Doha, Qatar: In a recent event focused on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation, industry leaders highlighted the remarkable progress and groundbreaking work taking place in Qatar.
Adi Morun, Microsoft Data & AI Director CEMA, expressed admiration for the innovation and extraordinary endeavours shaping the AI landscape in the country.
During a session, “From imagination to reality” at an event recently organised by Microsoft and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, he said: “As a Canadian who watched the World Cup and I was imagining what Qatar is like.. it’s so inspiring to see the innovation and amazing work that’s being done in this country around AI and digital transformation.”
With AI revolutionising industries globally, countries including Qatar are actively embracing this transformative technology that drive business value for consumers, he explained.
AI’s pervasive influence spans across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, retail, entertainment, and science. However, particular attention is being given to three key industries: government, energy, and financial services. According to Morun, these sectors hold immense potential for AI-driven advancements that can elevate operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and fuel economic growth.
Jens Hansen, Microsoft General Manager EMEA-Data & AI, lauded the Middle East region’s unwavering commitment to innovation during his presentation titled, “Unleashing the power of OpenAI with Microsoft Azure: A Journey to the Future.”
“The Middle East is one of the regions where innovation is being truly embraced and that is a pleasure to be here.”
Having toured extensively worldwide, Hansen emphasised the Middle East as a beacon of innovation, with an enthusiasm for AI that sets it apart. Citing a Goldman Sachs study, he highlighted the projected 7% boost in GDP over a decade due to the utilisation of cutting-edge generative AI technologies. Interestingly, the study also revealed that approximately 50% of white-collar jobs may experience some level of transformation, with 70% of surveyed workers expressing a desire to incorporate AI into their daily tasks.
Hansen stressed the evolving relationship between humans and machines, describing a shift from traditional user interfaces to natural language interactions, structured input to context and intent-driven interfaces. User expectations are rapidly evolving, and AI is the catalyst for this change.
Lana Khalaf, General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, expressed optimism regarding Qatar’s unique potential in harnessing the power of AI across all sectors, from start-ups to large enterprises.
Khalaf highlighted the collaboration between Microsoft and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCIT) aimed at developing a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap for the nation. The initiative will provide organisations in Qatar with access to advanced AI models, empowering them to build robust digital capabilities within their workforce.
Last Thursday, Qatar witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) that aim to accelerate digital transformation across various sectors.
The partnership between Sprinklr and Microsoft empowers the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau’s Sharek platform by integrating Azure OpenAI Service. Another significant MoU was signed between Microsoft and Vodafone, aiming to revolutionise customer experience through the utilisation of Microsoft’s Digital Contact Centre Technologies.
