Officials from the Canada-Qatar Business Forum (CQBF) said that around 15-20 Canadian companies are expected to participate in the World Summit on AI Qatar, scheduled to be held in Doha by the end of the year. Yasser Duib, executive director of the Canada-Qatar Business Forum (CQBF), said the participating companies accompanying the CQBF delegation represent various sectors, including manufacturing, robotics, healthcare, clean technology, transport and logistics, education, energy, finance, agri-food and retail. “The participation of the Canada-Qatar Business Forum in the World Summit on AI Qatar and Web Summit Qatar 2025, to be held at the Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre on December 10-11, reflects CQBF's firm commitment to foster strategic initiatives, business opportunities and partnerships with Qatari companies and generate fruitful investment returns for our Canadian counterparts,” Duib told Gulf Times. Duib's statement comes on the heels of CQBF's “successful participation” in Collision 2024, which recently concluded in Toronto. Duib noted that Collision is referred to as “the fastest growing tech conference in North America, bringing together Fortune 500 companies, groundbreaking startups and world-class speakers.” “CQBF's participation in Collision demonstrates our efforts to engage Canadian tech companies and AI technologies in Qatar's vision to become a regional hub for high-tech investment,” Duib explained. According to Duib, CQBF had a “significant presence” at Collision and fostered partnerships with key Qatari institutions, such as Invest Qatar and its initiative Startup Qatar, a “one-stop online platform that serves all business requirements and serves as the only comprehensive national resource of information, support and opportunities provided to startups.” The involvement of Qatari government institutions such as the Qatar Council for Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) confirms their strong commitment to the cooperation initiative between the two countries, Duib said, highlighting Qatar's “strategic importance.” Duib said plans are underway to position CQBF as a “pivotal partner in this effort.” Duib stressed that CQBF is keen to collaborate with other strategic public and private sector partners in Qatar and Canada in areas such as technology and IT ahead of the upcoming World Summit AI Qatar. Duib said CQBF plans to work with government and private institutions such as the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, Qatar Businessmen's Association (QBA) and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to achieve the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Similarly, CQBF is also working with Canadian federal and provincial organizations to develop and deploy AI technologies, which aims to leverage Canada's AI strengths for international partnerships and economic growth, Duib added. CQBF is working with the governments of Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick to promote Canadian AI innovation on the global stage. We have jointly supported trade missions highlighting Canada's AI capabilities and fostering partnerships in Qatar. “Through the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CQBF has been coordinating efforts to connect Canadian AI companies with their Qatari counterparts, supporting the exchange of technology and expertise between the two countries,” Duib explained. Duib noted that CQBF is working with Montreal startups and Invest Quebec to help Quebec-based AI startups explore opportunities in Qatar. This includes organizing workshops and networking events to connect Quebec's tech ecosystem with the Qatari market. Duib further explained that CQBF encourages Canadian companies across the country to explore collaboration opportunities and strengthen partnerships. “In line with Qatar's strategic vision for AI and digital transformation, meetings and roundtables are scheduled to address mutual interests in the fields of technology and innovation,” he stressed. Duib noted that CQBF is embarking on a long-term, future-oriented partnership. “CQBF has partnered with Toronto Global, the umbrella organization for high-tech and IA Canadian companies, and MaRS, Toronto's world's largest urban innovation hub supporting startups in the health, cleantech, fintech and enterprise sectors. “CQBF is building on its partnership with Startup Montreal as a leading hub for high-tech investment firms, which is undoubtedly a key asset CQBF prepares to offer to prospective Qatari companies and business partners. “Thanks to its extensive outreach across Canada, CQBF is interested in working with provincial and territorial governments to create opportunities for Canada-Qatar business partnerships and compatible approaches to know-how transfer and expertise,” Dhuib added.
