عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

AI Fuels a ‘Golden Age’ of Tech Partnership between Riyadh and Washington 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and US President Donald Trump at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh. (Investment Forum) 
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and US President Donald Trump at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh. (Investment Forum) 
TT
TT

AI Fuels a ‘Golden Age’ of Tech Partnership between Riyadh and Washington 

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and US President Donald Trump at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh. (Investment Forum) 
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and US President Donald Trump at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh. (Investment Forum) 

Saudi Arabia and the United States are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation driven by artificial intelligence and transformative technologies, at a moment when nations worldwide are racing to build innovation-based digital economies.

The momentum surrounding Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington - previously described by the White House as marking a “golden age” in bilateral ties - has underscored the growing strength of the two countries’ technology partnership.

During US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May, Saudi and American companies announced a package of major investments exceeding $100 billion. The agreements span advanced infrastructure projects, specialized data centers, and strategic partnerships in technology, energy, and innovation.

Executives at leading AI companies told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia has become one of the fastest-growing and most attractive markets for technology investment.

They noted the expansion of joint partnerships in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and cybersecurity, supported by Vision 2030 and improvements to the Kingdom’s regulatory environment and digital infrastructure.

Cross-continental investments

The Kingdom’s expanding technology agenda is increasingly reflected on the global stage. Saudi firm DataVolt recently unveiled plans to invest $20 billion to establish AI-focused data centers and energy infrastructure in the United States.

The initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to broaden its global tech footprint and deepen cooperation with leading American companies, in a model of mutual partnership.

Conversely, major US technology companies have reinforced their commitment to the Saudi market. Giants such as Google, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber have pledged joint investments worth up to $80 billion to advance AI technologies and digital transformation in both countries, with the aim to stimulate innovation and support a knowledge-based economy.

These investments are expected to reshape the landscape of bilateral partnerships, particularly since US investment in Saudi Arabia’s AI sector previously stood at just $3.9 billion.

According to preliminary estimates from Google Cloud, its cooperation with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) could add roughly $70.6 billion to Saudi GDP in the coming years, based on analysis by the consultancy Access Partnership.

HUMAIN and Nvidia: Building a regional computing hub

A notable turning point emerged with the launch of the Saudi company HUMAIN, established to develop large-scale advanced-computing and AI infrastructure in collaboration with US firms.

HUMAIN also announced a strategic partnership with Nvidia to develop major data centers and multi-agent AI platforms, positioning the Kingdom as one of the region’s leading hubs for advanced computing.

Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, said during the recent Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh that one of the world’s major AI-chip suppliers is considering investment in the company.

HUMAIN currently sources chips from Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, and Groq to power its platforms and advanced data centers.

Deepening cooperation

Ayman AlRashed, Regional Vice President at IBM Saudi Arabia, said the technology partnership between the Kingdom and US is entering a new phase characterized by deepening cooperation and shared commitment.

IBM has strengthened its presence by establishing its regional headquarters in Riyadh and launching an advanced cybersecurity center, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The company has invested more than $200 million in a software development lab focused on talent development, advanced AI solutions, data and AI platforms, and export-ready technologies, he revealed.

AlRashed added that IBM’s collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) to host the Arabic large-language model “Allam” on the IBM WatsonX platform demonstrates the potential of such partnerships to produce advanced AI solutions tailored to local needs, enabling the Kingdom to lead regional technological progress.

He expects Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding market, bolstered by major investments and an ambitious national innovation agenda, to create significant opportunities for deeper US–Saudi cooperation.

Rising demand

Zaid Ghattas, General Manager for AMD in the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, said that Saudi-US technology cooperation is experiencing remarkable growth driven by surging demand for advanced computing and AI.

AMD supports the Kingdom’s strategic projects through high-performance computing technologies and the development of data centers, he said in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat.

The next five years will bring further expansion in collaboration, particularly through programs such as “Made in Saudi Arabia,” which promote local technology manufacturing, he went on to say.

AMD is already partnering with Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Alfanar to manufacture servers powered by AMD processors in Riyadh.

According to Ghattas, Saudi Arabia’s significant investment in digital infrastructure and talent makes it one of the world’s most attractive markets, with AI expected to contribute more than $135 billion to GDP by 2030.

