A new investment partnership between Qatar and Brookfield Asset Management Ltd is set to intensify the competition among Gulf states as they rush to secure influence in the global artificial intelligence sector.
The joint venture, announced Tuesday, highlights how rapidly the region’s priorities are shifting toward digital capabilities that can support long term economic diversification.
By focusing on AI infrastructure both within Qatar and in chosen global markets, the initiative aligns with a broader strategy pursued by the richest sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East as they seek stronger positions in key technology supply chains.
Qatar builds momentum in AI investment
The partnership will operate through Qai, a new subsidiary of Qatar Investment Authority, the country’s $524 billion sovereign wealth fund.
Both sides will supply capital to develop large-scale AI infrastructure.
Brookfield is participating using its newly created AI fund, which aims to mobilise up to $100 billion globally and has already attracted commitments from investors, including the Kuwait Investment Authority.
The firm manages about $1 trillion in assets and remains one of the most active foreign investors in the Gulf.
Global AI needs attract deep regional capital
Brookfield projects that the global AI infrastructure build-out could require around $7 trillion over the next decade.
That scale has made the region’s wealth funds central to investment plans, as they control trillions of dollars across various portfolios.
Their financial power has grown more important as AI development increasingly depends on facilities such as data centres, specialised chips and high capacity cloud services.
Gulf states see these sectors as reliable engines for future economic stability.
Neighbours intensify push for AI leadership
Across the Gulf, countries are accelerating their technology funding.
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have created multibillion-dollar vehicles to support AI startups, while building national champions, including Abu Dhabi’s G42 and Riyadh’s Humain.
Qatar has been stepping up its own commitments by joining the $13 billion funding round for Anthropic in Silicon Valley and working with Blue Owl Capital Inc on a $3 billion data centre venture.
Its collaboration with Brookfield forms part of ongoing efforts to advance its National Vision 2030 by supporting innovation led growth.
Doha strengthens its position as a global investment destination
The new venture also reflects Doha’s attempts to attract more international investors.
The city has recently drawn attention from firms such as BlackRock Inc’s Global Infrastructure Partners and B Capital, founded by Eduardo Saverin, which are preparing to open offices there.
The latest AI partnership signals its ambition to expand its economic profile and strengthen its participation in high-growth global industries.
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