Amazon has announced a strategic partnership with Humain, an artificial intelligence company founded by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to invest over $5 billion in the development of an innovative “AI Zone” in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to enhance AI adoption both within the kingdom and globally.
The proposed AI Zone is set to feature dedicated infrastructure powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), which will include servers, networks, and extensive training and certification programs. Humain is committed to leveraging AWS technologies to create AI solutions and assist local startups by providing access to essential tools and resources.
This collaboration positions AWS alongside other tech leaders, such as Nvidia and AMD, who have also partnered with Humain, which is endorsed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). This fund has been a critical source of capital for several American tech companies including Google and Salesforce, who have engaged with the PIF on various AI projects.
At a recent U.S.-Saudi investment forum, attended by former President Donald Trump and notable figures from the tech industry, it was revealed that U.S. tech suppliers, including Nvidia and AMD, have been given clearance to strike deals with Saudi firms as part of a new initiative by the Trump administration.
In an effort to strengthen its tech ecosystem, Saudi Arabia has implemented regulations that require AI companies to store data locally. This requirement has prompted major firms like Google and Oracle to announce expansion strategies in the region over the past year.
Earlier this year, Amazon disclosed plans to invest billions in data centres in Saudi Arabia. Their commitment to the AI Zone is in addition to the $5.3 billion earmarked for establishing an AWS region in the country, which is expected to become operational in 2026. However, it remains unclear if the funding for the AI Zone will come from this initial investment.
TechCrunch has reached out to Amazon for clarification on these financial details and will provide updates as they become available.
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