Qatar has signed a five-year agreement with U.S.-based artificial intelligence (AI) firm Scale AI to integrate AI-driven solutions into government operations, optimizing public services with predictive analytics, automation, and advanced data analysis.
According to Reuters, the deal aims to position Qatar as a leader in AI, competing with regional tech powerhouses Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Transforming Government with AI
The Qatar Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) stated that the partnership will explore over 50 potential AI applications across different government sectors.
Trevor Thompson, Scale AI’s global head of growth, emphasized the broader significance of this collaboration:
“This partnership could serve as a model for other governments globally, allowing us to make a meaningful commitment that accelerates impact.”
While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the initiative highlights Qatar’s strategic focus on AI adoption to improve efficiency and decision-making in public services.
Qatar’s Growing AI Ambitions
This agreement is part of Qatar’s larger push to become an AI hub, following its December 2024 partnership with the United Kingdom on AI research.
The joint AI research commission—led by Queen Mary University of London and Hamad bin Khalifa University—aims to:
- Strengthen AI cooperation between Qatar and the UK
- Develop AI policy and regulatory frameworks
- Explore AI applications in security, innovation, and economic development
Qatar’s Position in the AI Race
The country is rapidly expanding its AI footprint, aligning with its National AI Strategy to develop an AI-driven economy. Qatar’s collaboration with Scale AI, a company that provides data labeling services to OpenAI’s ChatGPT and works with Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and Cohere, is a strategic step in this direction.
Eman Alkuwari, digital innovation director at Qatar’s MCIT, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in the country:
“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Qatar’s commitment to advancing AI as a transformative force for good. By partnering with the UK and leveraging the expertise of world-renowned institutions, we aim to unlock new opportunities for innovation, shape ethical frameworks, and contribute to global progress in AI.”
What’s Next?
With Scale AI’s expertise and Qatar’s commitment to AI development, the partnership is expected to drive digital transformation across government operations. Over the next five years, Qatar will explore real-world AI applications, ensuring that AI adoption aligns with national technology strategies.
As Qatar positions itself as an emerging leader in AI, the country’s investment in cutting-edge technology could reshape the region’s digital landscape and strengthen its global AI partnerships.
