee’s international growth strategy.” Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA stated: “QIA has been an investor in Kingdee since 2023 and recognises the company’s expertise in enterprise digitalization and cloud services in China. We are confident that Kingdee will succeed in their expansion and will bring a valuable offering to the Middle East market.” Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Kingdee to Qatar. The establishment of their regional headquarters in Qatar marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to attract leading global technology companies to our region. This collaboration underscores Qatar’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports innovation and digital transformation. We look forward to working closely with Kingdee, the Qatar Investment Authority, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority to drive forward our shared vision of economic growth and technological advancement, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.” On this strategic move, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), said: “Kingdee’s decision to establish its regional headquarters in our free zones reaffirms Qatar’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation. This partnership, developed through the joint efforts of Qatar Investment Authority, Invest Qatar, and Qatar Free Zones Authority, reflects our collective drive to achieve Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy — the final wave of the Qatar National Vision 2030. By integrating Kingdee’s expertise into our technology ecosystem, we accelerate digital transformation and strengthen Qatar’s role as a gateway for next-generation solutions to drive economic diversification and sustainable growth.” QFZ will provide Kingdee with a strategically positioned platform to strengthen its regional presence, cultivate high-impact collaborations, and contribute to the evolution of enterprise digitalisation. As a publicly listed company with over 31 years of history, Kingdee has reinforced its product R&D and implementation capabilities through serving more than 7.4 million customers worldwide. Kingdee SaaS solutions are used in 172 countries and regions worldwide, supporting 42 languages and serving over 1000 customers to achieve overseas digital operations. “We are confident in our ability to deliver professional enterprise digital solutions to Qatar and the regional market.” Kingdee, leveraging its industry expertise and the management models of China’s leading enterprises, can provide end-to-end digital solutions encompassing financial management, supply chain optimisation, and production operations to local businesses. This empowers regional enterprises to enhance management efficiency and strengthen competitive capabilities. The establishment of Kingdee Qatar represents a strategic milestone in Kingdee’s commitment to delivering localised services from Qatar’s Free Zones to global clients. Guided by the principle of “think globally, operate locally,” the company will synergize regional business acumen with technological strengths, integrating AI-driven digital technologies and management expertise to provide comprehensive one-stop solutions. This initiative will accelerate the development of the Middle East’s software and internet industries through technological empowerment.
Visit Qatar participates at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Visit Qatar participates in the second edition of Web Summit Qatar, taking place from February 23 – 26, 2025, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). As part of its participation, Visit Qatar is sponsoring the VIP Lounge, providing an exclusive networking space where attendees can experience Qatar’s renowned hospitality. Visit Qatar’s participation highlights its ongoing commitment to technology and digital innovation as key enablers of the tourism sector. This dedication was recently recognized with three prestigious awards, including the Microsoft AI Excellence Award for the Visit Qatar GenAI Travel Concierge and two MENA Digital Awards: The Gold Award for Best Application (Mobile/Tablet) and the Silver Award for Best Web Platform. The Visit Qatar mobile app was recognised with the Gold Award for its seamless integration of the Visit Qatar Pass, which unlocks savings of up to 50% on a wide range of experiences. Building on this success, Visit Qatar continues to drive digital innovation with the latest upgrade of its AI Concierge, introducing a conversational chat interface and engaging visual elements for a more intuitive and immersive experience, from inspiration to planning. This upgrade is designed to cater to diverse visitor profiles, from meticulous planners to spontaneous explorers, and from budget-conscious visitors to luxury seekers. It ensures seamless itinerary planning by addressing the challenges of fragmented booking experiences, consolidating travel resources and offerings in Qatar. Available on both the Visit Qatar website and mobile app, the AI Concierge offers a comprehensive suite of services with advanced GenAI-powered capabilities, including personalized recommendations, dynamically tailored itineraries, and real-time updates about events and cultural experiences, making it a valuable tool for both visitors and the local community. HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “Web Summit Qatar 2025 presents a prime opportunity to showcase Qatar’s transformation into a leading global destination for both tourism and business. With significant advancements in digital integration and service excellence, we continue to enhance the visitor journey while strengthening our position as a key MICE hub in the region. Hosting large-scale global events has been instrumental in achieving our goal of becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Middle East, as recognised by UN Tourism’s World Barometer in December 2024.” Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar is a leading global destination with a proven track record of successfully hosting major events and providing its visitors with memorable experiences. MICE is the one of the most important pillars driving growth in Qatar’s tourism sector. This summit not only provides a powerful platform to showcase Qatar’s ability to host world-class events but also facilitates networking, business and investment opportunities, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in innovation and technology. It reinforces our strategic vision of positioning Qatar a premier international MICE destination.” Web Summit Qatar 2025 will bring together top global speakers and thought leaders to discuss key topics in technology and innovation. The event’s five-year tenure in Qatar is a clear reflection of the country’s broader efforts to diversify its economy as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning Qatar as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and as a premier MICE destination. The summit is a vital catalyst for attracting foreign investment, boosting the tourism industry, and enhancing the country’s business environment.
