Cisco and Mannai Plan Sovereign AI Infrastructure in Qatar

News Desk - 26/10/2026

Cisco has announced plans to build sovereign AI infrastructure in Qatar. The initiative supports Qatar’s next phase of digital transformation. Cisco is advancing the plan alongside its longstanding technology partner, Mannai Corporation QPSC. The work will be carried out through Mannai Technologies, Networking & ELV.

Cisco’s approach combines advanced computing, networking, cybersecurity and infrastructure management capabilities. As a result, it aims to address growing demand for secure, resilient and locally controlled AI environments.

The move also reflects the rising importance of digital sovereignty. Governments and enterprises are accelerating AI adoption. Consequently, they are placing greater emphasis on data control, operational independence and the security of critical digital infrastructure.

Cisco’s Sovereign Critical Infrastructure portfolio brings together technologies across networking, security, collaboration and observability. It is designed for customer-controlled environments. These include on-premises and air-gapped deployments. In this way, the portfolio supports organizations that want greater autonomy over the systems and data behind essential services.

For Qatar, these capabilities align with growing demand for AI-ready infrastructure. That demand spans government, energy, financial services, healthcare and other critical sectors. It also fits the country’s broader digital transformation ambitions under Qatar National Vision 2030.

Meanwhile, the Cisco and Mannai relationship spans more than three decades of technology collaboration in Qatar. Mannai Technologies, Networking & ELV contributes local engineering, systems integration and deployment expertise. This complements Cisco’s global portfolio. It also helps organizations navigate complex infrastructure requirements.

Together, Cisco’s technology vision and Mannai’s established local capabilities provide a foundation for conversations around sovereign AI infrastructure. These discussions come as Qatar prepares for its next phase of digital innovation.