Regional headquarters

Mamdouh Aldoubayan, Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Globant, said Saudi Arabia has become one of the region’s most important technology markets, supported by a projected 9 percent annual growth in IT services through 2027.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that Vision 2030 has created a compelling business environment that has encouraged global companies to open regional headquarters in Riyadh, including Globant, which focuses on AI, cloud computing, and data solutions.

Aldoubayan added that demand for advanced digital solutions continues to rise in the Kingdom, supported by flexible regulations, government smart-city initiatives, and a strong pool of national talent, making Saudi Arabia an ideal destination for global tech firms.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Pilgrims Complete First Tashreeq Rites, Some Prepare to Leave

Pilgrims perform the rites of the first day of Tashreeq by stoning the three Jamarat (Photo Credit: Adnan Mahdali)
Pilgrims perform the rites of the first day of Tashreeq by stoning the three Jamarat (Photo Credit: Adnan Mahdali)
TT
TT

Pilgrims Complete First Tashreeq Rites, Some Prepare to Leave

Pilgrims perform the rites of the first day of Tashreeq by stoning the three Jamarat (Photo Credit: Adnan Mahdali)
Pilgrims perform the rites of the first day of Tashreeq by stoning the three Jamarat (Photo Credit: Adnan Mahdali)

Pilgrims completed the rites of the first day of Tashreeq, on Thursday, stoning the three Jamarat in Mina as those in a hurry prepared to leave the holy site after noon on Friday.

They threw pebbles at the small Jamarat, then the middle one, and finally the large Jamarat Al Aqaba, following the example of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him.

Security, organizational and humanitarian efforts help pilgrims perform the stoning ritual at the Jamarat (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)

The guests of God had settled in Mina after performing the rituals of the Day of Sacrifice, which include stoning the Jamarat, shaving or trimming the hair, slaughtering sacrificial animals for those required to do so, and performing Tawaf Al Ifadah.

They performed the rites in a calm spiritual atmosphere, supported by services provided by the Saudi government to help pilgrims complete Hajj with ease and reassurance.

The Jamarat Bridge in Mina saw smooth movement, with pilgrims arriving through designated routes under preplanned crowd management procedures designed to protect their safety, security and comfort.

Plans implemented by security and service agencies helped ensure discipline and organization. They relied on modern technology and studied operating models to manage crowd flows and movement smoothly and safely.

The Saudi Ministry of Health said the general health condition of pilgrims was stable and reassuring. No outbreaks or significant health threats were recorded, it said, citing an efficient healthcare system.

Pilgrims in a hurry will leave Mina after noon on Friday, the 12th day of Dhu Al Hijjah, after stoning the three Jamarat, the small, the middle, and the large, with seven pebbles each.

They will then head to the Grand Mosque in Makkah to perform the Farewell Tawaf, the final ritual of Hajj.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it had provided more than 2,000 electronic and awareness services to help the guests of God access various services.

The ministry said it would continue to work with partner agencies to carry out plans for grouping and moving pilgrims according to precise timetables, ensuring easier movement and more efficient organization and services.

It urged pilgrims to follow official instructions and contact the unified call center at 1966 for round-the-clock support, guidance, and assistance, saying this would help ensure a safe, organized, and smooth Hajj experience.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said it had prepared designated routes for pilgrims entering the Grand Mosque, in accordance with preplanned crowd management procedures aimed at ensuring their safety and comfort, in coordination with and in constant communication with relevant authorities.

The National Water Company said water pumping continued around the clock through networks serving the holy sites and the Grand Mosque's facilities. It said distribution in recent days had run efficiently, with no significant interruptions.

The company said its operating system is based on water networks extending over 5,700 kilometers and environmental services networks totaling more than 4,000 kilometers, supporting efficient supply and sustainable services for pilgrims.

A volunteer from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority helps keep pilgrims cool (Photo: Adnan Mahdali)

In Madinah, government agencies completed preparations to receive the first groups of pilgrims in a hurry, who were due to begin arriving this evening by bus and the Haramain High Speed Railway after completing their rituals.

Their arrival at the Prophet’s Mosque will be accompanied by guidance and organizational services to facilitate the entry of visitors and worshippers to Al Rawdah Al Sharifah, in accordance with prior bookings through approved applications and within the site’s capacity.

Relevant agencies have begun implementing post-Hajj operational plans and stepped up field efforts to keep traffic flowing smoothly and maintain the highest levels of security on the main roads used by pilgrims heading to Madinah.

