live U.S.-Iran standoff continues as Hormuz shipping and diplomacy remain uncertain
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to res...
Doha, Qatar, February 23, 2025 – Qatar's government has entered into a five-year partnership with San Francisco-based Scale AI to deploy a range of AI-powered tools aimed at improving public services.
The deal, announced by Qatar’s communications and information technology ministry, is expected to drive operational efficiency through technologies such as predictive analytics, automation, and advanced data analysis.
Scale AI’s global head of growth, Trevor Thompson, described the agreement as a potential model for other governments. “This deal can be a blueprint for other governments around the world, and it allows us to really commit in a way that I think could drive impact even faster,” he said during a discussion with Reuters on Sunday. Under the deal, Scale AI will work with Qatar’s government to develop over 50 potential AI applications over the next five years.
The initiative comes as Qatar, a major gas producer and long-time U.S. ally, seeks to cement its status as a leader in artificial intelligence amidst growing competition from regional neighbors such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Scale AI, founded in 2016, is renowned for providing accurately labeled data that powers AI models, including those behind tools like ChatGPT. The company also supports major clients such as Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and other leading AI firms in creating and refining data sets.
Details on the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, the partnership underscores Qatar's commitment to leveraging advanced technology to streamline government operations and enhance service delivery.
As nations worldwide increasingly turn to AI to drive innovation in the public sector, this agreement marks a significant step in Qatar’s digital transformation journey.
The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
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