Latest news with #NationalDataandStatisticsStrategy
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
NPC launches revamped Qatar Open Data Portal
Tribune News Network Doha In a move aimed at strengthening data governance and fostering institutional integration in the management of government information, the National Statistics Centre (NSC) at the National Planning Council (NPC) on Thursday organised a forum themed 'Toward Integrated National Data Governance: Achievements, Partnerships, and Sustainable Support'. The event serves as a strategic initiative by the Council to engage directly with planning, quality, and IT departments across ministries and government agencies, under the broader umbrella of the National Data and Statistics Strategy. Secretary-General of the National Planning Council His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa inaugurated the forum. In his speech, he said, 'The National Data Programme — a key component of the National Strategy for Data and Statistics — has achieved significant milestones in recent periods, in alignment with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy. Among the most notable achievements is the issuance of the National Data Policy, approved by the National Planning Council. This policy has laid the foundation for principles of governance, integration, and shared responsibility in the management and governance of data.' He also announced the launch of the newly revamped Qatar Open Data Portal, saying: 'We are pleased to announce the launch of the Qatar Open Data Platform in its new form, now featuring more than 1,100 datasets covering a wide range of sectors. 'Open data has become a decisive factor in attracting foreign investment and facilitating informed economic decision-making, which directly contributes to achieving the targets of economic growth and diversification.' Through this regularly convened forum, the NSC seeks to share updates on the National Data Governance Programme and foster inter-agency cooperation mechanisms designed to activate effective data governance and management practices, and showcase projects related to national data governance platforms. In addition, the Centre is using the forum to respond to government entities' inquiries, clarify their roles and responsibilities in implementing the National Data Governance Programme, and highlight the technical and training support it offers to ensure that institutional efforts align with national data policies. The forum marks a continuation of the National Planning Council's broader efforts, following the launch of the National Data and Statistics Strategy last May, under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and chair of the National Planning Council. The strategy has since served as a springboard for a series of ambitious national initiatives aimed at modernising the country's data ecosystem. The forum placed particular focus on the progress made in developing tools under the National Data Governance Programme, particularly the Open Data Platform. A visual presentation showcased the platform's technical architecture and operational objectives, outlining how to advance transparency by making government data publicly accessible in line with international best practices. Such efforts are expected to foster innovation and build trust with the public. On the regulatory front, the NPC team delivered a detailed presentation on the national policies, standards, and regulations governing data. The presentation included an overview of compliance mechanisms and internal procedures for managing data within government agencies. This segment was led by Maha Rashid Al Mutawa, director of the National Data Affairs Department at the National Statistics Centre, who elaborated on the institutional and legislative frameworks underpinning these efforts. In the area of capacity building, Maha Abdullah Al Sherif, statistical researcher at the Statistical and Data Training Centre, announced the launch of a series of specialised training programmes and workshops. Designed to be delivered both in-person and online, these sessions will combine theoretical instruction with practical application. Scheduled throughout the year, the training aims to bolster the competencies of government departments in data management, analysis, and governance — boosting institutional readiness and enhance their optimal use of data in government work. The forum also explored the institutional partnerships critical to the success of the National Data Programme — chief among them is the strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Cybersecurity Agency. These partnerships aim to ensure the readiness of digital infrastructure and the integration of national technical and regulatory frameworks. The forum highlighted effective technology partnerships with leading digital solution providers such as Microsoft and Informatica, both of which delivered advanced presentations on tools for governance, integration, and data quality. Microsoft showcased its intelligent data management ecosystem through Azure and Microsoft Fabric technologies, emphasising their role in supporting interoperability and real-time data analysis. Informatica, for its part, presented its advanced vision via the Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC) platform — a solution designed to build a unified national data index and a transparent, referential data management system. Together, these technologies promise to enhance the quality and usability of government data in public policy development. The forum concluded with an open dialogue that brought together representatives of government agencies and technology solution providers. The discussion aimed to align technical needs with strategic objectives, while encouraging the exchange of experiences and best practices in building and operating national data platforms, including the National Data Index, the National Data Marketplace, and government database platforms.
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Cabinet approves draft legislation on traffic law
QNA Doha The Cabinet has approved a draft legislation issuing the traffic law and referred it to the Shura Council. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, took the decision on Wednesday. The preparation of the draft legislation is part of the Ministry of Interior's strategy, which includes among its objectives the regulation and development of traffic movement, as well as enhancing traffic security and safety. The draft legislation also takes into account developments in the nation's infrastructure, road usage, automotive technology, and the strengthening of mechanisms and methods for detecting traffic violations in a way that serves the public interest. At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet hailed the National Data and Statistics Strategy that was launched under the sponsorship of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the National Planning Council (NPC) HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and Vice President of NPC HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, the strategy is based on a three-pronged approach, mainly: achieving the highest level of data and statistical reliability through the National Statistics Center, building an integrated and interconnected national data system, and utilizing data technology, big data, and artificial intelligence in operations. In addition, the Cabinet approved its draft decision amending some provisions of Decision No. 4 of 2020, to establish the Permanent Committee for Addiction Treatment Affairs. The draft decision aims to reorganize the committee in alignment with the administrative updates in the country, bolstering its effectiveness and enabling it to better achieve its objectives. The Cabinet decided to approve the draft of the Core Contribution Agreement for Unrestricted Financial Resources (2025–2026) between the Qatar Fund for Development and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the draft memoranda of understanding on cooperation and exchange of news between Qatar News Agency (QNA), Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP), Vietnam News Agency (VNA), and Guinea-Bissau News Agency (ANG). The Cabinet wrapped up its meeting by reviewing the annual report of the Standing Committee for Rescue, Relief, and Humanitarian Aid in Afflicted Areas in brotherly and friendly countries, and the report on the outcomes of the participation of the State of Qatar's delegation, chaired by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, in the opening ceremony of the State of Qatar's pavilion at the international Expo 2025 Osaka.
