13 September 2022, DOHA – QATAR: The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global tech company, Microsoft, during the launch ceremony of the company’s cloud data center region in Qatar.

 This agreement between IPA Qatar and Microsoft, signed by Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, IPA Qatar, and Lana Khalaf, General Manager Microsoft Qatar, reinforces the mutual commitment of both organisations towards the development of an innovation-driven digital sector in Qatar.

IPA Qatar’s partnership with Microsoft will see the two organisations work together closely to promote Qatar as the region’s leading business location for the digital technology sector through joint marketing activities and publications, and the development of digital skills initiatives for the local talent pool. Similarly, the two partners will collaborate to develop initiatives that empower and attract start-ups and fast-growing young tech companies in key domains such as agriculture, finance and insurance, energy, and sustainability.

Qatar’s Digital Transformation

IPA Qatar’s agreement with Microsoft aligns with the country’s strategic directive to engage strong partners, who share its commitment to the core mandate of Qatar’s digital transformation agenda and its aim to develop a knowledge-based economy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). Amidst a global pursuit towards digital-based economic strategies, Qatar is part of a region-wide digital paradigm shift. According to international management consulting firm, Oliver Wyman, by 2025, more than 40 percent of all ICT investments in the region will be allotted to the execution of digital transformation efforts.

By harnessing information technology tools such as cloud computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Qatar, home to the world’s first commercially available 5G Network, is creating an enabling environment for the digital ecosystem. As the custodian of the Invest Qatar brand, IPA Qatar has embarked on several partnerships to accelerate digital transformation and foster tech innovation in Qatar, including with Iberdrola, FLYR Labs, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), and Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council. With Microsoft’s commitment to drive innovation in Qatar and contribute to the development of a competitive and diversified digital economy,, this latest partnership signifies another step on the road to a smart future, driven by innovative technologies that will redefine industries and businesses in Qatar.