#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Cisco #AI Infrastructure #AMD

Joint Venture to Propel AI Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia

In a groundbreaking collaboration, AMD, Cisco, and HUMAIN have officially announced the formation of a joint venture set to revolutionize AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. This partnership aims to deploy up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of powerful AI infrastructure by the year 2030, beginning with an initial deployment of 100 megawatts (MW) to support the burgeoning global AI ecosystem.

Setting the Stage for AI Dominance

The joint venture stems from a multi-year strategic relationship which began to take shape during former U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s visit to the Kingdom in May. With the dependence on artificial intelligence increasing worldwide, this collaboration intends not only to solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in the AI realm but also to provide advanced solutions tailored for both regional and global demands.

Operations are expected to commence in 2026, with phase one entailing the installation of 100 MW of AI infrastructure. The deployment will leverage HUMAIN's modern data centers powered by AMD's Instinct™ MI450 Series GPUs and Cisco's critical infrastructure offerings.

Dr. Lisa Su, AMD's Chair and CEO, acknowledged the crucial role of collaboration, remarking, "High-performance global AI infrastructure at scale requires strong partnerships. Together with HUMAIN and Cisco, we’re combining leadership compute and networking technologies to expand the capacity and global competitiveness of the Kingdom's AI ecosystem."

An Accelerated AI-Driven Economy

Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, also expressed optimism about the venture, stating, “Our expanded partnership marks a pivotal moment in accelerating Saudi Arabia's AI infrastructure. By providing secure and scalable infrastructure for HUMAIN's buildout, we can help turn the Kingdom's vision for a digitally advanced, AI-powered economy into a reality.”

As the awareness of AI increases, Cisco's latest AI Readiness Index indicates a significant gap in GPU capacity among many organizations within Saudi Arabia, with only 29% currently possessing robust capabilities. This data highlights the urgency for AMD, Cisco, and HUMAIN's initiative to provide scalable and efficient infrastructure capable of meeting the growing needs of AI applications.

Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, emphasized the collective strength brought to this mission, “Our partnership with AMD and Cisco showcases world-class technology and expertise. We are pushing the frontier of AI compute, establishing the infrastructure needed to empower innovators in the Kingdom and beyond.”

Future Endeavors and Economic Impact

This collaboration is anticipated to enhance the foundations of Saudi Arabia’s digital economy, setting the stage for localized innovation, skill development, and technological advancements. The collective vision aims to not only meet the current demands of businesses but also to prepare for future growth in AI.

Additionally, the establishment of an AMD Center of Excellence within Saudi Arabia is on the agenda, which will further drive local integration and foster innovative capabilities. As AI continues to permeate various sectors, this venture is poised to unlock exponential value across industries.

In conclusion, as AMD, Cisco, and HUMAIN embark on this ambitious project, they are forging pathways for a sustainable and progressive AI landscape in Saudi Arabia, ultimately inviting global expertise while driving local economies. The anticipation of such infrastructure points to a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into the business fabric of the Kingdom, promoting a robust, digitally advanced society.

This venture not only marks a significant technological progression but also reflects the accelerating global momentum toward AI solutions that are efficient, scalable, and designed with future needs in mind.