Qatar Chamber tech committee to drive private sector digitalisation

Qatar Chamber has established a new Technology and Innovation Committee to accelerate digital transformation across the private sector and to invite international technology partners, including German firms, to participate in the initiative, board member Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli announced at the 29th Arab-German Business Forum in Berlin. The committee will support digital transformation programmes for SMEs and larger enterprises, promote AI adoption, foster startup-corporate collaboration, bolster cybersecurity readiness, advance workforce upskilling, and improve access to funding and technology ecosystems.

“Partner Country Qatar – Navigating Global Change: Investment, Innovation, and Strategic Cooperation in Times of Uncertainty,” the theme of the forum, framed discussions in which al-Obaidli positioned the new committee as a vehicle to convert innovation into measurable economic value and business growth.

Al-Obaidli described the committee as a bridge connecting technology providers, investors, policymakers, academia, startups and the private sector. He said the body aims to strengthen Qatar’s standing as a globally connected digital economy hub, enabling businesses to tap into international markets and new digital opportunities.

• Committee mandate: drive technology adoption, support business digital transformation and strengthen cooperation with global innovation partners.
• Practical support measures: digital transformation programmes, AI adoption initiatives, startup-corporate collaboration, innovation partnerships, cybersecurity readiness, workforce upskilling, and access to funding and technology ecosystems.
• International outreach: an open invitation to German technology firms to join the committee’s work and collaborate on joint projects.

Speaking on bilateral economic ties during the forum session, al-Obaidli highlighted the depth of commercial links between Germany and Arab states, noting that bilateral trade reached approximately €57.6bn in 2024. He also highlighted the active presence of German firms in Qatar, stating that more than “300” German companies operate in the Qatari market across sectors such as energy, technology, services, construction, railways, telecommunications and medical devices and equipment.

On investment flows, al-Obaidli said Germany ranks as the third-largest European destination for Qatari investments, with Qatar among the biggest investors in the German economy — investments he placed at around €25bn. He underlined the role of coordinated business forums and institutional channels in converting these trade and investment volumes into concrete, innovation-led projects.

The committee’s creation comes amid broader efforts to position Qatar as a diversified hub beyond energy, leveraging sectors including infrastructure, technology, aviation, tourism and education. By formally linking technology providers, academia and capital, the chamber intends to create pathways for scalable technology deployment and enhanced competitiveness for local firms.

Looking ahead, Qatar Chamber plans to use the Technology and Innovation Committee to facilitate strategic partnerships between Qatari businesses and international technology players, particularly from Germany, and to channel joint investments into technology and advanced industry. The initiative is designed to accelerate SME digital adoption, improve cyber resilience, and build a skilled workforce capable of supporting an innovation-led economic model — steps al-Obaidli presented as essential for converting Qatar’s economic diversification strategy into measurable business growth and expanded global market access.