Interview: Ahmed Abdullah AlMuslemani, President, Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), on supporting smart industries through infrastructure and workforce development
What is being done to ensure digital infrastructure remains robust and adaptable, given the increasing importance of emerging technologies?
AHMED ABDULLAH ALMUSLEMANI: Qatar ranks fourth globally in the 2024 International Telecommunication Union ICT Development Index, supported by a forward-looking regulatory environment. Legacy networks are being phased out in favour of optimizing spectrum use, enabling next-generation infrastructure. These efforts underpin the national 5G roll-out, with speeds exceeding 500 Mbps at Hamad International Airport – among the fastest globally. The integration of cloud platforms, data centres and high-capacity backbones enables digital services to scale across sectors. Agile systems are being developed to support applications in health care, education, finance and transport – essential for technologies such as autonomous systems, immersive platforms and edge computing. The regulatory framework is continually updated to reflect priorities including artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), cloud services and digital asset governance. Collaboration with national and global partners is shaping a secure, inclusive and innovation-driven digital economy.
What new opportunities do you see for the development of smart applications across industries?
ALMUSLEMANI: The expansion of frequency bands for short-range devices is unlocking opportunities. This regulatory shift accelerates IoT adoption and supports interconnected sensor networks in urban areas like Msheireb Downtown Doha, Lusail City and The Pearl – enabling autonomous transport, intelligent lighting and real-time environmental monitoring. In manufacturing, it enhances automation and predictive maintenance, boosting productivity and safety. Broader spectrum use supports wireless medical devices and telemedicine, improving care accessibility. Logistics and retail benefit from efficient RFID and tracking systems, strengthening inventory control and also supply chain performance.
To what extent can advanced 5G infrastructure support leadership in smart industries?
ALMUSLEMANI: Qatar has achieved near-universal 5G coverage, with access to high-speed, low-latency connectivity provided to 98.9% of the population. According to Opensignal, it leads Europe, the Middle East and Africa in 5G download speeds. This supports real-time analytics, AI-driven quality control and predictive maintenance in manufacturing. It enables autonomous vehicles, drone operations and intelligent traffic systems, enhancing safety and efficiency. In health care, 5G powers remote surgeries, AI-assisted diagnostics and patient monitoring. Cloud services and local internet exchange points – such as AWS CloudFront’s edge location and the Qatar Internet Exchange Point – improve data transfer efficiency. Investment in data centres, AI and quantum computing is reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional leader in digitally powered industries.
Which strategies are key to closing the digital skills gap and preparing the workforce for ICT progress?
ALMUSLEMANI: A digitally skilled workforce is fundamental to sustaining digital transformation. CRA is working closely with educational institutions, global tech partners and the private sector to align skills development with emerging ICT needs. A key initiative is the Digital Innovation Profile, developed in partnership with the UN International Telecommunication Union, which assesses the innovation ecosystem and guides policy on digital literacy, technical training and upskilling. It also highlights opportunities to empower youth and to further boost women’s participation in technology. Partnerships with global technology leaders – including student exchanges and training programmes – provide hands-on experience in AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity, equipping graduates for digital economy roles. As industries continue to adopt advanced technologies, ensuring widespread digital proficiency will be essential to maintaining the country’s economic competitiveness.
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