ICT
From The Report: Qatar 2026
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Qatar’s ICT sector continues to underpin the government’s digital economy goals and wider digital value creation. Qatar had near-universal internet usage, high mobile penetration and some of the fastest broadband speeds globally as of April 2026, providing public and private entities with a strong base from which to adopt cloud computing, artificial intelligence and data-led services. Digital Agenda 2030 provides the framework for this transition, with targets to expand the sector’s contribution to non-hydrocarbons GDP, create skilled jobs and strengthen the country’s position as a regional digital leader. The sector outlook is positive, with digital development and investment ramping up. The telecoms market remains profitable and resilient, although growth in the narrower connectivity segment is expected to be slower than growth in the wider ICT market, reflecting the maturity of mobile and broadband services.

This chapter contains an interview with Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani CEO, Ooredoo Qatar.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Next-stage growth: Strong connectivity foundations are giving way to a sharper focus on productivity, services and commercial outcomes
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Qatar’s strong ICT sector continues to underpin the government’s digital economy goals and wider digital value creation. Qatar had near-universal internet usage, high mobile penetration and some of the fastest broadband speeds globally as of April 2026, providing public and private entities with a strong base from which to adopt cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and data-led services. Digital Agenda 2030 provides the framework for this transition, with targets to expand the sector’s…

Interview

Ready for the future: Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, on the next decade of digital opportunities and innovation for greater economic diversification in the country
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Interview: Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, on the next decade of digital opportunities and innovation for greater economic diversification in the country How will the next phase of growth in Qatar’s telecommunications and digital services market evolve, given that 5G coverage is near universal? SHEIKH ALI: The growth narrative for 2026 and beyond is no longer about connecting the unconnected but about “smartening” the connected. This is done by scaling secure data-centre…

Analysis

Beyond incubation: A maturing innovation ecosystem is shifting its focus from creating start-ups to scaling them commercially
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Qatar’s technology development ecosystem continues to gain momentum, with incubation-focused efforts beginning to deliver results and government attention shifting to market access, scale and commercial outcomes. The country has built a thriving support network for entrepreneurs through the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) programmes, Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Startup Qatar, Qatar Science & Technology Park and sector-focused accelerators. Startup Qatar, an Invest…

Analysis

In the game: The GCC is exploring e-sports as part of its diversification plans
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As Gulf countries continue to pursue plans to diversify their economies and unlock job creation for their relatively young populations, they are investing in the growing industry around competitive video games known as e-sports. The region’s gaming market was estimated at $5.1bn in 2026, up from $4.6bn in 2025 and with 2031 projections anticipated at $9.3bn, expanding at a 12.7% compound annual growth rate between 2026 and 2031. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre estimated in a June 2023 report…