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Qatar / General

‘Downtown Tech makes technology accessible and engaging for everyone’

Published: 03 Feb 2025 - 09:17 am | Last Updated: 03 Feb 2025 - 09:18 am
A Lekhwiya robot on display at Downtown Tech.

A Lekhwiya robot on display at Downtown Tech.

Joel Johnson | The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar hosted the first edition of Downtown Tech organised by Msheireb Properties, transforming Barahat Msheireb into an immersive technology hub.

The two-day tech exhibition featured several top-notch companies and entities such as Zeekr, Lekhwiya, and Tesla Owners Club, highlighting the country’s growing position as a hub for technological innovation in the region and beyond.

Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the event, ICT Manager at Msheireb Properties, Eng. Ahmad Al Korbi, said: “We are exhibiting self-driving cars, smartphone systems, Robots, and AI and Machine learning in Downtown Tech.”

The event also witnessed the exhibition of four specialised zones dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Autonomous Vehicles interconnected through a central nervous system design symbolising the fusion of human creativity and technological innovation.

“We are the operator of this city, so we need to know what’s the latest on the system that provides services to the tenant and visitors and therefore these events help us stay focused and well ahead,” Al Korbi said.

He further stated “Downtown Tech represents our commitment to making technology accessible and engaging for everyone. As operators of one of the world’s most advanced smart cities, with over 650,000 connected IoT devices, we wanted to create an interactive platform where our community could experience the future of technology firsthand.”

More than 130,000 visitors took part in the Downtown Tech event exploring a diverse range of technological innovations from fascinating live demonstrations of robotics and AI applications to cutting-edge smart home and IoT technology showcases. The exhibition showcased impressive autonomous vehicle displays, complemented by interactive workshops and panel discussions.

Christopher Preston, Executive Director, Blue Lake Motors said “Qatar’s enthusiasm for innovative mobility solutions makes it the perfect place to see the future of transportation come to life. Msheireb Downtown Doha has been the ideal setting to showcase next-generation automotive technology and it’s a pleasure to work with like-minded entrepreneurs.”

Downtown Tech convened numerous tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, and innovators marking the intersection of creativity and innovation.

In a statement to the press, officials highlighted that the event’s distinct zones and interactive features provided a space for valuable discussions and knowledge sharing. Msheireb Downtown Doha, as the venue, played a key role by showcasing smart city concepts in practice. With its advanced infrastructure and innovative urban design, the district exemplifies energy efficiency, seamless connectivity, and a focus on user-centered urban planning.