Q&A with Louie Jarouche, Country Manager, Qatar & Kuwait, Schneider Electric

Congratulations on the opening of your new office in Msheireb! What were the key factors behind your decision to expand here?

Expanding our presence in Msheireb Downtown Doha aligns with Schneider Electric’s commitment to supporting Qatar’s ambitious vision for sustainable urban development. This office represents more than just a new workspace; it is a hub for innovation and collaboration where we can directly engage with our clients and partners to drive sustainable progress. Qatar’s focus on reducing carbon emissions and boosting energy efficiency resonates with our goals, making this location ideal for advancing digital automation and intelligent energy management solutions.

Our Msheireb office is designed to be adaptable and future-ready, showcasing Schneider Electric’s global standards in creating flexible, technology-driven work environments. By operating in the heart of Qatar’s most sustainable and digitally integrated district, we are well-positioned to implement cutting-edge, AI-driven platforms that optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and create smart urban spaces. This new facility, which features a state-of-the-art Services Training Centre, also allows us to support the local workforce by providing specialised training in energy systems and smart city solutions, further contributing to Qatar’s sustainability-focused initiatives.

What made Msheireb an attractive choice for this expansion?

Msheireb Downtown Doha stood out to us owing to its strategic value as pioneering smart city district that embodies sustainability, digital innovation, and community resilience. The district’s advanced infrastructure and commitment to eco-friendly solutions make it an ideal environment for deploying our digital automation and energy management technologies. Collaborating with Msheireb Properties provides us a unique platform to showcase and develop solutions that improve urban liveability through smart energy use, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making.

Additionally, Msheireb’s ecosystem supports a vibrant community of local and international companies focused on sustainable growth. By choosing Msheireb, we are not only contributing to Qatar’s sustainable future but also setting a benchmark for how urban spaces can be transformed into interconnected, environmentally responsible hubs.

With your recent partnership with Ooredoo, how is Schneider Electric driving digital innovation and transformation in Qatar?

Together with Ooredoo, we are deploying cutting-edge technologies that enhance connectivity, resilience, and efficiency across sectors such as energy, healthcare, utilities and infrastructure. By integrating our digital energy solutions with Ooredoo’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure, we are implementing cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to modernise infrastructure, support smart city development and reduce carbon emissions. This collaboration is also focused on supercharging digital resilience, as Qatar’s digital ecosystem evolves.

Furthermore, this collaboration drives operational efficiency and contributes significantly to talent development in Qatar, paving the way for new opportunities and cultivating a culture of innovation that will lead to a more connected and sustainable future. As we work alongside Ooredoo, we are confident that our joint efforts will play a crucial role in realising Qatar’s vision for a digitally empowered and sustainable nation.

 From Schneider’s perspective, what opportunities in Qatar stand out the most for growth and investment?

We believe that Qatar presents significant opportunities for growth and investment, particularly as the country advances its digital transformation agenda. As the country pushes forward with its National Vision 2030 and Qatar Digital Agenda 2030, there is a strong focus on leveraging advanced technologies to reinforce infrastructure resilience and boost operational efficiency across critical sectors, including energy, telecommunications, healthcare and transportation.

The alignment with these national initiatives creates a robust foundation for deploying digital solutions that can optimise energy use, enhance sustainability and drive intelligent automation. This strategic direction also creates opportunities to invest in digital infrastructure and smart city solutions that meet the needs of Qatar’s rapidly evolving urban environments.

Qatar’s urban landscape is undergoing a transformative journey, integrating innovative technologies that improve connectivity, efficiency and quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

What advice would you offer to other business leaders considering entering or expanding into the Qatari market?

My advice would centre around three key elements: alignment with Qatar's national vision, strategic digital investments and fostering local partnerships.

First, aligning your business strategies with Qatar’s long-term goals is essential. As I mentioned earlier, the nation’s commitment to digital transformation, outlined in its National Vision 2030 and the Qatar Digital Agenda 2030, presents a roadmap for businesses. By supporting Qatar’s goals in areas such as AI, blockchain and IoT integration, companies can position themselves as valuable contributors to the country’s ambitions. Understanding and integrating these pillars into your expansion strategy will resonate well with both stakeholders and consumers, emphasizing your role in Qatar’s progress.

Second, investing in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity should be a priority. The Qatari government is accelerating its ICT investments and this is boosting the business environment for sectors such as cloud services, high-speed connectivity and data security. By establishing a robust digital presence that leverages cutting-edge technologies, businesses can not only tap into Qatar’s high internet penetration and tech-savvy population but also ensure long-term operational resilience in this highly connected market.

In short, Qatar’s competitive landscape is ideal for companies ready to drive digital innovation, but success will rely on thoughtful alignment with national goals, strong digital investments and strategic partnerships.