Qatar-based Msheireb Properties has begun the Phase One rollout of 'Rashid', its AI Digital Companion, across Msheireb Downtown Doha, thus marking the next stage of a first-of-its-kind service for the city and a further advancement in its smart city capabilities.
Developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and drawing on Fanar, Qatar's Arabic large language model, Rashid is deployed across 15 interactive smart kiosks throughout Msheireb Downtown Doha, serving as a 24/7 intelligent digital concierge.
The solution brings together artificial intelligence, smart city systems and user-centred design within a single digital interface, reshaping how residents, visitors and tenants engage with city services, stated the developer.
Rashid follows the agreement signed with Meeza, a leading provider of Managed IT Services and Integrated Technology Solutions, in April. A pilot phase commenced the following day, and Phase One now opens the service to the wider community.
The rollout also follows Msheireb Properties' recognition at the Enterprise AI Tech Awards, where it received the Organisation Excellence, Best Use of AI and Digital Enablement of the Year award at a ceremony held in Doha recently.
Rashid is being introduced to the community as an evolving digital service rather than a finished product. Phase One provides an opportunity to understand how people interact with the companion, gather feedback and identify areas for further development based on real-world use.
Ahmad Al Korbi, Senior Manager, Information and Communication Technology at Msheireb Properties, said: "Introducing Rashid to the public is an important first step in understanding how AI can support everyday interactions within Msheireb Downtown Doha. We see this as a process of continuous development, not a finished solution."
"By putting Rashid into real-world use, we can learn from how residents, visitors and tenants engage with it, use that feedback to improve its capabilities and gradually introduce new services. Our focus is on developing technology that is practical, accessible and relevant to the people who use our city," he added.
Faisal Al Kuwari, Chief Strategy Officer at Meeza, said: "Our strategic collaboration with Msheireb Properties reflects our commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to deliver innovative solutions that benefit the community. Through the Rashid initiative, we are bringing our expertise in technology integration, platform management, and smart services to support a secure, scalable, and future-ready platform."
The rollout builds on Msheireb Downtown Doha's existing digital ecosystem and supports the continued development of integrated, data-driven solutions that raise operational efficiency and service delivery across the city, he added.
