Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has announced a significant cooperation agreement with PwC Middle East and OpenAI to fast-track the development of an integrated national AI ecosystem. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and service quality across the country’s public and private sectors through the deployment of innovative and reliable AI solutions.
A Strategic Tripartite Collaboration
The agreement, signed by MCIT’s Director of Digital Innovation Eman Al Kuwari, PwC Middle East Consulting Partner Yazan Al Safi, and OpenAI’s Head of Enterprise for MENA Farouk Hamzawi, is built on three core pillars: boosting public-sector productivity, designing innovative AI-driven projects, and establishing a national AI testbed.
Under the terms of the partnership, PwC Middle East will lend its advisory expertise to help Qatari entities identify AI opportunities and develop productivity-boosting initiatives. OpenAI will provide crucial technical support, including access to its advanced AI models and direct participation in developing the national AI testbed.
Establishing A National AI Testbed
A central component of the collaboration is the creation of an AI testbed, which will serve as an enabling environment for government agencies and startups to deploy and scale AI solutions.
This platform will allow entities to develop and test AI-based projects under structured guidance, with a focus on enhancing public services, improving efficiency, and supporting Qatar’s long-term transition to a knowledge-based economy. The initiative will also promote broader access to tools like ChatGPT across public-sector institutions, ensuring organisations can adopt AI responsibly to improve citizen experiences.
Building On A Regional Alliance
This national initiative builds upon the strategic partnership formed between PwC Middle East and OpenAI in October 2023, which established the consulting firm as OpenAI’s first regional partner and reseller in the Middle East.
The Qatar collaboration marks the first major government-level deployment under this framework, signaling a significant step in moving from experimental AI deployments to achieving scalable impact across government operations.
About The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is the government body responsible for developing the nation’s ICT sector. The ministry works to create a vibrant and sustainable digital ecosystem, fostering innovation and ensuring that all individuals and businesses in Qatar can benefit from the advancements of the digital age.
Source: Middle East AI News
