Saudi Arabia Makes Bold Leap Toward AI Leadership

Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into artificial intelligence as it works to become a top global player in tech. The kingdom’s new state-backed firm, HUMAIN, is leading this effort — building data centres, developing advanced AI tools and striking major tech partnerships. 

HUMAIN plans to roll out up to six gigawatts of data-centre capacity by 2034, and counts big names like Nvidia, AMD and Amazon Web Services among its collaborators. 

The kingdom’s edge? Low-cost, abundant energy and a strong ambition to diversify away from oil. HUMAIN’s CEO, Tareq Amin, said:

“Look at this country’s amazing energy grid… That means I have saved 18 months of time.” 

These moves link directly to Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 reform programme, aiming to build a knowledge-economy and attract global tech talent. 

But the journey won’t be easy. To reach its goal of becoming the third-largest AI market after the US and China, Saudi Arabia will need to build trust, train talent and navigate global tech competition and regulation. 

Nevertheless, the ambition is clear. With HUMAIN as a flagship project, Saudi Arabia is signalling that it wants to be more than an oil powerhouse — it wants to be an AI powerhouse.