Qatar is set to bolster its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and startup ecosystem by providing unprecedented access to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies. The initiative is centered around the upcoming ‘International Exhibition on Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Technologies 26’ (ROBOTECH 26), an event organized by Stallion and designed to align with the country’s ambitious Digital Agenda 2030.
Bridging Local SMEs with Global Tech
The primary goal of ROBOTECH 26 is to empower Qatari SMEs and startups by creating a direct bridge to the global AI and robotics industry. According to Haitham Shehab, general manager of Stallion, the most significant opportunity lies with these local enterprises.
“Robotics has never been accessible on the ground for people to experience it, and discuss opportunities with the inventors and companies specialising in this field,” Shehab told Gulf Times. He emphasized that for many, these technologies have only been seen online or discussed in theory.
The exhibition aims to change this by facilitating direct exposure and enabling local firms to forge partnerships with international players who are actively seeking collaborators in the region.
Upskilling for a Digital Future
Beyond business partnerships, the event is a key component of Qatar’s strategy to upskill its workforce and prepare the next generation for a digital-first economy, a core objective of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Shehab noted that hundreds of international companies specializing in robotics and AI are expected to attend, giving business leaders, government officials, and the local workforce invaluable hands-on experience.
“We’re focusing on education because these sectors are the ones that are going to educate the new generation,” he said, highlighting that universities and schools are being invited to participate. By integrating educational institutions into the technology ecosystem, Qatar aims to ensure its future talent can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
A National Push for Digital Transformation
The initiative has received strong backing from the Qatar Chamber, underscoring the national commitment to innovation. Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, the chamber’s first vice-chairman, highlighted the country’s rapid progress in digital transformation, noting that Qatar has been ranked among the top 20 countries globally in the 2025 Digital Competitiveness Index.
Al-Kuwari stressed that this progress reflects the nation’s dedication to building a competitive, knowledge-based economy under Qatar National Vision 2030. The government’s support aims to create a platform for dialogue and demonstration, encouraging the wider population to embrace innovation and leverage technology for growth.
About ROBOTECH 26
Scheduled to take place in Doha from October 27-29, 2026, ROBOTECH 26 will occupy a 15,000-square-meter exhibition space. It is designed to be the premier platform for discovering cutting-edge technologies and catalyzing public-private partnerships. The event will attract leading AI and robotics companies across key sectors, including healthcare, smart transportation, logistics, education, cybersecurity, food security, fintech, smart cities, and environmental conservation.
Source: Zawya
