Security, data and skills key to scaling AI in Qatar, says official

Doha, Qatar - As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates in Qatar, officials have highlighted the importance of strengthening cybersecurity, unlocking previously inaccessible data, and investing in AI skills. Ghassan Kosta, Regional General Manager for Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Iraq at Google Cloud, emphasized these three key areas during a conversation on the sidelines of the Google Cloud Summit.

Security is a top priority for organizations looking to deploy AI systems, according to Kosta. He stressed the need for robust governance frameworks, trusted guardrails, and control over data from the outset to ensure workloads are secured. Google Cloud provides support throughout the AI technology lifecycle, from development and deployment to operation, offering capabilities like autonomous threat hunting and managed incident response.

Another crucial aspect is accessing and harnessing the vast amounts of data that organizations currently keep stored. Kosta pointed out that AI agents are only as effective as the data they are fed, urging companies to address the issue of inaccessible data within their systems. Google Cloud's technology seamlessly converts raw data into enterprise knowledge by seamlessly merging structured information with unstructured assets.

Investing in workforce development is the third element essential for successful AI adoption, Kosta argued. While technology alone cannot yield optimal results, having the necessary skills and knowledge in AI is indispensable. Google Cloud has focused on fostering local capabilities alongside technological infrastructure in its work with Qatar, Kosta explained.

The Google Cloud Regional General Manager also highlighted a partnership with the Qatari government, noting that the company's presence in the country has expanded over the years. In 2024 and 2025, Google Cloud increased its investment in infrastructure and stepped up efforts to build AI capabilities. Kosta emphasized that the development of Qatar's technology ecosystem stems from a broader push to promote innovation across the public and private sectors, underscoring the government's role in encouraging innovation among both segments.