Qatar’s AI company Qai has announced a strategic partnership with investment firm Brookfield to establish a joint venture (JV) focused on AI infrastructure.

The $20 billion JV will focus on Qatar and some select international markets, contributing capital and operating expertise to develop AI infrastructure. This includes the development of fully integrated AI facilities.

Brookfield will invest via the Brookfield Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Fund. The investment company said this partnership will be a key part of its global AI infrastructure program, which is targeting $100bn of investment globally.

Qai is a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), a sovereign wealth fund aimed at growing Qatar’s financial assets and diversifying its economy.

The investment fund has been targeting data centers since 2021 and has recently pivoted to AI with Qai.

Launched on December 8, Qai “supports Qatar’s efforts to build a knowledge-based economy and advanced digital infrastructure, driving economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.”

The Qatari government said Qai will develop, operate, and invest in AI infrastructure and systems in Qatar and globally.

“QIA has been at the forefront of driving advancement through our AI investments. This joint venture is a testament to QIA’s commitment to delivering both local and global impact,” said Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA. “Leveraging on the long-term partnership we have with Brookfield, this JV will advance Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and help build a diversified, innovation-based economy for future generations.”

Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield, commented: “We are thrilled to assist Qatar in establishing this investment in next-generation AI and digital infrastructure alongside Qai.

“As our inaugural AI infrastructure investment in the Middle East, this partnership combines Qatar’s strategic vision with Brookfield’s global expertise in developing and operating large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure with global partners.”