In a major move that signals Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in emerging technologies, the Kingdom has announced a strategic partnership with U.S. tech powerhouse Nvidia. This collaboration is part of a broader push to transform Saudi Arabia into a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing—diversifying its economy beyond oil and signaling a new era of digital dominance in the Middle East.
The announcement was made at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum held in Riyadh, where Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Humain CEO Tareq Amin were present. The timing of the announcement is no coincidence; it aligns with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s current tour of the Gulf, which centers on fostering high-value business deals rather than traditional diplomatic concerns.
Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions have been gaining momentum in recent years, with the government heavily investing in innovation through its sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The partnership with Nvidia adds significant weight to the Kingdom’s efforts, positioning it as a serious player in the global AI arena.
According to a joint statement, the partnership involves several initiatives, including building AI data centers—referred to as “AI factories”—developing essential infrastructure, and training a new generation of AI developers in the Kingdom. While financial terms were not disclosed, the scale of the collaboration suggests it is a multi-billion-dollar effort aimed at accelerating Saudi’s Vision 2030 goals.
“This collaboration marks a critical leap forward in our journey to become a global leader in AI and data-driven innovation,” said Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA). “It reflects our strong commitment to shaping a future that is smarter, more efficient, and less reliant on oil.”
On the eve of this announcement, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled Humain—a new tech company focused on developing and managing AI technologies in the Kingdom. This new venture, operating under the umbrella of PIF, will work closely with Nvidia and other partners to build a thriving AI ecosystem.
The AI push also aligns with a broader regional strategy to attract global tech giants and transform the Gulf into a tech-driven economy. With Nvidia on board and the backing of a trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund, Saudi Arabia’s bold vision for the future is no longer just a dream—it’s rapidly becoming a reality.
As the world watches the geopolitical and technological shifts unfold in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia is staking its claim not just as an oil powerhouse, but as a future tech titan.
