Saudi Arabia Aims for AI Dominance with NVIDIA Partnership

Saudi Arabia Aims for AI Dominance with NVIDIA Partnership

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Saudi Arabia is embarking on an ambitious journey to establish itself as a major player in the artificial intelligence landscape through a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA. The partnership will focus on building a robust national AI infrastructure, developing local talent, and deploying cutting-edge digital systems across the kingdom. At the heart of this initiative are AI “factories,” envisioned as massive data centers consuming up to 500 megawatts of power and equipped with NVIDIA’s advanced GPUs, including the new Grace Blackwell GB300 supercomputers. The ultimate objective is to create a sovereign AI capability, allowing Saudi Arabia to train AI models using its own data and systems, reducing reliance on foreign technologies. This move reflects a growing global trend of governments seeking greater control over AI development and data governance. HUMAIN, a newly formed state-owned subsidiary, will oversee the entire AI value chain, from building data centers and managing vast datasets to training sophisticated models and deploying practical AI applications. The initiative aims to transform Saudi Arabia from a consumer of AI technologies to a significant producer. However, the project has also raised concerns about the significant environmental impact of operating such large-scale, energy-intensive GPU-powered data centers. In addition to infrastructure development, the collaboration includes comprehensive AI skills training programs designed to equip thousands of Saudi developers with the expertise needed to drive innovation. NVIDIA will provide crucial technical expertise, state-of-the-art GPUs, advanced software platforms, and support for deploying NVIDIA Omniverse across various industries, including logistics and manufacturing. Through this comprehensive strategy, Saudi Arabia aspires to not only harness the power of AI but also to shape its development and deployment, paving the way for a new, technologically advanced economic landscape.