Photo source: FMT
Google has announced its intention to establish a cutting-edge AI hub in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its dedication to promoting innovation and economic development in the region.
The tech giant’s AI hub is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasises technological progress as a crucial element for diversifying the economy. The hub will concentrate on creating artificial intelligence solutions that are specifically designed to address the distinct requirements of the area, alongside training local professionals.
The new AI hub is projected to inject up to USD$71 billion into Saudi Arabia’s economy, which highlights the substantial economic prospects associated with adopting advanced AI technologies.
This partnership is expected to accelerate the implementation of AI, particularly in Arabic, across key sectors such as healthcare, retail, and financial services within Saudi Arabia and beyond.
“As part of Saudi Arabia’s rich technology ecosystem, we aim to create highly skilled jobs for Saudis and opportunities for global businesses to fuel growth through cloud adoption,” stated Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Google and Alphabet.
The AI hub is a result of a collaboration between Google and various technology and investment stakeholders in the Kingdom. It aims to support the development of AI applications tailored to local industries including oil and gas, finance, healthcare, and logistics. The overarching goal is to integrate advanced technologies that enhance operational efficiency and contribute to a more resilient and diversified economy.
Yasir Al Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), stated, “This partnership demonstrates PIF’s dedication to fostering an AI-friendly environment through investments in human capital and technology, upskilling thousands with cutting-edge tools to support our sustainable and innovative infrastructure goals.”
He added that “Saudi Arabia is a prime location for global tech partners as PIF brings both sector expertise and a long-term approach to investment.”
Central to this initiative is the ambition to nurture local talent. The AI hub will offer training programs, research opportunities, and collaborative platforms for local developers, researchers, and startups, with the potential to train “millions” of individuals.
With its potential to contribute billions to the economy while boosting digital capabilities, Saudi Arabia is set to emerge as a centre for AI innovation in the Middle East.