Ooredoo Group, UNDP and Doha Institute Conclude High-Level Digital & AI Policy Leaders Forum, Set Out Next steps for Moving from Frameworks to Practical Implementation
Regional leaders conclude two days of dialogue with a proposed facility designed to help governments turn digital and AI policy priorities into measurable progress
7 September 2026
Doha, Qatar
The High-Level Digital & AI Policy Leaders Forum – Arab States Region concluded at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies following two days of focused dialogue on translating digital and artificial intelligence policy into practical action.
Convened by Ooredoo Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and with the cooperation of GSMA and Women in AI, the Forum brought together ministers, regulators, policymakers and leaders from international organisations, academia and the private sector.
Building on the Digital Policy Framework launched at MWC Doha last year, the Forum moved the conversation from defining sound policy to addressing the more difficult question of implementation: how countries can adapt regional frameworks to national priorities, strengthen institutional capabilities and deliver meaningful economic and social impact.
Across the two days, discussions covered the key building blocks of inclusive digital transformation, from connectivity, digital infrastructure and enabling regulation to digital public infrastructure, data governance and financial inclusion. Participants also examined AI governance and responsible deployment, national readiness, women’s leadership in AI and the practical application of AI across healthcare, education, agriculture and public services.
The programme combined high-level perspectives with country experiences and practical discussions on diagnostics, priorities and national roadmaps.
The Forum concluded by looking beyond dialogue to the proposed UNDP Arab Digital Policy Framework Facility, a regional platform designed to carry the Framework forward and support governments throughout the journey from policy assessment and strategy development to implementation and impact.
Tailored to the needs and priorities of individual countries, the proposed UNDP Facility would provide access to policy intelligence, diagnostics, specialist expertise, leadership development, regional peer learning and hands-on implementation support. It would also help strengthen cooperation across Arab States and connect governments with regional and international partners able to support reform, capability-building and investment.
The Forum marked an important next step in the region’s digital policy journey: moving from frameworks on paper to coordinated action, stronger national capabilities and progress that countries and communities can experience in practice.
-ENDS-
About Ooredoo
Ooredoo Group is a leading international communications company building the region’s most advanced digital infrastructure - spanning leading wireless and fiber networks, AI-ready data centres, cloud & AI compute platforms, subsea cable systems, and platform businesses like Fintech. Operating in nine markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, Ooredoo serves nearly 150 million customers, enabling digital transformation at scale.
As of 31 December 2025, Ooredoo generated full-year Revenue of QAR 24.6 billion. Its shares are listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.undp.org or follow @UNDP.
