Post by : Maya Rahman

Doha has set the stage for the inaugural WSJ Tech Live Qatar 2025 conference, marking a significant milestone as the first major technology event in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This high-profile gathering commenced on Tuesday and was graced by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, alongside over 200 influential figures, including prominent CEOs, investors, and specialists spanning technology, media, finance, and entertainment sectors.

WSJ Tech Live serves as a premier global platform for discussions on the pivotal role of technology in shaping business practices, regulatory frameworks, and innovations. The event kicked off with a panel discussion that featured HE the Prime Minister and was guided by Dow Jones CEO Almar Latour. Key topics included digital transformation, economic diversification, and leveraging technology to boost Qatar's competitive edge across diverse sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed underscored Qatar's evolution into a vital conduit between East and West, establishing itself as a regional hub for logistics, aviation, diplomacy, and energy. He noted that the hosting of WSJ Tech Live in Doha exemplifies Qatar's dedication to economic diversification and nurturing a culture of innovation. The country has been the venue for numerous tech-centric events, including the Mobile World Congress and the Web Summit, attracting global participants eager to uncover regional opportunities.

Despite the historical reliance on hydrocarbons, the Prime Minister emphasized that non-hydrocarbon sectors are now driving growth. The Qatar Investment Authority is instrumental in broadening income sources and advancing the economy into new domains. HE Sheikh Mohammed also stressed the necessity of establishing a robust technology sector, which can bolster critical areas such as health, education, logistics, and financial services, all aligned with Qatar’s aim to lead in AI solutions.

He pointed out that Qatar has developed significant national entities, including Qatar Airways, Qatar Energy, Qatar National Bank, and Ooredoo, which enhance the country’s global standing. Integrating a technological emphasis will further elevate Qatar’s economic performance and solidify its digital infrastructure. With one of the globe's cutting-edge 5G networks, Qatar is cultivating a friendly tech environment that fosters innovation and growth.

Promoting artificial intelligence is a key focus for Qatar, with ongoing implementations of AI technologies in governmental operations. Partnerships with global firms are underway to enhance AI-driven public services, with aspirations to launch 50 AI-based services by 2029. The exploration of AI applications is also expanding across industries represented by national leaders, including aviation.

Almar Latour commended Qatar's pivotal role in advancing AI and emphasized the strategic relevance of hosting the conference within the region. This three-day event will cover sessions focused on the future of fintech, digital currencies, sports, media, talent development, space, and defense technologies. Noteworthy global figures such as Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, and Michael Rubin are slated to engage in these discussions.

This conference embodies a long-standing partnership between the Government Communications Office and Dow Jones, further solidifying Qatar’s emergence as a significant hub for international technology events while offering local companies and talents opportunities to engage with global investors and tech innovators.

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