Qatar’s push towards a knowledge-based economy is showing tangible results, with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) reporting significant milestones for its startup ecosystem. Eman Al Kuwari, Director of the Digital Innovation Department, revealed that the Digital Incubation Center (DIC) has supported a cohort of startups that have successfully raised over QAR 747 million ($205 million) in funding. This achievement is a key indicator of the country’s Digital Agenda 2030, which aims to add QAR 40 billion to the non-oil economy and generate 26,000 jobs.
Quick Facts
- Over 521 startups incubated by the DIC.
- More than QAR 747 million in total funding raised.
- Startups attracted from 78 different countries.
Driving Growth Through Strategic Pillars
According to Al Kuwari, Qatar’s digital transformation strategy is built on three integrated pillars: modernizing vital sectors, integrating artificial intelligence, and fostering a national innovation environment connected to global markets. To accelerate this, the ministry has established strategic partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft, Google Cloud, Oracle, and Scale AI.
The success of the DIC extends beyond local talent, having attracted international startups that have generated more than QAR 670 million in revenues. The country’s Digital Agenda 2030 has also received international validation, being recognized by the United Nations as a leading practice in digital transformation.
Building a Talent-Ready Digital Society
A core part of the strategy involves building local capabilities to meet future demands. Duha Al Buhendi, Director of the Digital Society and Digital Competencies Department at MCIT, highlighted the ministry’s focus on digital skills development. “We are committed to enabling a more prepared digital society by investing in digital skills and enhancing the capabilities of our national talent to meet the demands of the digital future,” Al Buhendi stated.
A key initiative is the Qatar Digital Academy, which in the past year alone delivered over 330 training programs to more than 5,700 employees across 90 organizations, in collaboration with 17 global technology providers. Initiatives like Studio 5 and the digital safety project “SafeSpace” are also aimed at promoting digital literacy and innovation among children, youth, and educators.
Qatar’s Global Digital Rankings
Qatar’s investment in its digital infrastructure and ecosystem is reflected in several global indices. The country ranked first globally in internet penetration at 99% in 2021, according to a Hootsuite report.
Regionally, Qatar placed third among Arab nations in the 2023 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index (GEMS) and third in the 2023 ICT Development Index (IDI), which assesses connectivity and usage across 169 countries.
About the Digital Incubation Center
The Digital Incubation Center (DIC) is a Qatari government initiative under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. It was established to boost ICT innovation in Qatar, particularly among young people at the early stages of their tech-related businesses. The DIC provides startups with free office space, technical support, training, and mentorship to help them grow and scale.
Source: Al Arab
