Qatar Emerges as Regional Hub for AI and Quantum Computing

Doha, Qatar - is consolidating its position as a leading Middle East hub for artificial intelligence and quantum computing, with the inaugural Mobile World Congress (MWC25) Doha underscoring the country’s growing role in advanced computing and digital infrastructure. The event, built around themes such as the “AI Nexus” and intelligent economies, brought together global telecom, cloud and deep-tech players to discuss the next wave of data-driven innovation.

Rising demand for sovereign, high-performance compute

Industry leaders highlighted that the current surge in AI adoption—from foundation models to enterprise automation is driving exponential growth in computing needs, with global AI-related workloads expected to more than double by 2030. This demand is shifting attention from abstract “cloud” services to physical data centers, high-density GPU clusters and emerging quantum platforms capable of accelerating complex optimisation and simulation tasks. 

Spanish startup Qilimanjaro, whose CEO Marta P. Estarellas spoke at MWC Doha, is integrating its analog quantum computing systems directly into classical data centers and AI factories. The company has already deployed systems with the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, integrating quantum accelerators into high-performance computing and AI workflows. 

Quantum and AI opportunities in Qatar

Qatar’s positioning as a regional powerhouse is underpinned by its National AI Strategy, National Digital Agenda 2030 and sustained investment in data centers, cloud infrastructure and advanced research. The country has launched dedicated AI and digitalisation programmes under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), while new industry studies rank Qatar among the leaders in enterprise use of AI, big data and private 5G across the region. 

On the quantum side, Qatar has backed initiatives such as the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and a joint venture between Quantinuum and Al Rabban Capital to accelerate quantum adoption in the Gulf. These efforts are designed to build local expertise, attract global partners and support sovereign computing capabilities for critical sectors including energy, finance, logistics and cybersecurity. 

Growing regional footprint for Qilimanjaro

Qilimanjaro is now actively expanding its presence in the MENA region, with MWC Doha serving as a launchpad for deeper engagement with governments, universities and enterprises seeking to experiment with quantum-enhanced workflows. The company’s installations with TII in Abu Dhabi and in European supercomputing centers demonstrate how quantum processors can be integrated as specialised accelerators rather than stand-alone systems, opening opportunities for similar deployments in Qatar’s emerging AI and HPC facilities. 

Ecosystem momentum after MWC Doha

The success of MWC25 Doha—supported by national entities such as Media City Qatar and MCIT—has reinforced Qatar’s status as a convening point for digital transformation, AI infrastructure and deep-tech investment across the Gulf. With follow-on initiatives expected in quantum education, AI regulation and cross-border R&D partnerships, Qatar is increasingly positioned as a regional powerhouse where AI, quantum computing and next-generation networks converge to support long-term economic diversification and innovation.