Qatar Investment Authority moves toward a more selective approach to AI investments
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is considering a more selective approach to investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure, as it continues allocating capital to technology while tightening its screening criteria.
The approach under review focuses on avoiding short-lived market momentum in AI while still backing companies that demonstrate revenue generation, implementation capability, and measurable productivity gains over a longer operating horizon. The framework described centers on assessing performance after five to six years of operations before scaling exposure.
QIA manages about $580 billion in assets and is already active across global technology and infrastructure. The fund has participated in major funding rounds in the sector, including investments tied to Elon Musk’s xAI.
In Qatar, the AI infrastructure push also includes Qai, a state-owned AI company. In December 2025, Qai and Brookfield announced a $20 billion strategic investment partnership focused on AI infrastructure in Qatar and selected international markets, including plans for an Integrated Compute Center.
Regionally, the Gulf has moved quickly to establish national AI platforms and attract large-scale compute. The United Arab Emirates has built national AI capacity through Abu Dhabi-based G42, while Saudi Arabia launched Humain in Riyadh as a national AI company focused on infrastructure, cloud platforms, and models.
Within QIA’s sector priorities, the investment focus is expected to lean toward areas where AI-linked productivity gains can be more clearly measured, including financial services and industrials. At the same time, QIA’s strategy keeps room for continued investments in minerals, commodities, and data centers.
The United States remains a core market for QIA’s longer-term allocation strategy. In May 2025, QIA announced plans to invest $500 billion in the United States over the next 10 years, and subsequent guidance indicated the level could reach or exceed that amount depending on opportunities.
