Nvidia to Power Saudi Arabia's AI Ambitions with 18,000 Advanced Chips
In a major boost to Saudi Arabia's artificial intelligence infrastructure, Nvidia has revealed plans to supply 18,000 cutting-edge AI chips to the Middle Eastern nation. The deal was announced during a US delegation visit to the region and represents one of Nvidia's largest international AI deployments.
The partnership involves Humain, an AI startup backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. Nvidia founder Jensen Huang framed the collaboration as foundational for the kingdom's future, comparing AI's importance to electricity and internet connectivity during his remarks at the Saudi-US Investment Forum.
"This infrastructure will serve as the backbone for Saudi Arabia's digital transformation," Huang stated. "Just as nations built power grids last century, today they must build AI capacity."
The Blackwell GB300 chips - Nvidia's most powerful AI processors currently available - will form the core of a new 500-megawatt data center. Industry analysts note this represents one of the most ambitious AI infrastructure projects in the Middle East.
Saudi officials view the project as crucial for diversifying their oil-dependent economy. Beyond immediate computing capabilities, they anticipate the data center will attract foreign investment and accelerate technological development across sectors including healthcare, energy and smart city initiatives.
For Nvidia, already dominant in global AI chip markets, this deal strengthens its position in a rapidly developing region. The company continues expanding its international footprint even as US regulators scrutinize certain technology exports.
The timeline for deployment remains undisclosed, but construction is expected to begin soon. When operational, the facility could position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in artificial intelligence research and cloud computing services.
Key Points
- Nvidia will provide 18,000 Blackwell GB300 chips for Saudi Arabia's new data center project
- The partnership involves Humain, an AI startup funded by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund
- The 500-megawatt facility aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a regional AI hub
- Jensen Huang compared AI infrastructure to essential utilities like electricity
- The project supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification