Saudi Arabia Launches State-Backed AI Company

HUMAIN: Saudi Arabia's New AI Firm

Saudi Arabia has launched a new artificial intelligence firm known as HUMAIN, backed by the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, PIF [1][2]. The company will focus on developing advanced AI models, especially in the Arabic language, while also building next-generation data centers and cloud infrastructure [1]. The company seeks to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies in industries such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and finance [1]. Led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, HUMAIN aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to establish a robust AI ecosystem through strategic investments and international partnerships [1]. HUMAIN is set to operate as a unified AI entity, investing across all segments of the AI value chain [2]. Saudi Arabia’s government AI strategy has earned top global recognition, with the Global AI Index 2024 ranking the Kingdom as the world leader in the field [2]. In the article, we’ll explore how HUMAIN is set to redefine Saudi Arabia’s role in the global AI landscape.

HUMAIN’s Strategic Objectives

At its core, HUMAIN is dedicated to transforming Saudi Arabia into a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence. Its primary mission is to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for artificial intelligence by offering an expansive suite of cutting-edge services [3]. These include the development of next-generation data centres, advanced AI infrastructure, cutting-edge cloud computing capabilities, and the creation of state-of-the-art AI models [3]. Central to this initiative is the development of a multimodal Arabic large language model, specifically tailored to serve users in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East [3]. This ambition is backed by robust investments in infrastructure, signalling the kingdom’s long-term commitment to AI [3]. Industry projections indicate that the Saudi data centre market will surge from $1.33 billion in 2024 to an estimated $3.9 billion by 2030 [3]. This growth is largely propelled by national initiatives such as HUMAIN, which are complemented by strategic partnerships with leading global tech companies [3]. These collaborations are laying the groundwork for a resilient and scalable AI ecosystem that supports economic diversification.

HUMAIN's launch forms a key part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to foster international cooperation and elevate its global tech presence [3]. The timing of its launch coincides with the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh [3]. The forum signals Saudi Arabia's openness to international partnerships. In addition, collaborations with companies such as AI chip company Groq and Cerebras, and the construction of the world’s largest AI inference data centre in collaboration with Aramco Digital, reflect Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance in AI leadership [3]. All of these efforts are deeply aligned with Vision 2030, the country’s transformative blueprint to reduce economic dependence on oil and catalyze growth in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence [3].

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to AI Innovation

Saudi Arabia has already made a substantial commitment to AI by investing $3 billion in AI infrastructure, aiming to establish early leadership in this rapidly evolving field [1]. The kingdom has outlined plans to significantly expand this investment, with a $100 billion commitment dedicated to enhancing AI infrastructure, supporting startups, and fostering workforce training [1]. This strategic approach is aligned with economic forecasts that predict AI could contribute $135.2 billion to Saudi Arabia's economy by 2030, accounting for 12.4% of the nation's GDP [1]. The creation of HUMAIN follows the earlier establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), a governmental entity that ensures the governance of AI and data [1]. This development highlights Saudi Arabia's consistent approach to centralizing and accelerating the growth of AI across various sectors [1]. By focusing on infrastructure, innovation, and human capital, Saudi Arabia aims to create a robust AI ecosystem that will drive economic diversification and technological advancement, positioning itself at the forefront of global AI development [1].

Conclusion

The launch of HUMAIN marks a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence. This initiative underscores the kingdom’s commitment to pioneering advancements in AI, positioning Saudi Arabia not only as a regional leader but also as a key global player in the field. By investing heavily in AI infrastructure and fostering international collaborations, Saudi Arabia is laying the groundwork for a thriving AI ecosystem. The country's significant financial investments showcase a long-term commitment to the sector. Despite ambitious plans and substantial investment, widespread adoption of AI in Saudi Arabia faces significant hurdles that HUMAIN will need to overcome [1]. Recent studies show that 46% of firms in the region struggle to transition generative AI from concept to practical use, with only 2% having fully integrated AI into operations [1]. Legal frameworks also present an obstacle, as Saudi copyright laws currently lack flexibility for text and data mining, crucial activities for AI development [1]. These challenges underscore the need for HUMAIN to address not only technological innovation but also the broader ecosystem required to facilitate AI full potential in the country [1].

Notes and References

1. Saudi Arabia launches state-backed AI firm Humain. (2025, May 13) - Techinasia.com. https://www.techinasia.com/news/saudi-arabia-launches-statebacked-ai-firm-humain
2. Crown Prince launches HUMAIN, new PIF-owned AI company to drive global innovation. (2025, May 12) - Saudigazette. https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/651746/SAUDI-ARABIA/Crown-Prince-launches-HUMAIN-new-PIF-owned-AI-company-to-drive-global-innovation
3. Saudi Arabia unveils groundbreaking AI venture, Humain, prior to Trump’s Visit. (2025, May 13) - Wamda.com. https://www.wamda.com/2025/05/saudi-arabia-unveils-groundbreaking-ai-venture-humain-prior-trump-visit