Qatar’s ICT talent pipeline runs on solid partnerships

The FIFA World Cup Qatar later this month will be one of the most connected ever, including an IoT platform that makes it easier for fans to plan the best route using real-time traffic information, taxis, the metro system, and even venue entrances and exits.

Qatar is rapidly emerging as a global digital leader with a highly developed ICT sector. According to the ITU figures, the country enjoys nearly universal internet access while almost half the population (47%) has at least basic digital skills. The country was also among the first to roll out 5G, which covers most population centres. As more and more of our lives shift online, the ICT infrastructure and services must support the shift towards a digital-led economy while ensuring its benefits accrue to all.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar later this month will be one of the most connected ever, including an IoT platform that makes it easier for fans to plan the best route using real-time traffic information, taxis, the metro system, and even venue entrances and exits.  

To crystallize its ambitions, Qatar has Vision 2030 in place, which defines the roadmap to becoming an advanced society capable of sustaining development and providing a high standard of living for its citizens and residents. Nurturing talent is crucial for the realization of this goal. Additionally, the sheer scale of the country’s ambition to develop a world-class knowledge economy calls for fast-tracking the digital skills development pipeline.

The country’s leadership has embarked on developing the higher education sector with a strong focus on STEM. As a CIO report states: “Qatar’s government was among the first to recognize that the future of jobs was dependent on fomenting a symbiotic relationship with emergent technologies and ensuring that today’s youth is well equipped for the challenges on the horizon.”