David Edwards
Saudi Arabia has unveiled a landmark $14.9 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and emerging technologies, partnering with leading global tech firms. The announcement was made during the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference in Riyadh, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global AI hub.
On February 9, Saudi Minister Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha confirmed the investment, highlighting strategic collaborations with Google Cloud, Lenovo, Alibaba Cloud, Qualcomm, Groq, and Salesforce, among others.
“Our (Aramco) business is all about scale. That’s why we need to partner, and no one company can deliver the promise of AI,” said Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, executive vice president of technology and innovation at Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant.
AI-Powered Cloud Infrastructure and Manufacturing Expansion
As part of its AI expansion strategy, Aramco signed a $1.5 billion deal with Groq to develop AI-powered cloud computing capabilities, with plans to secure additional agreements with other AI companies.
In another major initiative, Saudi manufacturing giant Alat partnered with Lenovo in a $2 billion investment to establish an AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology hub in Saudi Arabia. Lenovo will also set up a regional headquarters in Riyadh, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a tech leader in the Middle East.
Tech Giants Strengthen Saudi Arabia’s AI Ecosystem
Several other global technology firms have announced significant investments in Saudi Arabia’s AI sector:
- Google, Qualcomm, and Alibaba Cloud are launching localized AI innovation projects.
- Salesforce, Databricks, Tencent Cloud, and SambaNova have committed investments of $500 million, $300 million, $150 million, and $140 million, respectively.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence in AI and Global Markets
Saudi Arabia’s latest AI push aligns with its broader Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil and positioning itself as a leader in next-generation technologies.
The move also comes as Aramco, the world’s seventh-largest company by market capitalization, seeks to leverage AI to optimize operations and drive industrial transformation. The kingdom’s rapid technological advancement places it among the most ambitious AI investors globally, competing with the U.S., China, and Europe in AI-driven economic growth.
Saudi Arabia’s AI expansion highlights the Middle East’s increasing role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
