Page 116 - SAMENA Trends - January-February 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

government, promote electronic services and develop the skills of Google Maps is a global feature that includes over 220 billion
the national workforce to lead the country’s digital future. The tie-up images from over 100 countries. This collaboration highlights
also includes development of AI-driven projects, supporting digital Qatar’s commitment to smart city development and innovation in
transformation strategies, promoting sustainable economic growth urban planning. “Google Street View” offers an invaluable resource
and reinforcing global leadership in responsible AI adoption. Of the for people of Qatar, visitors, and businesses. While people in Qatar
50 use cases, four initial AI applications and projects are already can benefit from improved navigation, visitors can virtually explore
in progress with various government entities. Alex Wang, founder Qatar’s landmarks, such as Qatar’s museums, Souq Waqif, The
and CEO of Scale AI, said “this long-term partnership will further Corniche, Al Zubarah Fort, and even experience the thrill of cruising
modernise government operations, enhance public services, and the sand dunes in the Inland Sea, before planning their trips. For
grow and upskill Qatar’s AI-ready workforce”. businesses, particularly in tourism and retail, the platform provides
(February 24, 2025) www.mobileworldlive.com global exposure and engagement opportunities. These efforts
reinforce Qatar’s position as a leading destination for culture,
Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology tourism, and business. As part of this initiative, CRA worked closely
(MCIT) launched the 2024 Digital Inclusion Index, marking a with relevant entities in Qatar, including the Geographic Information
significant step toward ensuring equal access to digital services Systems (GIS) Department at the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar
for all citizens and residents. The initiative supports Qatar’s Digital Tourism, and national security agencies. Engineer Ahmad Abdulla
Agenda 2030 and its broader goal to build an inclusive digital society AlMuslemani, President of CRA, welcomed the initiative, saying:
aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. Key Highlights of the “This collaboration with Google underscores CRA’s commitment
Digital Inclusion IndexThe index, launched on Tuesday, is designed to contributing to building a knowledge-based economy and
to promote global collaboration in digital transformation, exchange adopting technologies to drive sustainable development and
of expertise, and strategic partnerships. It measures progress in global competitiveness. By integrating advanced tools like Street
seven key areas: digital access, affordability, policies, attitudes, View in Google Maps into its smart city and tourism strategies and
adoption, impact, and digital content. These pillars identify bringing Qatar’s cultural and architectural treasures to a global
opportunities and challenges in promoting digital inclusion across audience, we are enhancing our leadership in innovation and digital
various societal segments. Qatar’s ranking of second regionally transformation, in line with CRA’s strategy and the goals of Qatar
and 16th globally in digital inclusion is attributed to substantial National Vision 2030.” (January 8, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com
investments in digital infrastructure, including extensive 5G and 4G
network coverage. The country has also implemented impactful The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
digital capacity-building programs, like the “Better Connections” (MCIT) has unveiled the formation of the Digital Skills Working
program and “SafeSpace” platform, which have enhanced digital Group, as part of its commitment to the Digital Agenda 2030 and
skills for over 1.5 million migrant workers. With 77% of the the Third National Development Strategy. The working group’s
population aged 15 and older completing secondary education, primary objective is to advance digital skills development across
Qatar’s investment in ICT and education has helped build a digitally government entities. Key goals include conducting comprehensive
proficient society. The report also highlighted the role of regulatory studies to identify training needs, designing innovative training
frameworks in promoting technologies like artificial intelligence programs, and aligning efforts among stakeholders to create
(AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), which are critical in fostering an environment conducive to learning and professional growth
digital trust. Qatar’s goals for the future include a 10% increase in the digital sector. In a recent meeting, the working group
in digital access, a 30% improvement in digital competencies, and collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education
a 20% rise in digital trust. These goals are supported by targeted and the Ministry of Labor to define the organizational framework
initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills among senior citizens for future initiatives. These discussions aim to ensure that the
and those with lower digital proficiency. Reem Al Mansoori, group’s actions align with Qatar’s national objectives for digital
Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Development at skills development. The working group will expand its scope by
MCIT, stressed that the Digital Inclusion Index is essential to including more stakeholders from both the public and private
achieving the nation’s vision of a sustainable, knowledge-based sectors, thereby broadening the inclusivity of its programs and
economy. Duha Al Buhendi, Director of the Digital Society and enhancing its impact on the nation’s digital progress. It plans to
Digital Competencies Department, added that the index will guide hold quarterly meetings to review progress, identify opportunities,
future policies to expand digital equity and access. The launch and refine ongoing digital skills initiatives. The group’s focus
of this report underscores Qatar’s dedication to creating a digital areas will include digital skills programs for youth, workforce skill
society where every individual can fully participate in and benefit development, and the creation of comprehensive digital skills
from technological advancements. (January 30, 2025) www.meatechwatch.com frameworks. By promoting collaboration, sharing insights, and
tackling challenges, the group aims to enhance Qatar’s digital skills
The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has announced ecosystem, contributing to the nation’s advancement as a future-
its collaboration with Google to bring Qatar’s landmarks and ready, digital society. The Digital Skills Working Group is a key part
cultural heritage to the world through Street View in Google Maps. of Qatar’s broader strategy to accelerate digital transformation
This initiative leverages advanced technology, like 360-degree and establish an integrated ecosystem that fosters innovation,
panoramic views, to enhance navigation and boost tourism, collaboration, and growth across all sectors.
supporting Qatar’s digital transformation goals. Street View in (December 30, 2024) www.meatechwatch.com

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