Doha hosts the debut edition of the Visit Qatar E1 GP for electric powerboats
Doha is set to host the world’s first all-electric race boat series, the UIM E1 World Championship, taking place on February 21st and 22nd, 2025, at The Pearl Island. Titled the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP, it represents a significant highlight on the 2025 race calendar, establishing Qatar as a racing hub in the Middle East. As the Title Partner of the race, Visit Qatar continues to solidify the country’s position as a leading global sports tourism destination. From hosting major football tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ to expanding its portfolio with cutting-edge sporting events such as E1, Qatar remains committed to fostering innovation and excellence in sports tourism. E1 serves as a pioneering platform for advancing sustainable marine mobility, with each race testing and showcasing innovative electric technology on water. Fans will witness high intensity racing while experiencing the future of eco-friendly marine innovation. The tournament will see eight races around the world, with Doha being one of the stops. Spectators can immerse themselves in the excitement at the Acceleration Festival fan zone, offering live DJ performances, children’s entertainment, exclusive E1 merchandise, and opportunities to win special prizes. Free tickets can be booked at https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa/sports/28851/visit-qatar-e1-doha-gp-2025 For those seeking a premium experience, MATCH Hospitality Asia is offering exclusive hospitality packages at the Racers’ Lounge, located at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Waterfront Hotel. Guests will enjoy unparalleled race views, gourmet dining, a meet-and-greet with team pilots, and access to an exclusive after-party with VIPs. More details can be found at https://e1.match-asia.com/en/racers-lounge/
Qatar Charity Celebrates International Day for Social Justice
Sustainable Projects Reflecting Its Commitment to Achieving a Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future Doha, Qatar | February 20, 2025: On the International Day for Social Justice, observed on February 20 each year, which aims to promote economic and social justice for all, Qatar Charity highlights its humanitarian and developmental projects implemented in Somalia and Pakistan during 2024. These projects, executed with generous support from philanthropists in Qatar, contribute to achieving a just transition toward a sustainable future by integrating environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities benefit from these initiatives. In this way, they reflect Qatar Charity’s commitment to the principles of “just transition” within the context of sustainable development. A Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future in SomaliaAfter a series of humanitarian crises in Somalia, including severe droughts, sudden floods, and ongoing conflicts, Qatar Charity committed to supporting the Somali people through the implementation of around 300 humanitarian and developmental projects in various regions and provinces of Somalia, with a total cost exceeding 40 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 600,000 people.These projects focused on balancing the needs of both people and the environment, with initiatives in the sectors of water and sanitation, food security, education, health, social welfare, economic empowerment, and social housing. These projects were part of a comprehensive response Qatar Charity adopted to address the humanitarian crises caused by environmental changes and ongoing conflicts. Water and Sanitation ProjectsThe water and sanitation sector has been a priority for Qatar Charity in Somalia, where the projects contributed to addressing the shortage of clean water exacerbated by the ongoing drought. In this context, 78 projects were implemented at a cost of 10.3 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting over 140,000 people. These projects included drilling deep and shallow wells, constructing sewage networks, and building facilities to provide clean water. These initiatives were not only a response to the drinking water crisis but also part of a long-term strategy to improve residents’ lives and reduce waterborne diseases. Food SecurityIn urgent response to the food crisis caused by drought and conflict, Qatar Charity launched 84 projects with a total cost of 8.6 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 300,000 people. The projects included distributing food baskets to affected families, as well as supporting agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing boats, helping rural communities secure sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives contributed to strengthening resilience against environmental and economic crises and made communities more capable of facing future challenges. Searching for Sustainable Solutions in PakistanQatar Charity implemented sustainable projects in Pakistan during 2024, benefiting more than 990,000 people through approximately 1,800 projects in the fields of water and sanitation, education, health, and economic empowerment. These projects were a direct response to the crises facing the country, whether due to harsh weather conditions or ongoing conflicts.Water and sanitation projects in Pakistan included drilling wells, installing solar-powered water pumps, and building comprehensive health facilities. The economic empowerment sector also included establishing craft workshops and commercial shops, as well as supporting small businesses, which helped provide stable sources of income for many families in rural areas. Global Partnerships for Broader ImpactQatar Charity seeks to enhance its collaboration with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, with the aim of coordinating efforts and achieving a greater impact in crisis-affected areas. In 2024, several cooperation agreements were signed with these entities in Somalia and Pakistan, reflecting Qatar Charity’s vision of joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and social justice for all sectors of society.
