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Qatar News Agency reported that Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, group chief executive officer of Ooredoo Group, emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics and smart services during the Digital Leadership Forum at MWC26 Doha. These technologies accelerate economic and social growth, unlock new service development horizons, improve productivity and enhance economic competitiveness, he stated on November 8, 2026. Fakhroo noted that leveraging such potential hinges on robust, flexible and high-quality digital infrastructure capable of handling rising technological demands.
The Ooredoo executive explained that successful integration requires greater interoperability among networks together with suitable sustainable business models. Balanced regulatory frameworks must also keep pace with developments to encourage investment and innovation while ensuring fair competition and consumer protection. He maintained that infrastructure investments in mobile telecommunications and broadband, viewed as essential for an inclusive digital economy, should maximise existing technologies before any shift to advanced generations.
An International Monetary Fund assessment found that AI adoption could raise real GDP growth by between 0.1 and 0.6 percentage points annually across relevant economies, with gains in GCC countries roughly double those in some other regional peers due to higher preparedness. A PwC Middle East report estimated the potential AI impact across the Middle East at $320 billion by 2030. These projections align with Fakhroo’s call for coordinated infrastructure and policy measures to realise productivity benefits.
Ooredoo Group is hosting a stand at Booth B40 as the strategic operator partner for the conference, according to a company announcement. The exhibit features live demonstrations, interactive experiences and simulations structured around five pillars that include Connect, Host, Compute, Apply and Monetise to show practical applications for businesses. The group is also fielding speakers across summits on satellite communications, smart mobility, future networks, AI infrastructure and open telco AI.
The forum appearance complements Ooredoo’s May 2026 launch of a strategic digital and AI transformation programme with Microsoft to advance sovereign cloud capabilities and align with Qatar National Vision 2030 priorities. Strategy and Middle East analysis projects Qatar’s domestic AI market to exceed $2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate above 25 percent. World Bank data shows artificial intelligence holds the potential to boost productivity for up to 20 percent of jobs across the broader region when paired with adequate infrastructure and human capital development.
