Page 64 - SAMENA Trends - July-September 2024

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Qatar Invests US$2.4 Billion to Bolster AI Capabilities; Attracts Global Tech

Leaders

Qatar spearheads artificial intelligence (AI) technology across technological advancement.” However, AI technologies are being
MENA by investing a whopping $2.4bn (QR8.75bn) in incentives leveraged across numerous industries throughout the region,
to strengthen its capabilities and to draw technology experts from driving innovation and efficiency, stated the official. He highlighted
around the globe. Speaking to The Peninsula in an interview, Faisal key sectors like the energy, healthcare, and government in Saudi
Al Monai, Co-Founder and Chairman of droppGroup, remarked that Arabia leading the race. Organizations such as Saudi Aramco
these investments are part of Qatar’s wider approach to constructing is utilizing AI through initiatives like Metabrain AI to develop
a smart economy, with digital investments anticipated to reach energy efficiency and optimize drilling operations. In the UAE, the
$5.7bn (QR20.77bn) by 2026, up from $1.65bn (QR6.01bn) in 2022 transportation and logistics sectors are adopting AI to enhance
as some market analysis firms have claimed. He said: “AI has traffic control and facilitate autonomous vehicle outcomes. The
significantly impacted Qatar and the broader MENA region, driving healthcare industry is also witnessing significant progress, with the
productivity, efficiency, and innovation across various sectors. In technology used for diagnostics, patient care, and administrative
Qatar, AI initiatives like the Fanar AI project have been launched to efficiencies. “Qatar is leveraging AI in education, employing AI-
enhance linguistic programs and support digital transformation.” driven platforms for personalized learning experiences and
The market expert noted “significant strides” in adopting AI and administrative management. The country’s financial sector is also
development across the MENA region are witnessed. “In Saudi embracing AI for fraud detection, risk management, and customer
Arabia, the National Strategy for Data and AI aims to secure $20bn service enhancements,” Al Monai added. Experts across the region
(QR72.88bn) in investments by 2030, positioning the Kingdom as accentuate that these industries demonstrate the multifarious
a global leader in AI. This ambitious initiative includes training applications of AI technologies, driving productivity, innovation,
20,000 AI specialists and implementing over 30,000 AI-related and economic growth.
jobs as part of Saudi Vision 2030,” Al Monai said. In addition
to Saudi Arabia, countries including the UAE are also making
tremendous progress. The UAE has launched the Mohamed bin
Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the world’s first graduate-
level AI university, exemplifying its dedication to becoming a global
hub for AI research and development. On the other hand, the
industry leader highlighted that Qatar is leveraging AI to improve
diverse realms such as healthcare, education, and transportation,
contributing to its national vision of becoming a knowledge-based
economy. Al Monai said, “These efforts collectively underscore
the MENA region’s dedication to harnessing AI for economic
growth and innovation, making it a burgeoning landscape for

Libya, Morocco, and Seychelles Lead Africa in ICT Development

Libya, Morocco, and the Seychelles top the list for the highest ICT
development levels in Africa, according to the “Measuring Digital
Development – ICT Development Index 2024” report released by
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in June. The re-
port evaluates ICT progress in 47 African countries and 170 coun-
tries globally, based on 10 indicators, including internet usage, mo-
bile broadband penetration, and the cost of mobile data and voice
services. Scores range from 0 (no connectivity) to 100 points (op-
timal connectivity). Libya leads Africa with a score of 88.1 points,
followed by Morocco (86.8) and the Seychelles (84.7). Other top
performers include Mauritius (84.2), South Africa (83.6), Algeria
(80.9), Botswana (78.7), Tunisia (77.2), Egypt (76.8), and Gabon
(74.7). Despite improvements, significant disparities persist. The
average score for Africa increased to 50.3 points, but the gap be-
tween Libya and Chad, the lowest-ranked country, is over 66 points.
Chad scores 21.3, just ahead of Burundi (24.4) and Somalia (28.7).

64 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2024