Doha: Qatar has ranked among the world's top ten nations for the practical use of artificial intelligence in everyday life, according to newly released Microsoft data for the first quarter of 2026. The country's AI market reached approximately $59 million in 2026, nearly doubling from about $31 million in 2022, the Tasmu Digital Valley platform reported.

Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, the country has pursued a systematic investment strategy across sectors including construction, energy, and public administration. Its AI framework rests on six pillars: education, talent development, ethics, governance, scientific research, and data management. The impact has become increasingly visible through the Qatar Smart Program (Tasmu), which has improved mobility solutions and expanded digital services for citizens and residents.

Several institutions have led the integration of AI into daily life, including Qatar Foundation, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. At this year's Web Summit, Qatar Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with Scale AI to establish a regional centre for AI development. The ministry has also forged partnerships with global firms, including agreements with PwC Middle East and OpenAI.

Non-Resident Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs Nayef al-Nabit told QNA that success should not be measured by usage rates alone, but by the readiness of institutions and society to engage with technological change responsibly. He noted that the greatest challenge is not the speed of adoption but the establishment of regulatory frameworks capable of ensuring AI is used responsibly and sustainably. Qatar's digital transformation began in 2003 with the launch of its e-government portal and continues to promote digital entrepreneurship through bodies such as the Digital Incubation Center and Tasmu Accelerator.

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