MCIT Signs Collaboration Initiative with Microsoft to Advance the Digital Inclusion Index and Enhance Digital Skills

• The initiative includes the development of a public-facing Digital Inclusion Index dashboard through the Digital Station Portal, providing regularly updated data.
• It also integrates Microsoft’s digital skills applications into the platform to support capacity-building and strengthen digital literacy.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has signed a new collaboration initiative with Microsoft under the Digital Inclusion Index (DII) project, MCIT’s national initiative designed to measure digital inclusion levels across Qatar and identify factors that affect individuals’ ability to access and benefit from digital technologies.

The initiative was signed on the sidelines of Day 2 of the World Summit AI – Qatar 2025 by Ms. Duha Ali Al Buhendi, Director of Digital Society and Digital Competencies Department at MCIT, and Mr. Ahmad El Dandachi, General Manager of Microsoft Qatar.

As part of the agreement, MCIT and Microsoft will jointly develop an interactive digital dashboard for the Digital Inclusion Index through the Ministry’s Digital Station Portal. The dashboard will provide citizens, residents, and government entities with up-to-date data and insights on Qatar’s digital inclusion progress. Equipped with AI-driven analytical features, the dashboard will allow users to explore and interpret data easily, enhancing transparency and enabling society to clearly track the country’s digital transformation efforts.

The collaboration also includes the integration of Microsoft’s digital skills programs and applications into the Digital Station Portal, providing accessible educational resources that help raise digital awareness across all segments of society. These resources are designed to equip individuals with essential skills needed to navigate digital services effectively, contributing to national efforts aimed at improving digital literacy and narrowing knowledge gaps.

During the signing ceremony, Duha Ali Al Buhendi stated: “This collaboration marks an important step toward strengthening digital inclusion in the State of Qatar. Providing clear, accessible data on inclusion levels, combined with digital learning programs, reflects the Ministry’s commitment to empowering individuals and enhancing their participation in the digital economy. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the tools and knowledge needed to fully benefit from modern technologies.”

For his part, Mr. Ahmad El Dandachi, said: “At Microsoft, we believe that meaningful progress begins with measurement. By capturing accurate, up-to-date data on digital inclusion, we empower decision-makers to identify gaps, track progress, and take targeted action. Our partnership with MCIT to develop the Digital Inclusion Index is about more than technology—it’s about ensuring that every step toward a more inclusive digital society is guided by real insights. When you can measure, you can act—and together, we are turning data into opportunity for all

The Digital Inclusion Index aims to deliver an accurate and holistic picture of digital adoption in Qatar by assessing key factors such as accessibility, affordability, digital literacy, and the availability of relevant digital content. It serves as a foundational tool for shaping national policies in digital education, skills development, and cross-sector transformation.

This collaboration forms part of MCIT’s broader efforts to build a more inclusive digital society and enhance individuals’ ability to use and benefit from technology, in alignment with the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030.