Qatar joins other Gulf nations to advance AI

Qatar has launched a new company to develop and invest in artificial intelligence (AI), joining other Gulf nations investing heavily in the technology.

Qai, the new AI-focussed entity, will operate as a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the state-owned Qatar News Agency reported.

Qai will develop, manage, and invest in advanced AI infrastructures both within Qatar and internationally, the statement added.

No financial details were disclosed.

Qai chairman Abdullah bin Hamad Al Misnad said the launch of Qai marks a significant step in Qatar’s drive to position itself as a competitive hub for AI and data-driven industries.

In September, QIA took part in the US quantum computing startup PsiQuantum’s $1 billion funding round.

The Gulf nation has been investing in global tech companies, including Elon Musk’s xAI, to diversify its economy and build expertise in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and renewable energy.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have already committed billions of dollars to global AI initiatives and have established national AI companies, such as G42 in Abu Dhabi and Humain in Riyadh.