•  H.E. Minister of Communications and Information Technology honors government and private entities with Microsoft Innovation Award
• Sami Al Shammari: 1,393 individuals trained in Artificial Intelligence techniques over the past three years.
• Migration of 143 Government and Semi-Government entities to Azure cloud
• 43 Government and Semi-Government Entities Utilize Azure Cloud Data Analytics and AI Services

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in partnership with Microsoft, has announced the expansion of the cloud data center region in Qatar. This announcement was made during a Microsoft event celebrating the second anniversary of the opening of Microsoft's cloud data center region in Doha, under the theme ‘Lead the Era of AI’. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and attended by several government officials, experts, business leaders, and Microsoft clients.

During his opening speech, Mr. Sami Al Shammari, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs at MCIT, said: "The expansion of Microsoft's cloud data center region in the country is a testament to the Ministry's steadfast commitment to empowering all government entities with the latest technologies, especially new AI-based technologies. Through these partnerships, we aim to keep pace with the latest developments in artificial intelligence and localize them across various sectors, thereby achieving the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 goals, which aim to enhance Qatar's position as a hub for innovation and technology."

Al Shammari added: "The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with Microsoft, has achieved significant milestones in the country's digital transformation journey. These include the migration of 143 government and semi-government entities to Azure cloud, the utilization of data analytics and AI services by 43 government entities on the same cloud, the adoption of the M365 Copilot system by 10 entities since its launch, and the training of 1,393 individuals in data and AI over the past three and a half years. These achievements demonstrate the Ministry's commitment to providing a secure and reliable digital infrastructure, enabling government entities to leverage AI technologies, improving  productivity, and enhancing  the capabilities of government employees in modern technology."

During the event, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, handed  the Microsoft Innovation Award to Qatari government entities and companies that demonstrated unprecedented excellence in driving digital transformation and creating a positive societal impact through artificial intelligence. The awardees included Qatar Airways, Power International Holding, the Real-time Crowd and Transportation Management System of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's TASMU Program, Qatar Electricity and Water Company (Kahramaa), Hayya  Platform, Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar), the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, the Supreme Judiciary Council, Al Jazeera Media Network, and Qatar News Agency.

It's worth noting that Microsoft's cloud data center region in Qatar was inaugurated in 2022 and is part of Microsoft's global network of over 60 cloud data center regions worldwide. The Region aims to empower government entities and businesses of all sizes to access a suite of Microsoft cloud services supported by cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities to reinvent the future.