Gulf

Kuwait Condemns Iranian Attacks on Its Territory; Gulf States Denounce Assaults

Saudi Arabia and Gulf states condemned Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory (KUNA)
Saudi Arabia and Gulf states condemned Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory (KUNA)
TT
TT

Kuwait Condemns Iranian Attacks on Its Territory; Gulf States Denounce Assaults

Saudi Arabia and Gulf states condemned Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory (KUNA)
Saudi Arabia and Gulf states condemned Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory (KUNA)

Kuwait strongly condemned what it described as “criminal Iranian attacks” targeting its territory with missiles and drones on Thursday morning. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states also condemned the Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory.

In a statement, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry expressed the country’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the “criminal Iranian attacks that targeted Kuwaiti territory with missiles and drones in a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, as well as a direct threat to civilians and vital facilities.”

The ministry said the escalation comes at a time when intensive efforts are being made by several brotherly and friendly countries to reduce tensions, de-escalate the situation and spare the region further escalation, adding that the attacks increase the gravity of the situation and undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving regional security and stability.

It called on Iran to immediately and unconditionally halt the attacks and bear full responsibility for them, describing them as blatant aggression against Kuwait’s sovereignty and a serious violation of international law, the UN Charter and UN Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026.

The ministry stressed that Kuwait reserves its full right to take all necessary measures to preserve its security and defend its territory and vital facilities against any aggression or threat, based on its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and the rules of international law.

Saudi Arabia Condemns the Attacks

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed the Kingdom’s condemnation and denunciation “in the strongest terms” of the hostile missile and drone attacks against Kuwait.

In a statement, the ministry said: “The Kingdom reiterates its categorical rejection of violations of state sovereignty and attempts to threaten the region’s security and stability.”

Saudi Arabia also expressed solidarity with Kuwait, government and people, renewing its full support for all measures taken by Kuwait to preserve its sovereignty, security, stability and people.

Qatar: Flagrant Violation of International Law

Qatar strongly condemned the targeting of Kuwait with missiles and drones, describing it as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and a flagrant breach of international law.

In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry reiterated the country’s full solidarity with Kuwait and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty and security.

It stressed the need to spare the region the consequences of what it described as unjustified attacks and to work toward de-escalation to restore regional and international security and stability.

UAE: Flagrant Violation

The United Arab Emirates also condemned “in the strongest terms the Iranian terrorist attacks” targeting Kuwait with missiles and drones.

The Emirates News Agency quoted a Foreign Ministry statement saying the “terrorist attacks represent a flagrant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability.”

The ministry expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Kuwait and support for all efforts aimed at preserving its security and stability.

Bahrain Condemns Attacks

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah received a phone call from Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, during which the two sides condemned the “criminal Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait.”

Both sides affirmed Kuwait’s full right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, preserve its security and stability, and safeguard its citizens and residents.

GCC: Treacherous Aggression

Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemned “in the strongest terms the continued criminal Iranian attacks on Kuwait.”

In a post on X, the GCC General Secretariat quoted Albudaiwi as saying the continued “treacherous attacks” constitute a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter and the principles of good neighborliness.

He affirmed the GCC states’ full support for Kuwait in all measures it takes to preserve its security, stability and the safety of its citizens and residents.

Kuwaiti Army: Air Defenses Intercepted Missile Attacks

Earlier Thursday, the Kuwaiti army’s General Staff announced that the country’s air defenses had intercepted hostile missile and drone attacks.

In a press statement, the General Staff said that “any explosion sounds heard were the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile attacks,” calling on the public to comply with security and safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

Gulf

Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Yemen's Govt', People on Passing of Former President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
TT
TT

Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Yemen's Govt', People on Passing of Former President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. (SPA)

The Saudi Royal Court issued a statement on Thursday over the death of Former President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

"Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of former President of the Republic of Yemen Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the statement carried out by SPA read.

"The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince expressed their deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the family of the deceased and to the government and people of the Republic of Yemen," it added.

It also affirmed the solidarity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people with the Republic of Yemen and its people, sharing their grief and sorrow.

The King and Crown Prince prayed to Allah Almighty "to grant patience and solace to the family of the deceased and to the brotherly Yemeni people, and to bless the Republic of Yemen with lasting security and stability."