Qatar’s Shura Council has initiated a formal debate on creating a national legal framework for artificial intelligence, referring the matter to a specialized committee for detailed study. The move signals a push to place AI-specific legislation on the parliamentary agenda, addressing growing concerns over algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the country’s reliance on foreign technology.
Quick Facts
- AI legislation debate referred for committee review.
- Key concerns: bias, data privacy, digital sovereignty.
- Action aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Law
During a session presided over by Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, council members voiced alarm over the widening gap between rapid technological change and the slower pace of legislative review. The speaker framed AI not just as a technical tool but as a critical factor in public policy and decision-making, emphasizing the need for a framework that balances innovation with strong oversight.
The debate highlighted several risks associated with unregulated AI systems, including data protection, intellectual property rights, and the complex issue of legal liability when AI systems cause harm. The council formally moved to refer the issue to the Health, General Services and Environment Committee, which will scrutinize the challenges and report back with recommendations.
Digital Sovereignty Takes Center Stage
A central theme of the discussion was digital sovereignty. Members questioned the implications of Qatar’s dependence on external technologies for its data, systems, and AI infrastructure. This concern reflects a broader trend among governments in the region to assert greater national control over their digital futures.
The potential for labor market disruption was also a key point of discussion. Council members stressed the urgency of equipping the national workforce with the skills needed to adapt to an economy increasingly shaped by AI-driven automation and structural changes.
Building on a National AI Strategy
This legislative push is the latest step in Qatar’s national AI journey, which began with its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2019. The strategy is built on six pillars: education, data access, employment, business, research, and ethics. In 2021, the government established the Artificial Intelligence Committee to coordinate AI initiatives and ensure they align with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
While the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology published a National AI Policy Brief in September 2025, no draft law has yet been proposed. The country has also formed strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Google Cloud, and Scale AI to support its AI ambitions. Furthering its investment in the sector, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) launched Qai in December 2025, a global AI company based in Doha focused on AI development and infrastructure investment.
About Qatar National Vision 2030
Qatar National Vision 2030 serves as the country’s long-term development blueprint. It aims to transform Qatar into an advanced society capable of achieving sustainable development by 2030. The vision is built on four interconnected pillars: Human Development, Social Development, Economic Development, and Environmental Development, guiding the nation’s strategic policy-making across all sectors, including technology and innovation.
Source: Middle East AI News
