IPA Qatar, FLYR Labs in pact to launch AI hub for transportation sector
Qatar Tribune
Tribune News Network Doha The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) and FLYR Labs have embarked on a new partnership that aims to advance the tech...
Tribune News NetworkDoha The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (IPA Qatar) and FLYR Labs have embarked on a new partnership that aims to advance the technological transformation of the transportation sector through innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital solutions. The collaboration entails the establishment of a FLYR office in Doha, marking their first-ever permanent presence in the Middle East and GCC region, which will create dozens of jobs in Qatar across FLYRâs engineering and advisory organisations.Complementing the economic diversification efforts in Qatar, the IPA Qatar-FLYRâs partnership focuses on unlocking the vast growth potential of the transportation sector by accelerating its digitisation and introducing innovative solutions. IPA Qatar will support the Los Angeles-based company to set up its business centre in Doha, through which it will be providing access to its ground-breaking data and AI-driven platform for airlines, travel, and the transportation industry. The centre will also act as a key component to FLYRâs support of potential partners across the region.According to the terms of the agreement, FLYR will assist Qatari transportation companies in addressing current challenges, increasing their business efficiency, and maximising their revenues by adopting digital solutions across key areas, such as forecasting, pricing, decision support, and big data technologies. In addition to supporting the companyâs growth, the collaboration between the two organisations sets the framework for skills development programmes, which aim to nurture local talent in the AI and engineering fields and create new job opportunities.The new partnership was announced during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony, in the presence of IPA Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al Thani and FLYR Labs Founder and CEO Alex Mans.Commenting on this occasion, Sheikh Ali said, âThis new collaboration takes IPA Qatar a step further in its endeavours to forge strategic partnerships with international businesses that contribute to Qatarâs economic diversification. We are also pleased to welcome FLYR Labs to Qatar and support their ambitious business expansion plans. Launching this first of its kind innovative solutions hub in Doha is an impetus for the further development of a world-class, digitised transportation industry in Qatar, and in the region at large.âMans said, âOur partnership with IPA Qatar will enable FLYR Labs to take advantage of its established presence in Qatar and support expansion into markets such as rail, cargo, public transport and shipping. As part of our partnership, we have agreed to invest our resources towards the recruitment and training of AI and engineering talent in Doha, boosting the cityâs development in this sector and employment prospects for Qatari citizens.â Initiatives taken by Qatar to emerge as a global logistics hub are bearing fruit. Today, Qatarâs future-ready infrastructure, connectivity resources, business-friendly environment, and strategic geographic position, have transformed the country into an ideal hub for businesses seeking a stronger regional presence. Being home to the worldâs leading international air cargo carrier, the worldâs best airline, the best airport and one of the largest green ports in the world, Qatar empowers investorsâ long-term sustainable growth, enabling them to tap into lucrative opportunities.Contributing 4 percent to the countryâs GDP, logistics and transportation are amongst the most promising sectors in the country. The stateâs significant investment in the sector is reflected by the size of the transportation market valued at around $7 billion pre-COVID-19 and the momentous journey of transformation that has managed to place Qatar as the regionâs second-best country for efficient logistics services according to the World Bankâs logistics performance index. With the ongoing efforts to bolster its growth potential, combined with the burgeoning technology ecosystem and accelerated digital transformation, the transportation industry offers a plentitude of opportunities for businesses from across the world.To name a few, DHL, UPS and Uber are actively operating in Qatar, which has become a second home for their growing businesses in the region. The recent announcement of FLYR Labsâ plan to set up in Doha comes then as another significant addition to the vibrant Qatari market.