In a speech at the opening of (QITCOM 2017)

PRIME MINISTER OPENS INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE

Doha,Under the auspices of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani opened on Monday the fourth edition of Qatar's information and communication technology exhibition and conference (QITCOM 2017) at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in the presence of HE Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior HH Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their Excellencies ministers and senior officials were also present along with state guests. At the outset of the opening ceremony, Quran was recited and then a documentary about the event was screened. After that, HE the premier addressed the event, saying that it supports the state's march towards boosting national economy in general and digital economy in particular as the state implements several mega infrastructure projects. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser said that developing a knowledge-based digital economy is characterized by diversity and competitiveness, encourages the role of the private sector, and relies on innovation and entrepreneurship as well as the efficient management of environment so as to secure the future of next generations and achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, noting that the communications and information technology sector has a critical role in accomplishing that end and enhances smart solutions in all economic sectors. Under the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HE the prime minister said, the government has made advanced steps in enhancing the basic components of developing the communications and information technology sector by creating the appropriate regulatory and legislative environment for backing the government and private sectors so as to benefit from digital technology in boosting productivity levels and improve competitiveness. He added that the state will continue to work on developing such a vital system of the sector. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani added that the Qatar Smart Program (TASMU) was launched today and is specially designed to accelerate the achievement of all the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. "This program will serve as a platform for the realization of a digital economy and a smart future," HE the prime minister and interior minister said, adding that the state will spare no effort to promote the success of the program by financing the public and private sectors as it plans to spend QR 6 billion over the next five years in order to develop the required technological infrastructure and "activate hundreds of initiatives across many sectors." HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani said that Qatar Digital Oasis will be established to form a key pillar for cooperation among multinationals, start-ups, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and research institutes, adding that Smart Qatar Program, along with other digital initiatives, will generate a revenue of up to QR 40 billion to the national economy over the next five years as well as accelerate the growth of job opportunities in the communications and information technology sector by 10 percent every year. "There is no doubt that trained human personnel form part of the government's priorities. From this perspective, since 2013, we have been eager to support about 10,000 Qatari specialist trainees during this brief period. The state also launched more than 1,600 electronic services related to all the segments of society," HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani said. "I refer here to the explicit attention of the state given to people with special needs by providing a legislative environment that guarantees all the rights of this category and integrating them into the modern-era organizations within information technology. "In this context, I cite that, according to the directions of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the MADA center was established as the first specialized center in the Middle East and the second worldwide for people with disabilities, emphasizing our care towards this segment of society and its integration," HE the prime minister and interior minister said, adding that the wise leadership of Qatar believes in the importance of innovative human development. "I also refer to the fact that Qatar Development Bank will continue its support to stimulate innovation and support businesses in the ICT sector in Qatar through the advancement of smart projects. All entities shall cooperate and all efforts shall be unified for the success and achievement of the program's objectives," HE the premier said. HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani said the government will continue to guarantee the "development of a vital infrastructure for the ICT sector, characterized by innovation, inclusiveness, and security to achieve our vision that Qatar remains a model to be followed on a global level and a platform for innovative technology and entrepreneurs." "I am confident that this conference will encourage entrepreneurship and innovation and will promote the use of smart solutions in our whole society, which will support the sustainable growth and economy prosperity," HE the premier added. After that, the prime minister and interior minister launched the Qatar Smart Program (TASMU), which was specifically designed to accelerate the achievement of the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and is considered a platform for advancing towards a digital economy and a smart future. 

PM launches Qatar Smart Program “Tasmu”

H.E Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani launched Today Qatar Smart Prgoram “Tasmu” during the opening Ceremony of Qitcom 2017 taking place at Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) on March 6-8.During his opening remarks, the PM said Tasmu is designed specifically to accelerate the achievement of all pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. The programme will serve as a platform for the realisation of a digital economy and a smart future.“To ensure its success, the State will make every effort to finance the public and private sectors, in which QR6 billion will be spent over the next five years, and enable the development of a necessary technological infrastructure that will activate hundreds of initiatives across many sectors. Qatar Digital Oasis will be established, forming a key pillar for cooperation among multinational companies, small and medium enterprises and research institutes,” he said.“In this regard, I would like to point out that Qatar Smart Program (TASMU), along with other planned digital enterprises, will generate about QR40 billion for the Qatari economy over the next five years, and will accelerate the development of job opportunities in the Information Technology and Communications sector at a rate of 10% annually,” he added.There is no doubt that trained human personnel form part of the government’s priorities. From this perspective, since 2013, we have been eager to support about 10,000 Qatari specialist trainees during this brief period. The State also launched more than 1,600 electronic services related to all the segments of society.“I refer here to the explicit attention of the State given to people with special needs by providing a legislative environment that guarantees all the rights of this category and integrating them into the modern-era organisations within information technology,” he noted.

