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centre region in Qatar . This announcement was made during a Microsoft event celebrating the second anniversary of the opening of Microsoft ’ s cloud data centre region in Doha .
The Microsoft ’ s cloud data centre region in Qatar was inaugurated in 2022 and is part of Microsoft ’ s global network of over 60 cloud data centre regions worldwide . The Region aims to empower government entities and businesses of all sizes to access a suite of Microsoft cloud services supported by cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities to reinvent the future .
Qatar has made impressive strides and announcements aimed at achieving its Smart Nation goals , including the establishment of a Microsoft Azure Data Centre , and Google Cloud Region Centre offering managed DNS services in May 2023 . Qatar places cloud computing at the heart of its digital strategy as it enhances efficiency and productivity .
In 2022 , the Qatar Communication and Regulatory Authority published a Cloud Policy Framework approved by the Cabinet . Cloud services , ICT software and hardware , and services are all forecasted as growing areas in the coming years .
According to IDC , Qatar made significant investments in cloud computing and other emerging technologies , ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup . Today , the country is looking to maintain its technology-enabled development momentum and focus steadfastly on its National Vision 2030 strategy . The country ’ s leaders have been working closely with private and public sector entities to meet their ambitious goals and objectives .
In addition , many leading organisations in Qatar will now explore and invest in Generative AI use cases . IDC believes that these organisations need to be ready for an AI Everywhere world in the future . IDC forecasts that annual spending on AI-centric systems worldwide will surpass US $ 300 billion by 2026 , while ICT spending in Qatar will surpass US $ 5.8 billion by 2024 .
According to the US-based , International Trade Administration , Qatar ’ s adeptness with ICT manifested during the successful execution of the 2022 FIFA Men ’ s World Cup . Various technologies and innovations helped deliver an outstanding World Cup tournament experience and propelled the country into the international spotlight . Qatar National Vision 2030 recognises that harnessing ICT is critical for economic development and maturing into a knowledgebased economy .
Post-World Cup , Qatar continues to emerge globally as a leading country for new technology adaptation , innovation and system automation . The ICT sector is listed as a priority sector in the national agenda with the sector contributing 2.7 % to the GDP in 2022 .
Qatar ’ s home-grown companies in the ICT sector are primarily focused on the domestic market , with limited digital solution exports . Only one in ten of the local IT companies serve foreign markets . The growth may be less compared to other GCC countries and advanced ICT economies , but the sector is on an upward growth trajectory with growing opportunities in the market and in the region for firms willing to take the time .
According to International Trade Administration , the Qatari ICT market is currently estimated at US $ 6.25 billion and will continue to grow in the future given the continuing needs of a growing country , creating an opportunity rich environment for US businesses to enter the ICT sector .
ICT modernisation is a central pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 , since it lays the technological foundation needed to create the high-paying jobs of the future , diversify the economy , and attract international firms . US companies seeking to bring their ICT products and services to Qatar must keep Qatar ’ s development goals in mind to resonate with potential investors , partners .
According to the Oxford Business Group , Qatar is in the initial phases of its National Development Strategy 2024 – 30 , NDS-3 to transform the country into an advanced economy capable of sustainable development . The plan prioritises competitiveness , innovation and institutional excellence , while balancing sustainable growth and social cohesion .
The NDS-3 outlines seven strategic national outcomes that represent the main strategic priorities for the country ’ s next phase of development : sustainable economic growth , fiscal sustainability , a future-ready workforce , a cohesive society , quality of life , environmental sustainability and government excellence .
The NDS-3 is set to significantly influence the ICT sector , as it aims to position Qatar as a leader in digital government . �
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