Tribune News Network
Doha
In a significant step towards enhancing Qatar’s digital economy and industrial capabilities, the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), hosted the event ‘Towards Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0’ at Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The event aimed to explore global developments, foster promising ventures, and outline strategies to accelerate digital adoption across Qatar’s industries and trade sectors.
The event featured a panel discussion that brought together industry experts and decision-makers from leading multinational corporations, local stakeholders, and SMEs. The discussions centered on the integration of advanced digital manufacturing capabilities, Qatar’s strategic plans for its industrial sectors, and its leadership in embracing cutting-edge technologies.
The panel highlighted how these efforts are driving the nation’s industrial evolution and enhancing its global competitiveness.
Recognising local innovation, Qatari manufacturing companies that graduated from QDB’s Factory One programme were honoured for their exceptional performance in adopting advanced digital solutions. These companies demonstrated their ability to integrate transformative technologies through initiatives such as the Digital Transformation program, Advanced Industry program, and Lean and Transform program, showcasing their readiness to lead in the new industrial era.
The event also included two specialised workshops on advanced manufacturing and trade technologies. These sessions provided participants with in-depth insights into the latest developments in Industry 4.0. Topics included the role of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other modern technologies in revolutionising manufacturing, logistics, and trade. Additionally, the workshops explored how digital solutions can streamline customs operations, enhance SMEs’ access to trade finance, and reduce operational costs while improving efficiency.
Abdulaziz Khalid Al Ali, director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) at the Ministry of Finance, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in fostering collaboration and innovation. He stated that the event marked one of the Centre’s first major initiatives since its launch on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2024.
Al Ali highlighted that the workshops showcased initiatives from members of the World Economic Forum’s C4IR network, facilitating dialogue and knowledge exchange among government, private, and academic entities. He praised QDB’s pivotal role in driving Qatar’s digital transformation and looked forward to future collaborations that align with the National Development Strategy.
QDB Executive Director of SMEs Development Hamad Salem Mejegheer also underscored the significance of the event in light of rapid technological advancements. He expressed the bank’s commitment to ensuring that Qatari companies and factories adopt the latest advanced manufacturing technologies.
He unveiled QDB’s new Digital Transformation Initiative, which enables SMEs to assess their digital readiness using the Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI). The initiative includes financial support through Digital Grants for startups and low-interest Digital Loans for SMEs. Additionally, the Digital Transformation Program, a two- to three-month initiative, allows SMEs to explore and test over 18 digital solutions at Factory One, empowering them to identify technologies tailored to their needs.
To further bolster Qatar’s industrial sector, QDB signed three significant Memoranda of Understanding with Tulip, TUV SUD, and the International Centre for Industrial Transformation (INCIT). These agreements aim to enhance technical and operational development, promote partnerships in the private sector, and support Qatar’s economic diversification efforts.
The event exemplified Qatar’s dedication to advancing its digital economy and strengthening its industrial ecosystem. It demonstrated how the nation is leveraging 4IR technologies to achieve sustainable growth and economic diversification, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. By fostering innovation and encouraging collaboration across sectors, Qatar continues to solidify its position as a regional leader in digital transformation.
