World-leading digital and data experts from 16 countries will gather in Qatar next week to address Smart City Expo Doha 2023, the region’s leading urban innovation event.

The gathering, which is expected to attract more than 4500 visitors from 60 countries around the  world, will explore how emerging technologies and the power of data help in creating thriving next generation cities and communities. Discussions will revolve around four key themes focused on Green Urban Environments, Digital Governance, Cognitive Cities and Liveable Places.

In a press conference held today by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Mr. Khalid Aljumaily, Director of Public Relations and Communications Department at MCIT, explained how this event will further elevate Qatar’s contribution to global narratives around smart cities and sustainable urban development, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

“Hosting this event underscores Qatar’s commitment to actively participate in the global discourse on the creation, development and impact of smart cities driven by data, connectivity, and technology. It also demonstrates Qatar’s unwavering dedication to driving innovation through advanced digital solutions and to being a key player in promoting digital economy to improve peoples’ lives,” Aljumaily said.

The speaker line up, featuring experts from the Middle East, the United States of America, UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Turkey, and the Far East, will shed light on future implications for energy and the environment, governance, mobility, enabling technology, living and inclusion, infrastructure and building, the economy as well as safety and security.

Ms. Eman Ahmad Al Kuwari, Director of Innovation at MCIT said: “Smart City Expo 2023 in Qatar marks a pivotal moment in our digital evolution. It brings together green urban environments, digital governance, cognitive cities, and liveable spaces. This transformative event not only accelerates technological innovation but also cultivates a sustainable and smart urban landscape. Its impact on the digital economy shapes Qatar’s future with a blend of technology, sustainability, and enhanced quality of life.

Among the stellar speaker line-up is Dr. Ott Velsberg, the Estonian Government’s Chief Data Officer; Professor Renee Cummings of Colombia University; Frans-Anton Vermast, Strategy Advisor and International Smart Cities Ambassador for The Netherlands; Erol Özgüner, Chief Information Officer for the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul; Chen-Yu Lee, Acting Smart Applications Section Head at the Taipei Smart City Project Management Office; Omani visionary and global futurist leader Laila Al Hadhrami; Saeed Aldhaheri, Director of the Centre for Future Studies at the University of Dubai and Noor Al Mazroei of the MADA Assistive Technology Centre in Qatar.

As the Smart City Expo Doha 2023 draws closer, the event is privileged to collaborate with esteemed entities, including Diamond sponsor Ooredoo, Qatar National Bank (QNB) as the official bank. Gold Sponsors are Meeza, Malomatia, and Msheireb Properties. Silver Sponsor is Huawei, and Knowledge Sponsors include Deloitte and Google. Further enhancing the event’s impact are valuable partnerships with PwC. MADA as a digital accessibility partner, Marriott Marquis as an official hotel, Qatar Museum, Visit Qatar, and HBKU as supporting institutions.  Media outlet Futad and Forbes are represented as our Media partners.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology hosts Smart City Expo Doha 2023 in partnership with Fira Barcelona International, organizers of the leading Smart City Expo World Congress. Part of the groundbreaking Expo 2023 Doha—the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa organized by the Ministry of Municipality—the event will run at Al-Bidda Park Cultural Zone’s Congress Centre from November 29 to 30.