Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, valued at $500 billion, is gearing up for a surge in liquidity from the country’s expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, potentially doubling its assets. Mohammed Al-Sowaidi, the newly appointed CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), revealed plans to intensify the fund’s investment activity and pursue larger deals, aligning with a review of its strategy.
“We aim to deploy capital more aggressively, balancing higher returns against perceived risks,” Sowaidi told the Financial Times. He highlighted the importance of reassessing allocation policies, analyzing global trends, and optimizing investment strategies to stay ahead.
The QIA conducts strategy reviews every five years, with the latest completed in 2019. The fund has expanded significantly, doubling its workforce to over 700 employees since 2018, in anticipation of increased revenues from Qatar’s LNG megaprojects. The LNG expansion is expected to boost production capacity from 77 million to 126 million tonnes annually by 2027, with further growth planned.
As the fund accelerates deal-making, it remains bullish on investments in the US, UK, and Asia, focusing on technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, real estate, and infrastructure. The US is particularly appealing due to its efficient fiscal policies and governance, while the UK and Asia present complementary opportunities.
The QIA has built an extensive portfolio of high-profile assets, including Harrods, Canary Wharf, Heathrow Airport, Volkswagen, and Iberdrola. Sowaidi noted that while the fund often manages its assets internally, it is increasing collaboration with third-party managers and scaling operations in the US and Singapore.
Looking forward, Sowaidi emphasized the importance of adapting strategies to global challenges such as trade wars, inflation, and supply chain disruptions. “Inflation is the biggest enemy to economies,” he said, while also pointing to the evolving nature of trade disputes affecting goods and services, including IT.
The fund has also adjusted its approach in Asia, respecting regulatory frameworks and avoiding sensitive technology sectors that could provoke scrutiny from global regulators. Sowaidi expressed confidence in opportunities across East Asia, including Japan and South Korea, as the QIA diversifies its investments in the region.
QIA’s involvement in high-profile ventures includes ongoing investments with Elon Musk, supporting initiatives like xAI, Starlink, and X (formerly Twitter). Despite optimism about the US market, Sowaidi acknowledged concerns about the inflationary risks tied to global deglobalization and the policies of the incoming Trump administration.
With a sharp focus on refining its operations, the QIA is set to enhance its influence in global markets while ensuring sustainable growth. “It’s about sharpening the edges of the organization to grow and achieve better returns,” Sowaidi concluded.