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
NPC launches Nat'l Data and Statistics Strategy
Tribune News Network Doha Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and President of the National Planning Council (NPC), HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Vice – President of the National Planning Council HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani officially launched the National Data and Statistics Strategy during a ceremony on Sunday. The National Data and Statistics Strategy serves as a strategic framework to enhance data governance, improve accessibility, and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Built on three core pillars, the strategy aims to: Ensure the highest standards of data and statistical reliability through the National Statistics Center Build an integrated and interconnected national data ecosystem Leverage big data, data technologies, and artificial intelligence across operations, with the goal of positioning the National Statistics Center among the top statistical institutions globally. The launch marks one year since the establishment of the National Planning Council. The Council was created to drive Qatar's development agenda and foster strategic partnerships with government entities, ministries, private sector and experts. This enables data-driven planning and delivers sustainable, tangible impact in both the short and long term. page 3
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
National Planning Council launches National Data and Statistics Strategy
DOHA: Under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HESheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, President of the National Planning Council; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and Vice – President of the National Planning CouncilHE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani has officially launched the National Data and Statistics Strategy. The event was attended by several esteemed ministers and senior government officials. The National Data and Statistics Strategy serves as a strategic framework to enhance data governance, improve accessibility, and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Built on three core pillars, the strategy aims to: • Ensure the highest standards of data and statistical reliability through the National Statistics Center • Build an integrated and interconnected national data ecosystem • Leverage big data, data technologies, and artificial intelligence across operations, with the goal of positioning the National Statistics Center among the top statistical institutions globally The launch marks one year since the establishment of the National Planning Council by Amiri Decree No. 13 of 2024. The Council was created to drive Qatar's development agenda and foster strategic partnerships with government entities, ministries, private sector and experts. This enables data-driven planning and delivers sustainable, tangible impact in both the short and long term. In his keynote speech at the event, Secretary General of the National Planning Council Dr Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa said: "At the heart of the Third National Development Strategy is Qatar's readiness for the future. This includes anticipating global trends, embracing change, and adopting cutting-edge, data-driven technologies such as artificial intelligence. The National Data and Statistics Strategy is a proactive step that strengthens Qatar's leadership and future preparedness." He added: "We take great pride in what we have achieved in our first year at the National Planning Council. Over the past year, we have focused on building the systems, partnerships, and capabilities needed to move into the implementation phase of the Third National Development Strategy. Our aim is to ensure its impact is meaningful, comprehensive, and enduring as Qatar progresses toward 2030 and beyond." Over the past year, the National Planning Council has emerged as a cornerstone of Qatar's national development architecture. Since its inception, the Council has pursued a clear vision to advance the strategic planning agenda and bring Qatar National Vision 2030 to life. As the lead entity overseeing the implementation of the Third National Development Strategy, which represents the final phase of Qatar National Vision 2030, the Council has ensured that all its initiatives reflect the nation's aspirations and embody its identity and values. The transition from planning to implementation has been a major milestone in this journey. Qatar's strong economic performance in 2024 is a testament to the strategy's effective implementation. Real GDP grew by 2.4 percent, driven primarily by non-hydrocarbon activities, which recorded a 3.4 percent growth rate. Among the most notable achievements was a 90 percent reduction in commercial registration costs. Alongside other reforms, this contributed to a 156 percent rise in the number of registered companies compared to the previous year. Collectively, these measures have created new opportunities and strengthened the role of the private sector in driving economic growth. The Council also hosted the inaugural National Development Forum, which brought together over 450 national and international private entities. Centered around the economic development agenda, the forum provided a platform to amplify the private sector's contribution to the successful rollout of the Third National Development Strategy. Guided by the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,regarding the importance of data in strategic planning and implementation, the Council launched a series of initiatives in January to build a robust national data infrastructure. Key initiatives include: •Launch of the National Data Program, a strategic step toward building a central data repository •Issuance of data regulations, including the National Data Policy, National Data Standards, and a national data governance guide •Introduction of the Qatar Data Trust Index, a one-of-a-kind tool for measuring trust in data based on quality and compliance with national regulations • Development of the QInsights platform, a component of the central database project, featuring 119 indicators from the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investment These initiatives have strengthened the Council's position as Qatar's official source of reliable, actionable, and transparent data that is vital for informed national decision-making. Therefore, work has begun on building an integrated central database that meets national needs with high efficiency and reliability, as reliable statistical data is an important tool in determining the country's current and future real needs. Looking ahead, the Council remains committed to enhancing integration across government entities, embedding data into every layer of planning, and bolstering institutional agility. As it enters its second year, the Council will continue to act as Qatar's strategic engine. It aims to drive national progress through insight, foresight, and consistent action.
