The Venue
Workinton, M7
Msheireb Downtown, Doha, Qatar
Qatar's creative hub for design, fashion, and technology—the perfect setting for launching a global conversation about AI.
On September 19, 2024, AI TownSquare launched in Doha. A global conversation about preparing society for AI, sparked locally.
Msheireb Downtown, Doha, Qatar
Qatar's creative hub for design, fashion, and technology—the perfect setting for launching a global conversation about AI.
The inaugural gathering explored a foundational question: What does it mean that AI is a general-purpose technology—useful for many things, transformative across sectors, and requiring new frameworks for understanding?
Through small group discussions and cross-sector dialogue, participants gained a clear understanding of AI's wide-ranging applications and its potential to reshape society and business.
"AI is going to be the next General-Purpose Technology, just like electricity or the internet. The potential to revolutionize how we learn and communicate is real—and we have to stay ahead."
— Mizna, STEM Education Leader
"Business leaders, decision-makers, and executives discussed AI's role as a General-Purpose Technology, highlighting its generality, complementarity, and growth potential. It's exciting to witness how AI is shaping the future of technology and society globally."
— Technology Industry Leader, Doha
"The session introduced us to key trends in AI as General-Purpose Technology and how it will bring changes in the future. We worked in groups, discussing AI applications across various industries—it offered great opportunities to learn from different perspectives."
— Rabab Shalan, Digital Transformation Consultant
Participants recognized that AI isn't merely another software tool—it's foundational infrastructure that will reshape how every sector operates, similar to electricity or the internet.
The challenge isn't technological capability—it's institutional readiness. Organizations, policies, and mental models haven't kept pace with AI's advancement.
No single sector has the complete picture. Healthcare sees patient implications, education sees workforce shifts, government sees policy gaps—each perspective is partial but necessary.
The conversation revealed a shared sense that action is needed now, but thoughtful action—not reactive fear. Preparation, not prediction, emerged as the guiding principle.
"Bridge the gap between AI advancement and societal readiness"— AI TownSquare Founding Mission
Business leaders, decision-makers, and executives curious about AI's impact and potential as a General-Purpose Technology.
No single sector dominated. Every perspective mattered.
AI TownSquare is a forward-looking and inclusive platform, born in Doha, designed to bridge the global gap between AI advancement and societal readiness.
The first gathering proved that cross-sector dialogue on AI wasn't just possible—it was necessary. What emerged validated the model: curated diversity, structured dialogue, and collective intelligence.
What began as a single gathering is becoming a global network of civic dialogue.
September 2024
AI as General-Purpose Technology
3 April 2026
Is AI Going to Take Our Jobs?
Dubai, 3 April 2026. 25 seats. One question that matters.
Apply for Dubai →