Cisco is advancing plans to develop sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure in Qatar with local partner Mannai Corporation, targeting demand for secure, locally controlled AI systems as the country accelerates its digital transformation.
The initiative brings together Cisco’s networking, computing, cybersecurity and infrastructure management capabilities with Mannai Technologies – Networking & ELV’s local engineering and systems integration expertise.
The proposed infrastructure aims to give government agencies and businesses better control over their data and digital operations. It also addresses growing concerns about the security and independence of critical technology systems as AI adoption expands.
The companies said the collaboration would support discussions around secure and resilient AI infrastructure as Qatar prepares for its next phase of digital development.
Cisco’s Sovereign Critical Infrastructure portfolio combines technologies covering networking, security, collaboration and observability. It supports customer-controlled deployments, including systems hosted on company premises and environments disconnected from external networks. These capabilities are designed to help organizations maintain greater control over the systems and information supporting essential operations.
In Qatar, demand for AI-ready infrastructure is growing across government, energy, financial services and healthcare. The initiative also aligns with the country’s wider digital transformation ambitions under Qatar National Vision 2030.
Mannai Technologies - Networking & ELV will provide local engineering, installation and system integration support. This will complement Cisco’s technology and help organizations manage their infrastructure needs.
Cisco and Mannai have worked together in Qatar for more than 30 years. Their partnership aims to help government agencies and businesses explore secure AI infrastructure that gives them greater control over their data and systems.
The companies have not shared the project’s cost, investment details or expected completion date. The announcement outlines plans to develop sovereign AI infrastructure and explore opportunities for future deployment. It does not confirm that the infrastructure is already operational.
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