The 2023 Smart City Expo Doha, the region’s leading urban innovation event, attracted over 4500 visitors in-person and online from more than 87 nationalities on 29-30 November in the Cultural Zone’s Congress Centre at Al-Bidda Park, where Expo 2023 Doha is being hosted. The event also attracted high-profile personalities from Qatar and the region.

During the event–the third in the annual series–85 local and international experts participated in 43 sessions, revealing new insights into creating thriving, next-generation cities and communities by harnessing emerging technology and the power of data. More than 40 companies also showcased presentations around smart solutions on the Digital Enablement Platform.

“Through the success of this event, Qatar has firmly staked its claim to be a regional force in the global dialogue on the fostering of smart cities and sustainable urban initiatives,” commented Her Excellency Mrs. Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Industry Affairs at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). “The inspirational insights offered by experts from diverse disciplines and cultures will play a pivotal role in achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 goals. These perspectives are set to ignite positive changes across a spectrum of economic and social sectors and have the potential to share transformative policies for the future” Al Mansoori added. “Congress outcomes include the start of partnerships which are likely to result in pioneering and innovative approaches to the way we do business, work, learn and live in what promises to be an exciting and more sustainable and connected, data-driven future.”

At the Smart City Expo Doha 2023, discussions centered on citizen-centric data governance to shape a progressive e-government landscape. The importance of cultural intelligence for inclusive and sustainable transformations in cognitive cities was highlighted as well. The event’s overall objective was to advance e-governance and urban intelligence for the future.

Thani Al Malki, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, commented: “The event enabled us to demonstrate how with Ooredoo Qatar a range of businesses and customers can upgrade their world. As Qatar’s leading telecommunications and ICT provider, the congress discussed a range of innovations designed to enrich peoples’ digital lives through future-ready smart tech solutions for sustainable living in alignment with Qatar Vision 2030, and they reflected our commitment to integrating innovative solutions for a greener, more connected world.”

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Khalid Ahmed Al Sada, Senior Executive Vice President - Group Corporate and Institutional Banking of QNB Group, said, “It is an honour to be the Official Sponsor of the Smart City Expo Doha 2023, one of the most important regional platforms specialized in intelligent management of future cities. Smart cities are the future, and we feel proud to be part of the State of Qatar’s endeavours to become a leading smart city in the world. We have aligned our goals with ESG objectives and integrated ESG into our operations.’’

The event also demonstrated growing cross-sector acceptance of the vital role of data and connectivity in forging a better world for all by attracting a powerful network of supporters, partners, and sponsors. Ooreedoo was a diamond sponsor in the event, and QNB was the official bank. Meeza, Malomatia and Msheireb were gold sponsors with Huawei as a silver sponsor. Deloitte and Google were knowledge sponsors. PwC as a partner in the event. MADA as the digital accessibility partner, the media outlet Futad was the media partner, and the Marriott Marquis was the official hotel partner while Qatar Museums, Qatar Tourism and HBKU were supporting institutions.