In a groundbreaking announcement, AMD, Cisco, and HUMAIN revealed plans to form a joint venture aiming to elevate Saudi Arabia’s status as a top-tier AI hub. The new venture will spearhead a project to deliver up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of AI infrastructure by 2030, starting with a deployment of 100 megawatts (MW) in Saudi Arabia.
A Collaboration at the Cutting Edge
AMD, a leader in high-performance computing, Cisco, the worldwide technology giant, and HUMAIN, part of the Public Investment Fund, have cemented their partnership to provide a robust foundation for AI innovation. This collaboration extends their previously announced strategic alliance and aims to deploy large-scale AI infrastructure, leveraging the latest in data center technology from AMD and Cisco.
Driving an AI-Powered Economic Shift
This initiative is seen as a key component of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to transform into a AI-driven economy. Highlighting the urgency of the need, Cisco’s recent AI Readiness Index indicated that although a significant number of Saudi organizations intend to use AI, only a fraction currently possess the required GPU capacity.
Building a New Frontier for AI
To kick off their venture, a 100 MW deployment is planned to be up and running by 2026. This first phase will utilize AMD Instinct™ MI450 Series GPUs along with Cisco’s critical infrastructure solutions to ensure high performance. The focus on efficiency and scale reflects the companies’ commitment to delivering cost-effective AI solutions that empower local and global innovators.
Remarks From Industry Leaders
Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in achieving global scale in AI infrastructure. Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, reiterated the role of this expanded partnership in building a technologically advanced and resilient economy.
Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, suggested that this collaboration brings unmatched technology and expertise to push the boundaries of AI capabilities. As noted, the Kingdom’s technological landscape is set to transform dramatically because of this ambitious project.
Looking Toward the Future
According to Cisco Newsroom, this historic collaboration not only promises to advance AI infrastructure but also aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s position in the global digital economy. By fostering local innovation and talent, the joint venture underscores a shared vision of a connected, AI-enhanced future.
The AI ecosystem in Saudi Arabia is gearing up for a major boost with this strategic joint venture that not only provides critical infrastructure but also sets the stage for a diversified economy centered on innovation and technology.