Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology boosts security and efficiency with Microsoft Azure

Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) plays a pivotal role in regulating and advancing the telecommunications and information technology (IT) sector within the country. Tasked with the national development of telecommunication and information technology, MCIT's initiatives are geared towards using technology to empower the Qatari community.

Guiding Qatar’s digital transformation

MCIT’s mission has been to transform Qatar into the Gulf region’s digital hub. To that end, the ministry helped establish major cloud providers in the country via local data centers. “Having data centers in Qatar eases cloud adoption, enables scalability, and compliance with data residence laws,“ remarks Dalal Al-Shamari, Ex-Director of Cloud and networks at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Qatar. The entry of cloud providers encouraged public and private entities to adopt software-as-a-service (SaaS) models, which accelerated the nation’s digital transformation.

Of the many possible partners, MCIT chose to work primarily with Microsoft. “Majority of government entity used some or all the services within Microsoft 365 E5. That was one of the main reasons we chose to proceed with Microsoft Azure and consolidate all government requirements with Microsoft,” adds former director, Al-Shamari. Over 70 public entities brought their existing on-premises infrastructure onto Azure. Later, MCIT launched the Voyager Program for repatriating applications to the newly established Microsoft data center in Qatar, reinforcing data residency and sovereignty.

To address security concerns, the ministry integrated the Microsoft data center into its security network. It also established Azure landing zones, ensuring data and application security across government entities. To further protect data in the cloud, MCIT applied information assurance measures and security programs, including a Zero Trust program and Microsoft Sentinel for enhanced monitoring and security during cloud migration.

Creating World Cup digital readiness

MCIT’s adoption of cloud technologies aided the government in its efficient handling of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The ministry ensured that Qatar's digital infrastructure could handle the world’s largest football event, including the processing of health checks and the National Authentication System for millions of fans. A virtual platform helped with crowd control and transportation management in real-time. Together with the Microsoft team, MCIT conducted rigorous technology and compliance exercises, identifying and addressing gaps through a unified command center. MCIT also integrated artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbot technologies alongside human agents for handling visitor inquiries at the World Cup contact center. All this was done digitally. “We almost didn’t use any paper during the World Cup,” highlights Al-Shamari. “This sustainability component was one of the main reasons why we were embarking on this digital transformation journey.”

Optimizing cloud efficiency

MCIT aimed to not only empower digital transformation across public and private entities, but also encourage smart resource allocation. Through a series of meetings and workshops, MCIT analyzed its past resource utilization and identified opportunities for optimization and cost savings. MCIT then adjusted its subscriptions and introduced the Azure Hybrid Use Benefits (AHUB) model, which allocates licenses when and where they are needed to reduce the occurrence of unutilized subscriptions.

MCIT also made strategic reservations for highly utilized computer resources, ensuring optimal use of cloud services up to three years into the future. “We worked side by side with various entities to optimize resources,” shares Al-Shamari. “We collaborated with each entity to ensure they had the right resource allocation. This helped reduce our operational cost by 50%.”

The cost savings are remarkable. “Our diligent efforts to optimize resources on Azure had saved USD7.3 million across various entities, with projected annual savings of USD26.4 million,” highlights Al-Shamari.

Building the foundation for Vision 2030

Cloud adoption in Qatar used to be treated with skepticism, largely due to security concerns. After the transformation, MCIT saw a shift of perception. "The change in mindset at MCIT and the whole nation is noticeable and positive,” Al-Shamari reflects. “It's not just about using technology; we have a deeper understanding of the entities’ requirements and what they need to do to protect privacy and ensure data security. We are now fully capable of being a digital hub and realizing the Qatar National Vision 2030." This shift transformed cloud services from an option into a strategic enabler for achieving business objectives. 

MCIT’s partnership with Microsoft also evolved from a vendor-customer relationship to a collaborative partnership. "In the beginning, Microsoft was one of the vendor companies, but after this journey, we see Microsoft as a partner in many ways," Al-Shamari explains. “Together, we’re working to elevate public services through technology and digital products.”