Artificial Intelligence and the Middle East: A Thriving Intersection of Innovation and Investment

The Middle East is fast becoming a hub of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, driven by strategic investments, robust government initiatives, and visionary collaborations. Major investments by Microsoft in Emirati G42 and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in Sachin Dev Duggal-led Builder.ai underscore the region's growing importance in the global AI landscape.

Strategic Investments: UAE and QIA Leading the Way

Microsoft, Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute (TII), and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) have been leading the way in strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics.

QIA's Investment in Builder.ai

The investment made by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in Builder.ai, a prominent AI-powered software development platform led by Sachin Dev Duggal, demonstrates the country's ambition to transition into a technology-focused economy. Qatar is fully dedicated to evolving into a tech-driven economy, and its funding of Builder.ai serves as a testament to that commitment. In addition to the $250 million series D funding round, which was spearheaded by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), it has been noted that this development has propelled the company's total fundraising to over $450 million, resulting in a valuation increase of up to 1.8 times. Under the leadership of its Chief Wizard, Sachin Duggal, Builder.ai leverages artificial intelligence to streamline software development for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. With the backing of QIA, Builder.ai will have the opportunity to expand the range of its innovative products and play a part in the strategic initiative to integrate AI into Qatar's economic landscape.