Doha: A global leader in Artificial Intelligence, Scale AI, is partnering with Qatar Foundation (QF) to expand Qatar's ability to innovate, lead, and nurture a new generation of talent in this transformative field of technology. As Web Summit Qatar 2026 - the Doha edition of the world's largest technology and innovation event series - takes place, a new Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for Scale to provide training, capacity-building, and upskilling programs to QF staff, students, researchers, and stakeholders, and apply its expertise to QF's focus on AI, which is among its strategic priority areas as it supports Qatar's national AI efforts.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Memorandum of Understanding will also see QF and Scale - which provides high-quality data and full-stack AI technologies to the world's leading AI model builders, enterprises, and governments, and is a strategic partner of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in developing innovative AI projects - examine how a human-centric regional hub for AI development and innovation, and the cultivation of Qatar-based talent in this field, can be created within QF's unique ecosystem of knowledge.
Yousif Al-Naama, CEO of Qatar Foundation, emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and Qatar Foundation's commitment to leveraging its ecosystem for societal benefit. The collaboration with Scale AI aims to generate AI-driven innovation that supports social and economic development while placing humanity, ethics, and cultural identity at the forefront of the global AI conversation. Al-Naama expressed delight in partnering with Scale AI to maximize the potential of this field of technology to strengthen societies and improve lives.
Trevor Thompson, Managing Director - Global, Scale AI, highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding signifies the momentum Qatar has achieved in its digital transformation journey. The partnership with Qatar Foundation aims to accelerate progress and explore pathways to deepen Qatar's role as a regional hub for innovation, applied AI development, and talent cultivation.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, QF and Scale will explore pathways to provide QF students and alumni with access to AI-focused internships, mentorship, and potential career opportunities. They will jointly develop white papers and research briefs on AI-related topics, including cultural, ethical, and Arabic language aspects, and identify collaboration opportunities in research and other areas. Additionally, Scale will hold exploratory workshops with QF entities annually to assess opportunities for further AI integration within QF's programs.
QF and Scale will also co-host innovation activities such as hackathons and workshops to nurture AI experimentation and talent, aiming to strengthen the AI talent pipeline between education and industry in Qatar. Since signing a foundational agreement with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology at Web Summit Qatar 2025, Scale has supported the nation in developing real-world AI use cases and building applied AI capability through hands-on upskilling. Its collaboration with QF reflects how its role in Qatar's AI advancement extends to institutional capacity-building.