Qatar University: driving the nation’s digital future

Dr Omar Al-Ansari, President of Qatar University, spoke to Insight about the institution’s role in advancing Qatar’s digital transformation goals and developing the talent to power the country’s innovation agenda.

Q1: MWC25 Doha marks the first MWC to be held in the Middle East. What does this mean for Qatar and how does it align with its digital ambitions?

Hosting MWC for the first time carries both symbolic and strategic significance for Qatar. It underscores international trust in the advancement of Qatar’s ICT ecosystem and acts as a driving force in accelerating the nation’s digital transformation. It is an opportunity to translate the National Vision 2030 goals into tangible partnerships, investments and technological exchange.

Notably, MWC25 aligns directly with Qatar’s national digital transformation agenda, including the ambition to build world-class ICT infrastructure, scale digital government and foster the innovation and adoption of emerging technologies.

It contributes to the country’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy, supporting diversification beyond hydrocarbons and creating new opportunities for local human capital. As a platform, MWC25 will amplify national efforts in AI, smart infrastructure and digital public services, providing a forum to benchmark, showcase and accelerate progress.

Q2: How is Qatar University helping to prepare the next generation of leaders for an AI-driven future?

Qatar University’s mission extends beyond preparing graduates for jobs – we prepare them to shape the future.

Through world class programmes and courses in AI, data science, cybersecurity and digital ethics, supported by centres such as the KINDI Center for Computing Research, the Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC) and others, we cultivate leaders who can build technology with discernment, lead multi-disciplinary teams and contribute solutions grounded in societal values.

Q3: Security and data protection are increasingly critical today. How is the University balancing innovation with the development of secure and resilient digital infrastructure?

At Qatar University, innovation in AI and communication technologies is accompanied by strong commitments to cybersecurity, data protection and ethical governance. Our research into secure IoT systems, privacy-preserving AI, blockchain resilience and digital identity management addresses emerging vulnerabilities inherent to hyper-connected environments.

We work closely with entities such as the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, National Cyber Security Agency and the Communications Regulatory Authority to align our academic research with national and international security frameworks. We firmly believe that responsible innovation requires both technological excellence and the protection of digital sovereignty to ensure sustainable progress.

Q4: What are some key initiatives or programmes at Qatar University focused on digital skills development, AI and emerging technologies integral to the digital future?

Qatar University recognises the importance of building an innovation ecosystem that supports digital fluency across disciplines. Our approach integrates digital literacy in every field – from business and health to engineering and the arts.

For example, we drive initiatives in Arabic NLP, digital health and AI ethics, enabling students to contribute to culturally relevant and human-centred technologies. National events such as AI Week, Health Tech Hackathon and the Arab IoT & AI Challenge connect thousands of students with industry mentors, reinforcing the bridge between academic training and real-world impact.

Q5: What are some key challenges Qatar faces in achieving its digital ambitions?

We believe that achieving Qatar’s digital ambitions requires addressing three interlinked challenges: talent readiness, secure infrastructure and innovation scalability.

First, the rapid evolution of AI and communication technologies demands a workforce capable of continuous learning and interdisciplinary thinking. Second, as digital systems expand, so does the need to protect data integrity and national cybersecurity. Third, the transition from research prototypes to market-ready solutions remains a critical national priority.

At Qatar University, we are responding to these challenges through strategic research priorities, industry partnerships and a growing intellectual property portfolio – particularly in ICT – aimed at transforming academic innovation into societal benefit.

Q6: What role does collaboration play in the University’s digital goals?

Collaboration is fundamental to our strategy. In the last four years, we have partnered with more than 200 academic institutions across 154 countries. We are strategically at the centre of all major local research and innovation networks. And we operate at the intersection of academia, industry and government to ensure that digital innovation directly supports national needs.

Through partnerships with entities such as the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), MCIT, international universities and technology leaders, Qatar University co-creates solutions rather than developing them in isolation.

Our research centres stand as models of applied collaboration, where research in AI, IoT and 5G is deployed through national platforms serving smart cities, transport and environmental monitoring. In our view, digital advancement is defined by the collective capacity to innovate and advance together.

Q7: Looking ahead, how do you envision Qatar University’s role in supporting the country’s digital ambitions?

Qatar University is poised to serve as a catalyst for a digital future that is intelligent, secure and rooted in societal values. Our commitment is to advance research in AI, 6G communications, edge and cloud computing, and data governance, while investing in the humans who will carry these technologies forward.

We will continue to strengthen our intellectual property portfolio, expand Arabic AI research and apply ICT solutions to health, environment and public services.

Ultimately, our vision is to help shape Qatar’s digital future, guided by knowledge and grounded in values that empower future generations.