HH the Emir Visits QITCOM Exhibition, Launches Sadeem Project

Doha,HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Monday visited Qatar's information and communication technology exhibition (QITCOM 2017), currently organized by the Ministry of Transport and Communications at Qatar National Convention Center under the theme "Qatar Towards a Smart Future." HH the Emir visited Qatar Smart City that presents the Qatar Smart Program (TASMU), which focuses on the development and technological transformation of the major sectors in the country such as transportation, logistics, environment, health, and sport.HH the Emir examined the latest smart solutions of these sectors, learned about the projects of Qatar's smart government.In addition, HH the Emir visited the pavilions of several participant companies and entities and listened to a briefing on the major programs and initiatives that the exhibition backs in the field of information and communication technology in terms of modern and digital systems.HH the Emir launched Sadeem project as a platform to host government services and had a first-hand look at several innovations and new software that are put on display for the first time at QITCOM 2017.Sadeem aims to promote digital transformation in government, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the Ministry’s own e-Government 2020 Strategy.Sadeem offers native integration with many governments shared services such as gateways for SMS, authentication, and payments, as well as access to other government datasets, such as commercial registration records, QID information etc., over the Government Data Exchange.Sadeem will enable fast and cost-effective implementation of eServices and Business Intelligence creating an integrated and connected government while saving costs through accelerated time to market shared learning and the avoidance of unnecessary repetition.

Qatar Hosts GCC E-Government Executive Committee Meeting

Doha-The 19th meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) E-Government Executive Committee started today in Doha.The tow-day meeting will discuss the progress made on GCC e-government initiatives and the General-Secretariat report on the implementation of the 18th meeting decisions.CEO of Bahrain's Information and E-Government Authority Mohammed Ali Al Qaed said in remarks that the meeting discussed a number of working papers submitted by member states. Papers from UAE, Morocco, Bahrain and Kuwait were looked into during the meeting.Assistant Undersecretary for Information Technology Affairs in the Ministry of Transport and Communications Hassan Al Sayed said that the ministry's MADA Assistive Technology Center has submitted a paper showing Qatar's experience and the unified framework for E-Access to persons with special needs.

Regional Cyber Drill for Arab Countries Takes Place in Doha

DOHA, The fifth regional Cyber Drill for Arab countries, organized by the ITU-Arab Regional Cybersecurity Center (ARCC) in collaboration with the ITU Arab Regional Office, began today at the Four Seasons Doha Hotel and will continue until March 9.Hosted by Qatar and represented by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the workshop brings together the Arab region’s cyber security operation centers and private information security emergency centers.“The Ministry of Transport and Communications has been embracing the strategies and plans that help contribute to maximizing the benefits gained from the latest world technologies on the path of bolstering our ICT sector,” said Mr. Eng. Khalid Al-Hashmi, Assistant Undersecretary of Cyber Security at the Ministry, in his opening remarks.He said that the Ministry’s “Qatar Computer Emergency Response Team, Q-CERT, works tirelessly to maintain our cybersecurity against worldwide threats that might affect us and remains vigilant to ensure an electronic environment free of hacking that might hinder the way we use and benefit from technology. The Ministry also provides support for all entities in this domain countrywide.”“The Ministry also holds regular national training programs and cyber drills to further enhance State institutions’ response and readiness efficiency,” he noted.The workshop aims to boost communication capabilities, teambuilding, and cyber threat response capabilities, aiming to maintain the ongoing efforts that Arab computer emergency response teams (CERTs) exert for combating cyber threats. It also works as a platform for further cooperation and discussions on current cybersecurity challenges.