Doha: The National Planning Council (NPC) has concluded the "Data Summer Camp 2025," organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth (MSY), represented by Qatar Scientific Club (QSC). The camp was held over five days at the Club's headquarters in Doha.
According to Qatar News Agency, the camp welcomed 125 participants who had the opportunity to explore Qatar's Open Data Portal, which hosts more than 1,100 datasets covering various economic, social, and service sectors. They also worked on developing innovative solutions, including interactive dashboards using Microsoft Power BI, smart applications, and predictive models based on artificial intelligence algorithms.
These efforts strengthened their ability to link real-world challenges with modern digital tools and implement projects that contribute to the Qatar National Vision 2030. The program featured specialized workshops, practical exercises, and applied projects inspired by the needs and development aspirations of Qatari society. This enriched the participants' experience and enhanced their skills in deriving analytical insights and effectively utilizing data.
During the closing ceremony, the top three winning teams in both categories, high school and university students aged 15 to 22, were honored. The ceremony also included final presentations by the shortlisted teams, where participants presented their projects designed to provide practical solutions aligned with the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
In the high school category, Team Mesaieed won first place for a project on using solar energy in households to reduce natural gas consumption and contribute to the transition toward renewable energy and sustainable development. Team Smaisma secured second place for a project proposing solutions to prevent water waste and showcasing datasets that could help raise awareness of this critical issue. Team Al Sadd came third with a project analyzing the number of students with disabilities and the dedicated staff supporting them.
In the university category, Team Tamkeen claimed first place for a project creating a platform for persons with disabilities aimed at reducing employment gaps compared to their peers. Team Al Khor came second for a project analyzing national databases to identify the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption, providing insights to integrate renewable energy sources and implement measures to reduce Qatar's carbon footprint. Team Reginald won third place for a project analyzing Qatar's import and export activities using Harmonized System (HS) codes and linking them to a CO2 emissions database, enabling precise and targeted environmental analysis.
Director of the National Data Affairs Department at the NPC Maha Rashid Al Mattwi emphasized the importance of this camp as part of a series of regular initiatives and activities organized by the Council to promote innovation, encourage youth to develop skills in statistical analysis and artificial intelligence, and harness the power of data to support Qatar's economy. She stated: "The Data Summer Camp is an important step toward preparing a new generation capable of understanding the language of numbers, analyzing data, and transforming information into tools for development and innovation." She added: "We believe Qatar's future depends on nurturing young minds and equipping them with the tools of digital transformation so they can play an active role in nation-building and in realizing its ambitious vision."