World Summit AI Qatar 2024 Kicks Off with Participation from Local and International Decision-Makers and Experts | Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

World Summit AI Qatar 2024 Kicks Off with Participation from Local and International Decision-Makers and Experts

 

  • The World Summit AI Qatar 2024 was officially launched at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, attended by His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with other high-ranking dignitaries.
  • The summit’s program features 76 speakers and panelists, covering over seven discussion topics across four stages.
  • The inauguration ceremony included the unveiling of "Fanar," the Arab AI project, emphasizing the global advancement of the Arabic language in artificial intelligence.
  • The summit witnessed significant attendance, with nearly 3,000 tickets sold, and international participants constituting 44% of the audience.
  • The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology unveiled the Government AI Program.
  • Supported by 27 Sponsors and Partners, the summit also hosts 25 startups showcasing their pioneering projects and ideas.

In the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the World Summit AI Qatar 2024 commenced today at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The event was attended by several ministers and high-ranking officials from Qatar and abroad. As the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the summit runs over two days, December 10–11, 2024.

During the opening, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani inaugurated "Fanar," the Arab AI initiative. A collaboration between the Qatar Computing Research Institute at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, this project aims to bolster the global prominence of the Arabic language in AI technologies.

Under the theme "Putting Humanity at the Heart of AI," the summit centers on critical issues related to AI applications, emphasizing four key areas: responsible governance, generative AI, accelerating AI adoption across sectors, and integrating AI technologies into human lives.

With nearly 3,000 tickets sold and international attendees making up 44% of the audience, the summit reflects its global stature. The program includes 76 speakers addressing over seven topics across four stages, with three keynote speakers delivering unique insights on the future of AI. The event is supported by 27 sponsors and contributors and showcases innovations from 25 startups.

The 'Fanar Booth,' organized by MCIT, attracted significant interest by offering an interactive experience with the 'Fanar' platform. Visitors explored the platform’s capabilities and were invited to provide feedback to improve future iterations, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to supporting the Arabic language and fostering innovative technologies that promote Arabic cultural and linguistic identity on a global scale.

In collaboration with government and academic entities, MCIT organized also "Qatar AI Pavilion," featuring country entities such as the Ministry of Labour, the Supreme Judiciary Council, Qatar Tourism, the Public Prosecution, and Qatar University. The pavilion showcased innovative national initiatives leveraging AI technologies to support digital transformation and achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.

The World Summit AI Qatar 2024 is a pivotal event that solidifies Qatar’s position as a regional and global hub for innovation and technology. Hosting this summit for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, it embodies Qatar’s National Vision 2030, demonstrating its commitment to digital transformation and fostering a knowledge-based economy. The summit serves as an exceptional platform for AI experts and leaders worldwide to exchange ideas and forge strategic partnerships, furthering AI applications across the region.