Qatar’s government has signed a five-year agreement with AI data company Scale AI to implement AI-powered tools and training. According to a senior executive at Scale AI, the goal of the agreement is to enhance government services in Qatar, a Gulf Arab state.
Trevor Thompson, the global head of growth at Scale AI, mentioned that this deal could serve as a blueprint for other governments worldwide and enable a stronger commitment that accelerates its impact.
The Qatari Communications and Information Technology Ministry stated in a press release that this agreement will enable the government to utilize tools such as predictive analytics, automation, and advanced data analysis to enhance operational efficiency.
The press release also mentioned that Scale AI will develop over 50 potential artificial intelligence applications for Qatar’s government over the next five years. However, Thompson declined to disclose the value of the deal.
Qatari companies are recognizing an opportunity to leverage the country’s position as a major natural gas producer and a long-time U.S. ally to establish themselves as key players in the field of AI, despite increasing competition from neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Established in 2016, Scale AI supplies large volumes of accurately labeled data to train various tools, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The company also assists its clients, which include major technology company Microsoft, Wall Street bank Morgan Stanley, and AI firms like OpenAI and Cohere, in creating and refining data sets.
Scale AI has been actively expanding its presence in Qatar by engaging with government officials and participating in major industry events. The company has positioned itself as a strategic partner in Qatar’s AI-driven transformation, supporting the country’s vision of integrating AI into various sectors.
Last month, Trevor Thompson, the Global Head of Growth for Scale AI, visited Doha, where he discussed AI-powered solutions with high-ranking government officials, including the governor of the Qatar Central Bank. These meetings underscored Scale AI’s commitment to fostering collaboration with Qatari institutions and helping the government leverage AI solutions to enhance governance, economic growth, and public services.
As part of its ongoing efforts, Scale AI is also sponsoring this week’s Web Summit Qatar, one of the leading technology conferences in the region.
Qatar has integrated AI into its national development through the Qatar National AI Strategy and the Artificial Intelligence Committee. The country has ensured that AI adoption aligns with its ethical and cultural values and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The framework emphasizes priority sectors such as data access (establishing a unified database), human resource development (capacity building in R&D), R&D, ethical considerations in AI, and creating infrastructure with a strong focus on ethics, as mandated by UNESCO.
With this rapidly expanding ecosystem, AI applications are impacting various sectors, including healthcare, education, transportation, and sports. Qatar’s legal framework for AI, covering data protection and intellectual property laws, is still in the developmental stage.