Amazon Web Services (AWS) and HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s newly established AI innovation company, have announced a strategic partnership to invest over $5 billion in creating a groundbreaking ‘AI Zone’ in the Kingdom. This initiative is part of AWS’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia, building on their previous announcement to invest $5.3 billion in developing an AWS infrastructure region in the country, set to become available in 2026.
Key Features of the AI Zone
The AI Zone will combine multiple innovative capabilities, including:
- Dedicated AWS AI infrastructure and servers with world-class semiconductors
- UltraCluster networks for faster AI training and inference
- AWS services like SageMaker and Bedrock
- AI application services such as Amazon Q
These technologies will advance Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a world leader in AI, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its pledge to invest in building an AI-powered economy.
Advancing AI Adoption
The collaboration will enable key sectors such as government, energy, healthcare, and education to accelerate their digital transformation. AI-powered tools are expected to personalize learning experiences, help in early disease diagnosis, and enhance productivity across various processes.
Supporting Startups and Talent Development
AWS and HUMAIN will work together to advance the AI-powered startup sector in Saudi Arabia, providing access to cloud technology tools and programs like AWS Activate. Additionally, AWS is scaling its training and certification programs focused on genAI skills-building, committing to train 100,000 citizens in cloud computing and genAI.
Economic Impact
According to PwC, AI is forecast to contribute $130 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy by 2030, comprising over 40% of the estimated $320 billion AI value for the entire Middle East. The partnership between AWS and HUMAIN is seen as a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become a global AI leader.
“This collaboration to build an AI Zone in Saudi Arabia will enable innovations across all industries using AWS’s advanced AI offerings,” said Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services. “Together, we will empower customers with cost-effective and secure cloud technologies, fuel innovation and economic growth across the nation.”
The initiative also includes efforts to empower women in the workforce, with AWS committing to train 10,000 women on AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials through the ‘AWS Saudi Arabia Women’s Skills Initiative.’
