Speaker of the Shura Council, H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, highlighted on Saturday the importance that the State of Qatar, under the directives of its wise leadership, attaches to Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber security, and setting legal frameworks to manage their use during the 6th conference of the Arab Parliament and Speakers of Arab Councils and Parliaments held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo.
At the event, H E the Speaker pointed to H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s emphasis on and call for the need to hold an international conference to regulate cyber security in international law at the 73rd and 74th sessions of the United Nations General Assembly held in 2018 and 2019, respectively. He noted that Qatar has adopted a National AI Strategy in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030 to ensure the country’s economic and strategic future. Besides that, Qatar has also supported the United Nations’ decision to set up a comprehensive international convention to counter cyber security crimes, in addition to establishing the Qatar Computing Research Institute in order to meet local needs and enhance Qatar’s leading international standing in the field, among others.
In recent years, Qatar has emerged as a key player in the global digital economy, fueled by its plans for economic diversification and technological innovation. Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity and AI, Qatar has implemented various initiatives and strategies to enhance its cyber resilience and protection against cyber threats while harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors of its economy. Qatar’s commitment to AI is evident in its efforts to integrate AI technologies across key sectors, including healthcare, education, transportation, and finance.
Qatar views AI as a cornerstone of its vision for sustainable development and economic diversification. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and initiatives, Qatar is positioning itself as a regional leader in AI adoption and innovation.
While investing in AI, Qatar is, however, not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring a comprehensive and effective cyber security strategy and policy across all sectors. Among Qatar’s various initiatives in that direction is the launch of the National Cyber Security Strategy, which provides a comprehensive framework for addressing cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
The Cyber Defense Center serves as a central hub for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber threats, while the country continues to invest in cybersecurity education and training programs to build a skilled workforce capable of defending against cyber threats, among others. Looking ahead, Qatar is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI and cyber security to drive innovation, foster economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
