Qatar has signed a five-year agreement with Scale AI, a leading artificial intelligence data company, to introduce AI-powered tools and training aimed at improving government services. A senior executive from Scale AI confirmed the deal in a statement to Reuters on Sunday.

Trevor Thompson, the company’s global head of growth, described the agreement as a potential model for other governments looking to integrate AI into public services.

“(This deal) can be a blueprint for other governments around the world, and it allows us to really commit in a way that I think could drive impact even faster,” Thompson stated.

According to a statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the partnership will allow the government to implement AI-driven tools such as predictive analytics, automation, and advanced data analysis to enhance efficiency in its operations. Over the course of five years, Scale AI will explore more than 50 potential applications of AI within various government sectors.

The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Qatar, a resource-rich Gulf state and a long-standing ally of the United States, is actively positioning itself as a leader in AI. The deal comes amid increasing competition in the region, with neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also making significant advancements in artificial intelligence.

Founded in 2016, Scale AI specialises in providing high-quality labelled data essential for training AI models, including widely used tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The company’s expertise extends to working with major clients such as Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and leading AI firms including OpenAI and Cohere, assisting them in developing and refining extensive datasets.

With this strategic collaboration, Qatar aims to strengthen its technological landscape, leveraging AI to optimise government functions and improve service delivery across various sectors.