Interview: Lana Khalaf, General Manager, Microsoft Qatar, on big data solutions revolutionising decision-making across industries
How will cloud computing adoption evolve alongside the proliferation of local data centres?
LANA KHALAF: Adoption of cloud computing is poised for considerable growth, thanks to Qatar’s visionary approach to digital transformation. The government’s commitment, exemplified by initiatives such as the Cloud First Policy, underscores a strategic focus on fostering a cloud-friendly environment that drives innovation and technological advancement. Significant investment in secure, world-class data centres have set the stage for widespread cloud service adoption. The proliferation of local data centres has been a game-changer for cloud adoption, addressing critical concerns around data residency, compliance and latency. These developments make cloud solutions more accessible and appealing to organisations across both public and private sectors. As businesses of all sizes align their strategies with Qatar National Vision 2030 and Digital Agenda 2030, they are increasingly embracing cloud technology to accelerate digital transformation.
Where do businesses and government entities in Qatar face the most critical cybersecurity threats?
KHALAF: Cybersecurity has become a critical priority globally due to the increasing interconnectedness of systems and the rapid expansion of digital data. While these developments offer a great deal of benefits, they have also introduced new vulnerabilities that malicious actors seek to exploit. Governments and businesses are particularly at risk, especially in sectors like financial services and health care, as well as in areas involving critical infrastructure. The threat landscape continues to evolve, with cybercriminals increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to execute sophisticated attacks, such as automating phishing campaigns, evading detection and uncovering system vulnerabilities.
To counter these risks, it is essential to adopt advanced AI-driven cybersecurity technologies that enable real-time threat detection, anomaly analysis across large datasets and automated incident responses. The Middle East, including Qatar, remains a focal point for cyberthreats. A report by global consultancy PwC found that 77% of Middle Eastern organizations are increasing their cyber-budgets for 2024. Qatar has become a global model for cybersecurity resilience, with $1bn spent on cybersecurity in 2022. The National Cyber Security Agency has been vital for progress, updating the Qatar National Cybersecurity Strategy for 2024-30, establishing the National Cyber Security Academy and initiating programmes for 140,000 students across 200 schools in digital literacy and safety.
To what extent can adopting advanced analytics and big data solutions improve decision-making?
KHALAF: Advanced analytics and big data solutions are revolutionising decision-making and innovation across industries. These technologies enable organisations to extract actionable insights from data, identify trends, understand customer behaviour and optimise operations. Businesses are empowered to make informed decisions that accelerate innovation and growth.
There are several examples of how advanced analytics and big data deliver tangible impacts in Qatar. Smart city platforms utilise large amounts of data to provide services that enrich the lives of citizens, businesses and tourists alike. Similarly, employees across various government institutions are harnessing AI-powered tools like Copilot and agents to enhance their productivity and efficiency to elevate the quality of their services.
Innovation is also evident in terms of investment, where AI-powered assistants provide instant insights about opportunities and the business environment. The education sector has adopted AI-driven chatbots to offer intelligent, bilingual support to students and parents, enhancing service accessibility. The tourism sector has embraced generative AI travel concierges to provide personalised experiences in 50 languages, while in aviation, AI is enhancing travel experiences.