ONE 171 Official Press Conference Highlights & the Best Quotes
February 18, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, today held the official pre-event press conference for ONE 171: Qatar. In the main event, ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face off against interim title holder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a highly anticipated World Title unification bout. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his belt against Chinese icon Wei Rui. ONE 171: Qatar will be broadcast live on Thursday, February 20, from Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar. Fans can visit watch.onefc.com for more information on how to watch. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Official Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Official Blockchain Partner Walrus, and Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena. BEST QUOTES Chatri Sityodtong – ONE Championship Chairman and CEO: “The world’s largest martial arts organization is coming back to the Middle East to throw the biggest spectacle across all these incredible disciplines, with the world’s greatest athletes, and the greatest martial arts on the planet. We are excited. And I tell you what, the main event and the co-main are absolutely barn-burning, explosive. I think both fights are going to end in a spectacular knockout. But here’s the thing, we have 14 fights. You look around just at this table right here, these are all killers and monsters, the very best of the best on the planet.” Joshua Pacio – ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion: “The difference this time is, of course, I’m going to win. Yeah, I’m going to win. The last time I won, but it’s not the way that we wanted to. And I don’t look [at the] past, I look forward, and here we are. It will be different. It will be different this time.” Jarred Brooks – ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion: “I want to be remembered as the true strawweight World Champion. I am very, very grateful for ONE Championship and the things that they have done for me. I promise you, Joshua, and I, we are more than willing and prepared, and I am going to go out and I’m going to finish him on Thursday, whether you like it, or you don’t, I’m going to go out and I’m going to finish him.” Jonathan Haggerty – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion: “I’d like to say thank you for having me. It’s an honor to be here. Thank you for ONE Championship. You know, I’m truly blessed to be doing what I love and traveling to beautiful countries like Qatar. I’m very excited to defend my belt against Wei Rui. You know, he’s a very credible opponent, the number one for a reason. We’ve left no stone unturned. turned. We’ve not overlooked him, and we’re just excited to put on a great performance for everyone.”Wei Rui – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Challenger: “Yes, this is the first time I come to Doha, and I came here just for this world title belt. I will definitely bring this belt to China. Thank you.”
The Chedi Katara Welcomes Back Hani Akkari as General Manager
A Celebrated Return to Elevate Excellence in Luxury Hospitality Doha, Qatar – The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort is delighted to announce the return of Hani Akkari as General Manager. With a distinguished career in luxury hospitality, Hani rejoins the team to further enhance the hotel’s reputation for excellence, reinforcing its commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences. “Hani’s return reflects our dedication to cultivating leadership from within and maintaining the highest standards in hospitality. With extensive experience across leading international brands and diverse markets, along with his familiarity with the property, Hani brings valuable industry expertise that will strengthen our commitment to operational excellence and outstanding guest experiences.” said Karim Bizid, Vice President of Operations, GHM. As General Manager, Hani will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations, setting new benchmarks in service, guest satisfaction, and innovation. His leadership will also focus on elevating the hotel’s culinary offerings and refining service standards to reinforce The Chedi Katara’s standing as one of the region’s most distinguished luxury hotels. With over 18 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East, Hani Akkari has built a reputation for curating refined hospitality experiences with a deep passion for excellence. “I am delighted to return to Doha and lead an exceptional team at The Chedi Katara,” said Hani Akkari. “I look forward to working with the team to ensure our guests continue to enjoy the highest level of hospitality in a setting that reflects both elegance and a deep sense of place.” Nestled within the illustrious Katara Cultural Village, in the vibrant heart of Doha, Qatar, The Chedi Katara seamlessly intertwines contemporary elegance with rich cultural heritage. Exquisite craftsmanship is evident throughout the property’s distinguished architecture, while its collection of opulent accommodations is meticulously curated to provide unparalleled comfort and mesmerizing views of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can expect nothing short of extraordinary, with a commitment to impeccable service and indulgent experiences, ensuring The Chedi Katara remains a beacon of GHM’s hallmark of timeless luxury.
