Doha: In partnership with Microsoft, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced the expansion of the cloud data center region in Qatar. The announcement was made during a Microsoft event held under the patronage of HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, to celebrate the second anniversary of the opening of Microsoft's cloud data center region in Doha, held under the theme Lead the Era of AI. During his opening speech, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs at MCIT Sami Mohammed Al Shammari said, "The expansion of Microsoft's cloud data center region in the country is a testament to the Ministry's steadfast commitment to empowering all government entities with the latest technologies, especially new AI-based technologies.Through these partnerships, we aim to keep pace with the latest developments in artificial intelligence and localize them across various sectors, thereby achieving the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 goals, which aim to enhance Qatar's position as a hub for innovation and technology." Al Shammari added, "The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with Microsoft, has achieved significant milestones in the country's digital transformation journey. These include the migration of 143 government and semi-government entities to Azure cloud, the utilization of data analytics and AI services by 43 government entities on the same cloud, the adoption of the M365 Copilot system by 10 entities since its launch, and the training of 1,393 individuals in data and AI over the past three and a half years. These achievements demonstrate the Ministry's commitment to providing a secure and reliable digital infrastructure, enabling government entities to leverage AI technologies, improving productivity, and enhancing the capabilities of government employees in modern technology." During the event, HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology Moha mmed bin Ali Al Mannai handed the Microsoft Innovation Award to Qatari government entities and companies that demonstrated unprecedented excellence in driving digital transformation and creating a positive societal impact through artificial intelligence. It's worth noting that Microsoft's cloud data center region in Qatar was inaugurated in 2022 and is part of Microsoft's global network of over 60 cloud data center regions worldwide. The Region aims to empower government entities and businesses of all sizes to access a suite of Microsoft cloud services supported by cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities to reinvent the future. In turn, Microsoft Qatar General Manager Lana Khalaf stated that the tremendous growth in cloud applications and artificial intelligence capabilities requires a robust and secure infrastructure to ensure their development and effective use. Khalaf pointed out that that expansion of the Microsoft cloud data centers region in Qatar allows for unprecedented opportunities for innovation using AI throughout Qatar, adding that this will thus enable establishments of various sizes and sectors to utilize Microsoft's secure and reliable cloud capabilities to maximize benefit from AI potential, enhance strategic decision-making, transform sectors, and drive sustainable economic growth. Source: Qatar News Agency