The Digital Cooperation Organization Welcomes Qatar as a New Member State to Advance the Global Digital Economy

The Digital Cooperation Organization Welcomes Qatar as a New Member State to Advance the Global Digital Economy 

Riyadh, September 26, 2023 – The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) announced that the State of Qatar, a nation at the forefront of digital innovation and transformation, has joined as a new Member State in the organization. Qatar is the 14th Member State of the DCO, whose members represent a combined population of over half a billion people, further strengthening the organization’s capacity to accelerate global digital economies. This trusted relationship promises to bolster both Qatar and DCO’s initiatives, driving progress toward a more connected, equitable, and digitally advanced world.  

Qatar has made impressive strides in its digital landscape over the past few years. It has become a global leader in multiple areas, including the development of smart city solutions, fostering start-up companies specializing in AI in healthcare, Fintech, and logistics, and the utilization of digital solutions to advance a sustainable future and support its economic and social development. Qatar is also a leader in digital transformation, a heavy investor in digital infrastructure and it is home to some of the world’s fastest and most reliable internet networks.  

Minister of Communications and Information Technology HE Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai noted, “Our association with the DCO reflects Qatar’s digital aspirations and our resolve to promote worldwide digital advancement. We aim to integrate Qatar’s digital strides with the collective expertise of the DCO members.” 

His Excellency added that the State of Qatar’s accession to DCO is part of the country’s strategy to enhance Qatar’s role as a major player internationally in technology and digital innovation, seeking to strengthen the joint exchange of expertise, as well as empowering the youth and entrepreneurs to venture into the digital realm both on regional and international levels.  

“Qatar is among the leading global players harnessing digital innovation to drive sustainable social and economic progress. Their decision to join the Digital Cooperation Organization reflects recognition and support of a shared vision, that cooperation is the accelerator for growth. Qatar’s membership promises to be a catalyst in solidifying DCO’s role as a trusted facilitator in multistakeholder, global digital cooperation. We eagerly look forward to collaborating closely with Qatar, sharing knowledge and best practices to implement scalable, forward looking, and transformative digital solutions that will narrow the digital divide. Together we are poised to lead the way towards sustainable and inclusive digital prosperity for all,” stated Deemah AlYahya, the Secretary-General of the DCO.  

Qatar is a high-income country with a population of over 2.9 million people and a large economy with a GDP of USD $219.576 billion. The Qatar Digital Government Strategy 2023-2025 is a comprehensive plan to accelerate the government’s digital transformation. Qatar is using digital technology to provide a variety of government services and to improve its education system and promote tourism. This includes launching mobile applications for digital government services, the development of a digital learning platform that provides students with access to high-quality educational resources and a mobile application that provides tourists with information about attractions, events, and transportation in Qatar.  

The DCO works closely with government leaders to exchange expertise and foster optimal infrastructure, policies, and legislation to catalyze the rapid development of inclusive and equitable digital economies. The DCO is committed to working with all its Member States to promote digital cooperation and create a more inclusive and prosperous digital world and enable digital prosperity for all. 

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