Doha: The National Planning Council (NPC), in collaboration with the Qatar Scientific Club of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Microsoft Qatar, has successfully launched the second edition of the Data Summer Camp 2026. The event, held from August 8 to 12, saw the participation of approximately 40 high school students, both male and female.
According to Qatar News Agency, the camp is designed to equip students with future-oriented skills in data and digital transformation, aligning with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). This initiative aims to provide an educational experience that merges theoretical knowledge with practical application over a five-day period. The primary objective is to raise awareness among high school students about the significance of data, acquaint them with national and open data sources, and the national data program. The camp also focuses on enabling students to convert analytical results into actionable ideas and initiatives that address national challenges, while enhancing their capability to use digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to support development and foster a culture of data-driven decision-making.
The program offers training on various aspects of data, including its basics, processing, quality verification, analysis, and the extraction of indicators and insights. Additionally, participants learn to design interactive dashboards using Power BI and AI technologies.
Hessa Ali Al Malki, Director of the Statistical and Data Training Center at NPC, expressed that organizing the camp signifies NPC's dedication to fostering a data-centric culture among youth and preparing national cadres capable of leveraging data for development and decision-making. She emphasized that the Data Summer Camp is a quality initiative that NPC is committed to implementing with its partners, driven by the belief that data is a fundamental pillar in planning and public policy-making. Al Malki noted that the program offers students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the National Data Program, gain data analysis skills, and develop dashboards, thereby enabling them to turn data into practical insights and initiatives that align with national priorities and contribute to achieving QNV 2030.
Eng. Hessa Al Najjar, the supervisor of the Data Summer Camp program, highlighted that the Qatar Scientific Club's hosting of the camp is part of its mission to build young people's capabilities in science, technology, and innovation. It also aims to provide interactive educational environments that keep pace with rapid digital advancements. She underscored the importance of the partnership with NPC and Microsoft Qatar in preparing a generation equipped with future skills.
Microsoft Qatar plays a pivotal role in providing hands-on experience with the latest data analysis tools and AI technologies, thereby enhancing participants' ability to engage with modern digital technologies and stay abreast of global developments in data science.
The second edition of the camp reinforces the ongoing partnership among the participating entities to invest in young national talent, cultivate a culture of innovation and digital transformation, and aid in the transition towards a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.