Chinese software firm, Kingdee International Software Group, recently opened a regional headquarters in Qatar and its free zones, marking its first foray into the Middle East. The company seeks to expand advanced Chinese AI technology overseas to drive digital transformation across the Middle East and beyond.

The Shenzhen, Guangdong province-based enterprise-level SaaS provider signed a cooperation deal with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, or QFZ, at the inauguration ceremony to develop digital solutions, attract suppliers into the zone, and collaborate with local research institutions.

Industry experts believe that this milestone serves as a Chinese blueprint for the global journey of AI.

Kingdee, founded in 1993, has more than 7.4 million clients in 172 countries. The company said its Qatar operation will deliver AI-driven and cloud-native transformation tools to help local businesses move from digitalization to intelligentization in line with the country's National Digital Agenda 2030.

"Qatar is an economic hub in the Middle East and a crucial node of the Belt and Road Initiative," Kingdee President Jason Zhang said at the opening ceremony.

"The open policies of QFZ, the global perspective of QIA and the strategic efforts of Invest Qatar have created tremendous opportunities for us to base in Qatar, radiate across the Gulf region, and go global."

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, chief executive of QFZ, said that Kingdee's presence underscores Qatar's ability to attract "pioneering international companies at the forefront of modern technology".

"We are pleased to welcome Kingdee to our free zones. With access to cutting-edge infrastructure, unparalleled connectivity, and the investment opportunities that Qatar's free zones provide to expand across regional markets, Kingdee is well-positioned for growth and success. Their presence will further strengthen our technology sector and contribute to Qatar's thriving innovation ecosystem,"he said.

The move follows a December 2023 agreement in which the Qatar Investment Authority invested about $200 million in Kingdee, as part of the sovereign wealth fund's strategy to back companies driving digital transformation worldwide.

QFZ, which offers tax incentives and advanced infrastructure, has been courting global technology and cloud firms as part of Qatar's efforts to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons and achieve the goals set out in its National Vision 2030.