ONE 171: Qatar Open Workout And Meet And Greet Highlights
February 17, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, held the ONE 171: Qatar Open Workout and Meet and Greet at the iconic Place Vendôme, featuring athletes competing at the event including Joshua Pacio, Jarred Brooks, Jonathan Haggerty, Wei Rui, Jake Peacock and Ritu Phogat. ONE 171: Qatar will be broadcast live on Thursday, February 20, from Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail, Qatar. Fans can visit watch.onefc.com for more information on how to watch. In the main event, ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio will face off against interim title holder Jarred Brooks for the third time in a highly anticipated World Title unification bout. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will defend his belt against Chinese icon Wei Rui. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Gloabl Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Global Blockchain Partner Walrus, Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena as well all supporting partners of ONE 171: Qatar. Joshua Pacio – ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion: “I love the people here, and I call this my home away from home because there are a lot of Filipinos here. I’m just so excited. Filipino Kabayans – I’m so happy to see you again! This is a new Joshua Pacio. I’m calm, and I’m collected. We will deliver on Thursday night.” Jarred Brooks – ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion: “It’s amazing to be in Doha again. Everything in Doha is perfect. I love this country, I love the people in this country, and I love the Pinoys in the country. Thank you so much for your support. I am going to be the person who puts Joshua ‘The Passion’ Pacio out. I want to be ONE’s World Champion. I want to be the best in the world. I have the utmost respect for Joshua. He is a great man. But we are going inside the ring, and we are going to show you guys the energy.” Jonathan Haggerty – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion: “It’s a pleasure to be here again in Doha, and I’m excited to put on a performance for everyone here. Everyone I face is going to be the best version of themselves, so it’s up to me to be my best version. Come Thursday, I’m ready. I am going in there for a demolition job. I understand he is number one for a reason. He’s a great opponent, so let’s see.” Wei Rui – ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Challenger: “I’m well prepared, and this is my first time in Doha. I hope everyone will like my performance, as I’ve been waiting to win the ONE title belt for 20 years. I am really, really motivated; this is my third time striving for the word title and this time I am sure I will take it back to China”. Jake Peacock – ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Contender: “I am thrilled that ONE Championship is coming to Qatar for the second time. The first event was amazing. I’m going to have a spectacular performance. Training is going fantastically, and I’m really excited to give an incredible performance to the fans in Qatar. ONE Championship is the biggest and the best promotion in the world. And I’m excited to showcase that to everyone here in Qatar. I’ve been here for a bit, and I might move here. We never know… People are amazing. They’re just lovely people. I’m going in there to take him out, and we’re shutting down and shutting him out right from the get-go. Two rounds max. That’s going to be great. Absolutely…there will be a finish.” Ritu Phogat – ONE Atomweight MMA Contender: “Qatar is a fantastic place and I am thrilled to be back here, doing what I love in ONE Championship. It has been a long time, but I’m ready. I want to prove I still belong among the best and that I have a lot left to offer in my career. This is only the beginning of the second chapter of ‘The Indian Tigress.’ I came here to represent all mothers and fight for all women out there to prove we are strong!”
Junior’s Opens Fifth Branch in Al Wakrah, Bringing its Famous Dining Experience to the Community
Doha, Qatar – February 16th, 2025 – junior’s Qatar is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest branch in Al Wakrah, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion across Qatar. The highly anticipated event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, family entertainment, and exclusive offers for attendees, creating an unforgettable experience for all. This new location is junior’s fifth branch in Qatar, following the successful opening of the Izghawa branch earlier in January 2025. The expansion into Al Wakrah is a testament to junior’s continued growth and its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience to customers in more communities across the country. The New Love is excited to bring its popular food, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere to the Al Wakrah community, further strengthening its presence in Qatar. “We are thrilled to open our doors to Al Wakrah and be a part of this vibrant community. It’s a major step in our strategic plan to expand our footprint in Qatar,” said Mr. Abdulla Al Ansari, CEO of Al Ansari Group and Founder of junior’s. “We have received countless requests from the customers to bring junior’s to this part of Qatar, and we are glad to bring them The New Love. Our goal is to serve high-quality food and create a warm and welcoming space where families and friends can come together. This opening represents our ongoing commitment to investing in our local community and catering to our customers wherever they are.” junior’s expansion into Al Wakrah underscores the brand’s commitment to fostering stronger community connections and enhancing customer experiences throughout Qatar. By bringing the same great food and service to a new location, junior’s ensures that its loyal customers have even more convenient access to their favorite dining experience. With each new location, junior’s further solidifies its position as a key player in the Qatari dining scene, blending quality, community, and consistency in every burger served. Whether it’s a casual meal with family or a gathering with friends, junior’s continues to be the destination where unforgettable moments are made.
