The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has completed the second edition of its AI Executive Leadership Programme, titled “AI Business Strategy & Innovation,” held from September 14 to 16, 2026, at the INSEAD Europe Centre in Fontainebleau, France. The event was organized in partnership with Microsoft and Qatar Digital Academy.
The three-day programme brought together 24 leaders representing 17 different government entities. It was designed to guide participants from a broad understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) to a strategic evaluation of its potential applications within their institutions. Key topics included identifying priority use cases, aligning AI initiatives with organisational objectives, and building implementation cases. The curriculum also addressed critical factors such as data management, governance, risk mitigation, and organisational changes required for the responsible adoption of AI technologies.
Participants engaged in practical projects and tackled challenges specifically reflecting the operational realities of their respective institutions. They utilized frameworks and tools to assess AI opportunities based on criteria including expected value, feasibility, data readiness, and institutional preparedness. The programme also facilitated access to global expertise and best practices, while allowing participants to exchange insights and experiences with peers from various government sectors.
Officials emphasized that the value of the programme extends beyond its conclusion, with knowledge and skills acquired expected to be transferred to wider teams and embedded into ongoing government initiatives. This is intended to improve institutional performance, enhance public services, support decision-making processes, and foster innovation across the government sector.
Duha al-Buhendi, director of the Digital Society and Digital Competencies Department at MCIT, highlighted the pivotal role of Qatar Digital Academy in supporting the country’s digital transformation and in developing a skilled digital workforce capable of driving innovation. She noted that the programme aligns with the Academy’s mission to create specialized initiatives that meet the evolving needs of government entities amid rapid technological advancements. Al-Buhendi also underscored the significance of strategic partnerships, such as those with INSEAD Executive Education and Microsoft, in promoting continuous knowledge exchange and enhancing government readiness for an AI-enabled future.
The programme’s objectives resonate with Qatar’s broader strategic vision articulated in Qatar National Vision 2030. By equipping government leaders and professionals with the expertise to deploy AI and advanced technologies responsibly and effectively, the initiative contributes to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy and an integrated digital society.