In a significant move to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), Saudi Arabia has unveiled Humain, a new AI company spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This initiative is a cornerstone of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, aiming to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency by investing heavily in emerging technologies.
Humain: A New AI Powerhouse
Humain is established under the auspices of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund managing assets worth approximately $940 billion. The company’s mission encompasses developing AI technologies and infrastructure, including the construction of large-scale data centers and the creation of Arabic-language AI models. These efforts are designed to position Saudi Arabia as a central hub for AI innovation in the Middle East and globally.
Global Tech Leaders Converge in Riyadh
The launch of Humain coincides with a high-profile U.S.-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, attended by prominent figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. This convergence underscores the growing collaboration between Saudi Arabia and leading global tech entities.
President Trump’s visit to the Gulf region focuses on securing substantial economic investments, with Saudi Arabia already pledging $600 billion and discussions underway for an additional $1 trillion investment in the U.S. economy. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the kingdom’s economic base.
Strategic Partnerships and Investments
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to AI is further evidenced by its partnerships with global tech giants. The kingdom has announced combined investments and projects worth $14.9 billion in the AI sector, collaborating with companies such as Google Cloud, Lenovo, Alibaba Cloud, Qualcomm, Groq, and Salesforce. These partnerships aim to build AI-powered cloud computing capabilities and establish advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing facilities within the kingdom.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has set aside $40 billion for a new fund dedicated to AI investments, potentially partnering with venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. This move positions the kingdom as a significant player in the global AI landscape, attracting startups and established tech companies to its burgeoning tech ecosystem.
Elon Musk’s Engagement with Saudi Investors
Elon Musk’s relationship with Saudi investors has seen a resurgence, with discussions underway to raise fresh capital for his AI startup, xAI, potentially valuing the company at $45 billion. Musk is courting investors in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, signaling a potential revival of his relationship with the Saudi Public Investment Fund. This engagement reflects the kingdom’s strategic interest in collaborating with leading AI innovators to bolster its technological capabilities.
The Broader Context: AI as a Pillar of Economic Diversification
Saudi Arabia’s aggressive investment in AI is part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. By fostering a robust AI sector, the kingdom aims to create new economic opportunities, drive innovation, and position itself as a leader in the global tech industry. The establishment of Humain, coupled with strategic partnerships and substantial investments, underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to this vision.
As global tech leaders gather in Riyadh, the launch of Humain marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a central hub for AI development and innovation. The kingdom’s proactive approach to engaging with international tech giants and investing in cutting-edge technologies reflects its ambition to play a significant role in shaping the future of AI on the global stage.