Al Fardan and Mouawad Take Jewellery to the Next Level
Doha, Qatar – Al Fardan Jewellery, a house of heritage and distinction, proudly announces its strategic partnership with Mouawad, the prestigious high jewellery house renowned for its timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. This collaboration marks a significant moment in the world of fine jewellery, offering discerning clients exclusive access to Mouawad’s exquisite creations within Al Fardan Jewellery’s distinguished boutiques. A Legacy of Pearls and Unparalleled Craftsmanship This partnership unites two legendary houses that share an unwavering commitment to artistry, refinement, and excellence. Al Fardan Jewellery, an esteemed name with a history deeply rooted in the pearl trading industry, has long been synonymous with prestige and exclusivity. For generations, the Al Fardan family has been instrumental in preserving the region’s illustrious pearl diving heritage, sourcing the world’s most coveted natural pearls, and transforming them into breathtaking masterpieces. Under the visionary leadership of Hussein Ibrahim Al Fardan, the brand has curated some of the most exquisite pearl collections, including rare and historically significant pieces treasured by collectors worldwide. Through this collaboration, Al Fardan Jewellery will not only showcase Mouawad’s high jewellery and fine jewellery collections but will also continue its dedication to preserving and celebrating its pearl heritage. This partnership presents an extraordinary opportunity for clients to explore a unique blend of contemporary elegance and timeless tradition—where Mouawad’s artistry meets Al Fardan’s legacy of pearls. Statements from Leadership Mouawad Co-Guardians shared their enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to join forces with Al Fardan Jewellery, a brand that shares our passion for excellence, exclusivity, and timeless elegance. This partnership will provide a unique opportunity for collectors and jewellery enthusiasts to experience Mouawad’s exceptional craftsmanship through a trusted and established luxury retailer.” A statement by Mr. Ali Al Fardan: “For decades, Al Fardan Jewellery has been at the forefront of luxury, rooted in our deep heritage in pearls and fine jewellery. Our partnership with Mouawad is a natural alignment of our values, bringing together two houses that embody craftsmanship, heritage, and exclusivity. We look forward to presenting our clients with not only Mouawad’s extraordinary creations but also a celebration of our own rich history, particularly our legacy in natural pearls.”
Qatar Participates in the Third AI Action Summit in Paris
Doha, Qatar – 12 February 2025: The state of Qatar participated in the third AI Action summit, held from February 10 – 11 in Paris. The Qatari delegation to the summit was led by His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Almannai, Minister of Communication and Information Technology. The Summit attracted widespread international participation, bringing together heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, corporate executives, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on societies, economies, and governance structures. Qatar’s participation reaffirms its commitment to fostering international collaboration on AI governance and development, underscoring the importance of establishing a comprehensive global framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI solutions. Commenting on Qatar’s involvement, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Almannai stated: “The Summit offers a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to build a harmonized AI ecosystem. By uniting governments, industry, and civil society, we can ensure that AI innovation is not only a driver of economic growth but also a force for social good, cultural preservation, and global well-being.” The AI Action Summit focuses on five key pillars that frame the challenges and opportunities presented by AI: Public Interest in AI, Future of Work, Innovation and Culture, Trust in AI, and Global AI Governance. The Summit concluded with a shared commitment to develop international strategies and partnerships that foster responsible AI innovation. Qatar’s leadership and active engagement in these discussions highlight the nation’s vision for inclusive digital transformation and a future in which AI benefits all. Underscoring Qatar’s position as a hub for digital and technological innovation in the region, Qatar is hosting the World Summit AI for five consecutive years, following the successful conclusion of its first edition last December. Qatar is also preparing to host the second edition of the Web Summit at the end of February. These high-profile global events reflect the State’s efforts to build a supportive environment for technology development and AI advancements.
