Doha: Under the patronage of HE Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the National Planning Council Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the National Data and Statistics Strategy was officially launched by HE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and Vice President of the National Planning Council, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani. The ceremony, held on Sunday, was attended by several Their Excellencies ministers and senior government officials.
According to Qatar News Agency, the strategy sets a strategic framework to enhance data governance, improve accessibility, and address the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. It is built on three core pillars: ensuring the highest standards of data and statistical reliability through the National Statistics Center, building an integrated and interconnected national data ecosystem, and leveraging big data, data technologies, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to position the National Statistics Center among the top statistical institutions globally.
The launch coincides with the first anniversary of the National Planning Council's establishment under Amiri Decree No. 13 of 2024. The Council was created to drive Qatar's development agenda by fostering strategic partnerships with government entities, ministries, and the private sector, enabling data-driven planning and delivering sustainable impact.
In his keynote speech, HE Secretary General of the National Planning Council, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, emphasized Qatar's readiness for the future, highlighting the importance of anticipating global trends and adopting cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence. The strategy, he said, is a proactive step that strengthens Qatar's leadership and future preparedness.
Dr. Al Khalifa expressed pride in the achievements of the National Planning Council over the past year, focusing on building systems, partnerships, and capabilities necessary for the implementation phase of the Third National Development Strategy. The Council aims to ensure the strategy's impact is meaningful and enduring as Qatar progresses toward 2030 and beyond.
He further stated that the National Planning Council has become a cornerstone of Qatar's national development architecture. The Council has pursued a clear vision to advance strategic planning and bring Qatar National Vision 2030 to life, overseeing the implementation of the Third National Development Strategy, which marks the final phase of the vision.
Qatar's strong economic performance in 2024, with a 2.4 percent real GDP growth driven by non-hydrocarbon activities, underscores the strategy's effective implementation. Notable achievements include a 90 percent reduction in commercial registration costs and a 156 percent increase in registered companies, creating new opportunities and strengthening the private sector's role in economic growth.
The Council hosted the inaugural National Development Forum, which brought together over 450 national and international private entities, focusing on the economic development agenda and amplifying the private sector's contribution to the Third National Development Strategy.
Guided by the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Council launched initiatives in January to build a robust national data infrastructure. Key initiatives include the National Data Program, data regulations, the Qatar Data Trust Index, and the QInsights platform, enhancing the Council's position as Qatar's official source of reliable data for informed decision-making.
Looking forward, the Council remains committed to enhancing integration across government entities, embedding data into planning, and bolstering institutional agility. As it enters its second year, the Council aims to continue driving national progress through consistent action and strategic insight.