Cisco to build sovereign AI infra in Qatar with Mannai

27/10/2026 05:00 AST

Cisco, a global technology leader driving innovation in AI-powered digital infrastructure, is advancing plans to develop sovereign AI infrastructure in Qatar to support the country's digital transformation, focusing on secure and locally controlled AI environments.

Working with its longstanding partner Mannai Corporation, through Mannai Technologies - Networking & ELV, Cisco is bringing together computing, networking, cybersecurity and infrastructure management capabilities to help meet the growing demand for secure and resilient AI infrastructure.

The initiative reflects the increasing importance of digital sovereignty as governments and enterprises accelerate AI adoption, placing greater emphasis on data control, operational independence and the security of critical digital infrastructure.

Cisco's Sovereign Critical Infrastructure portfolio brings together integrated technologies across networking, security, collaboration and observability. Designed for customer-controlled environments, including on-premises and air-gapped deployments, the portfolio supports organizations seeking greater autonomy over the systems and data underpinning essential services.

For Qatar, such capabilities align with growing demand for AI-ready infrastructure across government, energy, financial services, healthcare and other critical sectors, alongside the country's broader digital transformation ambitions under Qatar National Vision 2030.

The Cisco-Mannai relationship spans more than three decades of technology collaboration in Qatar. Mannai Technologies - Networking & ELV contributes local engineering, systems integration and deployment expertise, complementing Cisco's global portfolio and helping organizations navigate complex infrastructure requirements.

Together, Cisco's technology vision and Mannai's established local capabilities provide a foundation for conversations around secure, resilient and sovereign AI infrastructure as Qatar prepares for its next phase of digital innovation, the companies said.

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