Saudi Arabia has taken a major step forward in artificial intelligence (AI) by launching a new AI company called Humain. Chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this initiative highlights the kingdom’s strong determination to become a global AI technology leader. Humain is intended to be central to Saudi Arabia’s AI strategy and investments, acting as the main platform to drive AI development and innovation in the country. Owned by the state-run Public Investment Fund (PIF), which manages assets totaling an impressive $940 billion, Humain exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s ambition to use its financial strength to support cutting-edge technology sectors. The PIF’s acquisition and management of Humain emphasize its pivotal role as a catalyst for technological progress and economic diversification in the region, especially in AI. Humain’s goals are wide-ranging and ambitious. The company plans to build significant AI infrastructure, including establishing data centers and creating large language models specifically tailored to the Arabic language. This focus on Arabic AI technologies reflects Saudi Arabia’s aim to develop AI tools that fit its cultural and linguistic context, while also serving the broader Middle East. Such initiatives seek not only to foster innovation but also to make AI more accessible and practical within the kingdom and neighboring countries. The official launch of Humain took place during a major US-Saudi investment forum in Riyadh, an event that attracted prominent figures from the global tech industry. Among the attendees were Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms. Their participation underscores the importance of Saudi Arabia’s tech ambitions and signals strong interest and support from top AI and technology innovators.

This investment forum occurred shortly before then-U. S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Saudi Arabia. During this visit, several multibillion-dollar deals—particularly in AI and related sectors—were anticipated. These agreements are part of a broader effort to strengthen economic and technological ties between the U. S. and Saudi Arabia, reflecting shared interests in AI’s growth and application. Saudi Arabia’s establishment of Humain aligns with a wider Gulf strategy to reduce dependence on oil revenues by diversifying economies through developing technology industries. Other Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are also heavily investing in AI and tech innovation, positioning the region as an emerging hub for digital transformation. The kingdom’s commitment to AI is further demonstrated by a reported pledge of $600 billion toward U. S. -based AI investments over four years. This sizeable financial commitment highlights Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a central force in global AI advancement by fostering partnerships, building infrastructure, and encouraging innovation that supports its economic and societal objectives. In summary, the launch of Humain not only advances Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions but also forms a crucial element of its broader Vision 2030 plan. This strategy aims to modernize the economy, promote innovation, and drive technological progress while reducing reliance on oil exports. By combining large-scale investments, international partnerships, and localized AI development, Saudi Arabia seeks to establish itself as a key player in the future of artificial intelligence regionally and globally.