The Gulf nation has launched Qai, a national AI company backed by $20 billion from a partnership with Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management.
This puts Qatar directly in competition with the UAE’s G42 and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project. All three countries are now racing to become the Middle East’s AI superpower.
Qatar Investment Authority Creates AI Company Under $526 Billion Fund
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country’s massive sovereign wealth fund worth $526 billion, created Qai as its AI subsidiary. QIA has been investing in artificial intelligence for years, but this represents its first dedicated national AI company.
Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Misnad, Qai’s chairman, said the company will focus on “human-centered principles” while building AI infrastructure. The goal is to make Qatar a trusted hub for AI technologies across the Middle East and beyond.
Qai will develop, manage, and invest in advanced AI infrastructure both inside Qatar and internationally. The company promises to provide secure computing capabilities and connected tools for training AI systems.
Brookfield Partnership Brings $20 Billion to Build AI Infrastructure
Brookfield Asset Management, which manages over $1 trillion in assets, partnered with Qai to create a $20 billion joint venture. This partnership was announced simultaneously in New York and Doha on December 9, 2024.
The joint venture will build fully integrated AI facilities in Qatar. These centers will provide high-performance computing access across the region. Brookfield brings its expertise in developing large-scale infrastructure projects to the partnership.
“This partnership with Brookfield brings an important milestone in Qatar’s journey to build world-class AI infrastructure,” Al-Misnad said in a statement.
The investment comes from Brookfield’s newly launched Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Fund, which aims to deploy up to $100 billion globally in AI infrastructure.
Qatar Follows UAE G42 and Saudi Arabia’s AI Strategy
Qatar’s move follows similar initiatives by its Gulf neighbours. The UAE established G42, now valued at over $1.5 trillion after Microsoft’s investment. Saudi Arabia created multiple AI projects under its NEOM smart city development.
Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia launched multibillion-dollar funds to invest in AI startups. They also established national AI champions to compete globally with companies from the United States and China.
Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, QIA’s CEO, said the Brookfield partnership “will advance Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and help build a diversified, innovation-based economy for future generations.”
Qatar’s National Vision 2030 aims to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy. The AI initiative directly supports this goal by reducing dependence on oil and gas revenues.
Middle East AI Investment Reaches Record Levels
The three Gulf countries have invested over $3.6 trillion in AI technologies, according to recent reports. This massive investment aims to position the Middle East as a global AI hub outside the dominance of the United States and China.
A McKinsey report estimates that $5.2 trillion in data center investments will be needed globally by 2030 to meet AI demand. The Gulf countries are positioning themselves to capture a significant portion of this market.
Qatar benefits from its massive natural gas production, which provides cheap energy for power-hungry AI data centers. The country also offers political stability and a strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Government Support Strengthens Qatar’s AI Ambitions
The Qatari government is providing strategic support for the Brookfield-Qai joint venture. This includes investing in skills development and supply chain infrastructure needed for AI technologies.
The partnership will create an integrated compute center that expands regional access to high-performance computing. This center will enable the deployment of trusted AI technologies across key sectors in Qatar and neighbouring countries.
Beyond Qatar, Brookfield and Qai plan to explore opportunities in select international markets. The partnership forms a cornerstone of Brookfield’s global AI infrastructure program.
Qai Targets Responsible AI Development
Unlike some AI companies focused purely on growth, Qai emphasizes responsible AI development. The company promises to create AI solutions that serve people and communities while maintaining security and trust.
Qai plans to attract top international talent and collaborate with leading research institutions. The company will also work with global technology firms and strategic investors to transfer knowledge and strengthen Qatar’s innovation ecosystem.
The company’s website, trustqai.com, reflects this focus on building trusted AI technologies. Qai aims to enable governments, businesses, and innovators to develop AI solutions with confidence.
Bruce Flatt, Brookfield’s CEO, said the partnership combines “Qatar’s strategic vision with Brookfield’s global expertise in developing and operating large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure.”
