Digital and AI Policy Leaders Forum Concludes in Doha

Doha, September 7, 2026 : The High-Level Forum for Digital Policy and Artificial Intelligence Policy Leaders in the Arab States Region concluded in Doha on Monday, bringing together senior officials, experts, academics, and representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss the region’s digital transformation and artificial intelligence policy priorities.

The two-day forum was organized by Ooredoo Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and in collaboration with the GSMA and Women in AI.

Discussions addressed several key areas of digital transformation, including digital connectivity and infrastructure, enabling regulatory frameworks, public digital infrastructure, data governance, and financial inclusion.

Participants also explored approaches to the responsible adoption and governance of artificial intelligence, national preparedness, and the growing role of women in the AI sector. The discussions highlighted practical opportunities for applying digital and AI technologies across sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and public services.

A key outcome of the forum was the presentation of the Digital Policy Framework for the Arab States, proposed by UNDP, along with the Regional Digital Policy Facility. The regional mechanism aims to support governments in implementing the framework and help them progress from policy assessment and strategy development to implementation and measurable outcomes.

In a statement issued Monday, Ooredoo said the forum builds on the framework launched at MWC Doha last year and represented a shift from developing policy frameworks toward translating regional strategies into national priorities, strengthening institutional capabilities, and delivering tangible economic and social benefits.

Ooredoo also emphasized that the forum represents an important step in advancing digital policymaking across the Arab region by moving beyond theoretical approaches toward coordinated implementation, stronger national capabilities, and practical results.