According to Gartner, more than 90% of firms will be using AI by the end of this year. Algorithm-backed solutions are expected to contribute more than $15 trillion to the global economy. Even major oil firms have started mining their historical data to generate insights via AI in the Middle East.

To train local talent for developing smart tech, Huawei has opened doors to an AI lab at Qatar University as a part of its ICT academy. Students will be able to sharpen their skills by working with machine learning and the internet of things in the lab. The facility will also provide a platform for research projects to encourage innovation in smart tech.

The involvement of Huawei in the project at a leading university allows students to explore the latest in ICT and keep up with the demands of a digital economy. The tech giant will also be able to cultivate a local talent pool for future innovation in AI through this initiative.

Apart from Qatar, the UAE is also home to the world’s first-ever university dedicated entirely to AI in Abu Dhabi. The University of Sharjah started offering certificate courses for AI back in 2018. The King Abdullah University for Science and Technology also provides a space for research on smart tech, including autonomous delivery vehicles.

According to McKinsey, the Middle East and North Africa can expect 127 million professionals to enter the AI workforce in two decades. Universities offering cutting-edge ICT training will play an important role in that development.