In a move underscoring its commitment to investing in advanced technologies, the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) has announced its entry into the “AI Infrastructure Partnership.” With this, KIA becomes the first major non-founder financial investor to join this ambitious initiative aimed at developing and financing AI infrastructure globally. The initiative’s total investment volume is expected to reach \$100 billion.
The “AI Infrastructure Partnership” was launched in September 2024 with the support of major companies such as Microsoft, BlackRock, MGX, and Global Infrastructure Partners. The plan involves deploying \$30 billion in equity capital, with the total investment potentially rising to \$100 billion when including debt financing. The initiative has evolved into a leading global platform for AI infrastructure, now also involving technology companies like NVIDIA, XAI, and Cisco, as well as energy firms such as GE Vernova and NextEra Energy, to support the expansion of AI data centers.
In this context, Sheikh Saud Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, Managing Director of KIA, stated that this step reflects the Authority’s long-term commitment to investing in AI’s technological infrastructure. He emphasized that this sector is a key driver for future growth.
This move comes amid growing interest in AI technologies across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, for example, has established the AI company “HumaIn” through its Public Investment Fund (PIF) and signed cooperation agreements with companies like NVIDIA and AMD to develop intelligent infrastructures with investments of up to \$10 billion over five years.
In the United Arab Emirates, OpenAI has announced plans to establish “Stargate UAE” — the first international expansion of its Stargate platform, in collaboration with the Emirati group G42 and with support from the U.S. government. The facility planned in Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen regional computing capacities and provide AI data centers with up to 5 gigawatts of power.
The Kuwait Investment Authority is among the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds and ranks second in the Middle East. It plays a crucial role in diversifying Kuwait’s economy through investments in ports, airports, energy grids, and other projects worldwide.
Together, these developments highlight the region’s growing role in fostering innovation and technological advancement. They contribute to strengthening its position as a leading regional hub for artificial intelligence and harnessing its potential for economic and social development in the future.
