Qatar has witnessed a lot of investment in the digital sector in line with the digital transformation of the country and the establishment of a knowledge-based economy as set out in the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030.

The investment drive is estimated to create more than QAR 11.3 billion (USD 3.1 billion) in new revenue over the next five years and position the country as a digital hub according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

Three Microsoft Azure cloud data centres will start operating in Qatar in 2022 under the Microsoft Azure Qatar national framework agreement. It will build on the government`s strategic partnership with Microsoft from 2019 and the establishment of a regional cloud data centre in the country to deliver the cloud services and expand the global cloud infrastructure.

In addition, Google will expand the cloud services building on the government’s agreement from 2020. In conclusion, the company launched the first Google Cloud in the Middle East in Qatar.

Google Cloud platforms in the regions are the cornerstones of global cloud infrastructure and deliver high-performance, low latency, zero emission services to users throughout the world. The expansion will provide modern infrastructure and access data-powered innovation.

In addition, Qatar has taken steps to increase supply chain localisation and the government is encouraging joint ventures with global players with the aim and intention to create a culture of innovation, research and development and to build the talent in the country.

The most prominent examples are Qatar Petroleum’s “Tawteen” initiative to increase the supply chain localisation in the energy sector. Likewise, DHL Express is investing QAR 110 million (USD 33 million) to set up a major logistics facility in Ras Bufontas free zone under the Qatar Free Zones Authority.

Please click on the link to learn more about the most recent developments in the digital sector in the State of Qatar as well as the initiatives of Business Start Up Qatar.