The smart talent detection solution is designed to measure capabilities and advise players about the right career path.

As countries like Saudi Arabia and Dubai are setting an example globally by integrating tech into everyday life for building smart cities in the gulf, their peer Qatar isn't far behind with a futuristic urban space right in the middle of Doha, and autonomous delivery vehicles being tested in another part of the country. Like its neighbours, the country has also introduced apps for providing access to government services, and has contributed to culture by digitising Arabic literature.

A major motivation behind the accelerated push for electric mobility and smart public services in Qatar, is the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will provide a significant boost for aspiring athletes as well as sports enthusiasts of the region. In addition to the encouragement coming from a major event being held in the gulf, AI backed by the Qatari administration is also set to identify sporting talent and prepare athletes for a better future, via data-driven insights.

Developed by a Qatari startup called sKora, the system will take stock of skills, unique traits and performance by athletes in different situations, to generate AI-backed insights that can map out an accurate career path for young talent to make it big. Apart from cutting down costs involved with recruitment and getting expert advise about a player's abilities, the mechanism will also do away with human bias that can cloud judgment.

Ahead of introducing sKora to a global audience by using the world cup as a platform, Qatar is providing the startup a launchpad with the FIFA Arab Cup being hosted by the country. The firm has already joined hands with a football club, which will enable players detected by AI, to compete in a professional environment.

The use of smart tech to identify and nurture talent is a step towards the future of sports, along with robotic assistant referees, that'll be deployed during the world cup.