Qatar is at the forefront of digital innovation, investing heavily in cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity, as highlighted by the latest report from Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar).

With a projected 9 percent annual growth in ICT spending, initiatives like the e-government portal Hukoomi, offering over 1500 online services, and the Tasmu Smart Qatar project, representing 40 percent IoT use cases with a$1.7 billion government investment, demonstrate the nation's commitment to digitalization.

Moreover, Qatar prioritizes digital skills development, collaborating with local and international institutions to produce over 2,000 STEM graduates annually. Initiatives such as the TASMU Accelerator further bolster research and innovation efforts, with partnerships formed with global tech firms to advance digital skills and technological growth.

This aligns with the broader digital transformation in the MENA region, where high internet usage and improved e-government services signal significant growth opportunities in cybersecurity and the public cloud market, with AI expected to make substantial contributions to the region's GDP by 2030.

Why does it matter?

The MENA region anticipates substantial digital economy growth, projected to rise from$180 billion in 2022 to$780 billion by 2030, with a 20 percent annual growth rate. Regulatory reforms to foster a business-friendly environment accompany this growth, while increased internet access drives investment opportunities in the data center sector. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are aggressively investing in digitalization to diversify their economies, aligning with ambitious goals for achieving net zero emissions in the near future.