Qatar has approved the creation of a National Center for Artificial Intelligence within the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, placing a new government unit at the center of the country’s AI policy efforts.
Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ratified Cabinet Decision No. 34 of 2026, which establishes the center and sets out its mandate. The NCAI will report directly to the minister and oversee three areas: AI strategy, platform development and strategic partnerships.
Its responsibilities include preparing and implementing Qatar’s national AI strategy, developing policies and regulatory frameworks for safe and responsible AI use, and supporting government entities with AI applications and research. The center will also promote data use across sectors and encourage local and international investment and collaboration, according to the announcement.
The decision also creates a Digital Capability Development and Training Department. The unit will run training programs, develop professional certifications and digital competency assessments, and build partnerships with universities and technology institutions.
The reform is intended to coordinate Qatar’s existing AI efforts and accelerate adoption in line with the country’s Digital Agenda 2030 and Third National Development Strategy. Qatar launched its first national AI strategy in 2019.
Source: Middle East AI News
