National Planning Council boosts data trust through Qatar Data Trust Index

Qatar Tribune

2 days ago

Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatar Data Trust Index (QDTI) marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the National Data System, boosting trust in data collection, said Maha Rashid Al Matwi, director of Department of National Data Affairs at the National Statistics Centre at the National Planning Council (NPC).
The index, the first of its kind at the regional level, serves as a comprehensive metric that integrates data quality with adherence to national data regulations, thereby reinforcing transparency, accountability, and public trust in national data.
Matwi said the Qatar Data Trust Index has been carefully designed to measure trust in national data assets through two core components: the Data Quality Score (DQS) and the Data Compliance Score (DCS).
The DQS evaluates data across seven key dimensions, including accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness, while the DCS assesses alignment with the National Data Regulations issued in 2024. This dual structure enables entities to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of both the technical integrity of their data and the governance practices surrounding its management.
Matwi added that high-quality data is a vital factor for boosting the efficiency of public policies and government services.
She highlighted that the QDTI serves as a strategic enabler of national innovation by ensuring the availability of trusted, decision-ready data, particularly in support of emerging domains such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation, in line with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.
This index is part of the National Data and Statistics Strategy recently launched by the National Planning Council under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the National Planning Council.
This strategy is being implemented through 21 initiatives that translate into 128 projects over a three-year period. Among the most prominent initiatives is the National Data Programme, an essential step toward building a centralised data repository and issuing national data regulations.
The strategy also features the release of the National Data Management Guidelines, designed to support government and semi-government entities in complying with national data standards, thereby ensuring data reliability and integrity nationwide.
Al Matwi underscored that the QDTI is not merely a technical or diagnostic tool, but rather a national framework aimed at reinforcing trust across the entire data ecosystem as it supports data-driven decision-making based on accurate and reliable information and ensures that data management practices are fully aligned with national governance frameworks, contributing to the State's goals of transparency, digital transformation, and innovation.
As part of the National Data Programme, the National Planning Council recently held an introductory workshop for its staff on the QDTI to raise institutional awareness about the critical importance of data quality and governance.
The workshop showcased key national initiatives, including the Open Data Platform and the 2025 Census — the first census of its kind in Qatar to be conducted entirely using administrative records. It also underscored the imperative of implementing QDTI across the broader national data ecosystem, encompassing government entities, national indicators, open datasets, and data products.
Al Matwi concluded by affirming that the Qatar Data Trust Index positions the country at the forefront of regional and global efforts in data governance. By ensuring that national data is trusted, reliable, and aligned with clear quality and compliance standards, the index strengthens public confidence and supports innovation across sectors, including research and entrepreneurship, thereby reinforcing Qatar's long-term national goals.