Advancing AI policy implementation in the Arab states

The Arab States are taking decisive steps to shift technological ambitions into tangible, country-level action.

Leading this charge, the High-Level Digital & AI Policy Leaders Forum recently convened in Doha to accelerate the rollout of comprehensive digital public infrastructure and equitable policy across the region.

Held on 1–2 September 2026, the summit was orchestrated by Ooredoo Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Organised alongside the GSMA and Women in AI, the forum gathered senior officials and experts to transition the region's technological aspirations into actionable governance.

This gathering marks the next operational phase of the Digital Policy Framework (DPF) for the Arab States. Launched at MWC Doha in November 2025 by the UNDP, Qatar's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ooredoo, this evidence-based framework was designed to help governments construct policies that drive economic growth and social inclusion.

Transitioning from Framework to Implementation

A primary objective of the Doha forum was to equip nations with the tools to assess their digital maturity using the DPF. Over two days, national leaders identified priority reforms and commenced drafting bespoke Digital Policy Roadmaps tailored to their unique contexts.

Discussions tackled vital subjects such as digital public infrastructure, data governance, financial inclusion, and the safe deployment of artificial intelligence.

Hilal Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, Group Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer at Ooredoo, underscored the importance of moving beyond mere technological adoption:

“Digital transformation can create enormous economic and social value for our region, but technology alone is not enough. It requires the right policies, regulatory environment and collaboration between the public and private sectors. The priority now is to move from framework to implementation – understanding where individual markets stand, what needs to change and how we turn policy into tangible progress.”

Biplove Chaudhary, UNDP Technical Representative and Head of the UNDP Qatar Office, explained the mechanics of this regional evolution:

“Digital transformation delivers its greatest impact when connectivity, digital public infrastructure and emerging technologies advance together within an inclusive policy environment. The Digital Policy Framework helps countries identify gaps and prioritise action according to their national contexts. This Forum takes the next step, translating regional ambition into practical country-level implementation, while benefiting from Qatar's leadership in innovation and digital infrastructure.”

Pillars of a Competitive Digital Economy

To navigate modern technological integration, the DPF concentrates on three interconnected structural pillars deemed critical for constructing robust digital economies:

• Networks and connectivity: Ensuring reliable, high-speed access to bridge the digital divide.
• Data and digital public infrastructure: Establishing secure frameworks for data sharing and public service delivery.
• Intelligent systems and applications: Promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence across crucial sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and public services.

The Economic Stakes

The financial implications of digital integration are substantial. Evidence referenced within the DPF highlights massive potential gains for developing nations:

• A 10% increase in fixed broadband penetration can boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to 1.5% in developing countries.
• Artificial intelligence could contribute an estimated US$21–35 billion annually to GCC GDP when deployed under inclusive, accountable frameworks.

Governing these immense economic opportunities requires collaboration. Dr. Abdelwahab El-Affendi, President of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, contextualised the forum's necessity:

“This Forum brings knowledge and practice together to address one of our region's defining challenges: harnessing digital technology to strengthen economies, advance human progress and serve society. Success requires balanced governance that enables innovation while managing risk, particularly as AI creates unprecedented opportunities. Through serious collaboration across government, industry and academia, we can turn these opportunities into meaningful, responsible progress.”

By aligning telecommunications leaders like Ooredoo with developmental bodies such as the UNDP, the Arab States are positioning themselves at the forefront of responsible digital acceleration. The journey towards a fully integrated, AI-ready economy is now underway.