Altman Solon is the largest global telecommunications, media, and technology consulting firm. In this video, Associate Partner Lukasz Nowicki explores what defines a winning AI infrastructure platform and the key risks shaping AI investment opportunities in the Middle East.
In this video series, Associate Partner Lukasz Nowicki explores what it takes to build a successful AI infrastructure platform in the Middle East, and the challenges investors should consider as the market continues to evolve.
With more than 15 gigawatts of compute capacity already announced across the region, the opportunity extends well beyond data center infrastructure. Success will depend on developing capabilities across the entire AI value chain, from semiconductors and foundational models to industry-specific applications and end-user devices. At the same time, investors must navigate a range of risks, including global demand uncertainty, growing competition from other AI hubs, energy and climate constraints, and the potential for short-term oversupply.
Together, these factors will shape the next phase of AI infrastructure growth in the GCC and determine which platforms are best positioned to create long-term value.
In this video, Lukasz explains that the strongest AI infrastructure platforms are being built around more than data center capacity alone. While infrastructure remains the most visible component of the current investment wave, long-term success will depend on creating capabilities across the full AI ecosystem.
This includes developing expertise in semiconductors, foundational AI models, industry-specific applications, and end-user hardware. As AI investment accelerates across the Middle East, the most competitive platforms will be those that integrate multiple layers of the AI value chain rather than focusing solely on compute infrastructure.
Lukasz outlines several risks that investors should consider when evaluating AI opportunities in the region. At a global level, any slowdown in AI demand could reduce the scale of the opportunity. The Middle East also faces increasing competition from emerging AI hubs across Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and Latin America.
Locally, challenges include limited access to green energy sources, harsh climate conditions, and concerns that announced capacity could outpace near-term demand. While the region's fundamentals remain strong, Lukasz emphasizes that investors should take a strategic and selective approach when assessing opportunities in the AI infrastructure market.
Altman Solon is the world’s largest strategy consulting firm focused exclusively on telecommunications, media, and technology (TMT). Across software, infrastructure, hardware, and services, Altman Solon supports the decisions that shape the global technology landscape. Our experience spans early-stage growth, go-to-market design, transaction support, operational strategy, and long-term transformation. Every engagement is supported by sector specialization, rigorous analysis, and practical insight.