In a strategic push to lead the AI economy, Saudi Arabia is developing massive data center capacity designed to power AI token production at scale. The initiative reflects the country’s ambition to transform into a global AI hub.
Saudi Arabia is and aims to be the world’s largest exporter of digital technology, according to Tareq Amin, CEO of Humain. Speaking at the PIF Private Sector Forum, Amin said the Kingdom’s plentiful energy, land, and strong location make it well-suited to become a global technology leader.
“Saudi Arabia has all the elements needed to become a major player in technology exports,” Amin said. “With energy availability, infrastructure, and connectivity, the Kingdom is well-positioned to serve customers locally, regionally, and globally.”
The country’s investment is supported by a AED 4.41 billion financing framework to expand digital infrastructure and build up to 250 megawatts of data center capacity. This will allow Humain to meet growing technology demand in the region and internationally.
Saudi Arabia plans to launch its own operating system in the coming months, potentially becoming the first country outside the US and China to do so. The project will be showcased at the upcoming LEAP event, marking a major step in the Kingdom’s technology plans.
Humain, a company focused on developing end-to-end digital infrastructure, has ambitious plans to expand its footprint. It has partnered with Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) to form a joint venture dedicated to developing and operating advanced data centers in the Kingdom. According to filings, Humain will hold a 51 percent stake, while STC will own the remaining 49 percent.
“One thing I was deciding, whether to show you this here, but we have a big event coming in LEAP, and we will commercialize this. In the last meeting that we had with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he was referring to operating systems, whether using Windows or Mac,” Amin said.
In January, Humain agreed to a to develop up to 250 megawatts of AI data center capacity to serve Humain’s local, regional, and global customers. Amin also emphasized the critical role of energy in artificial intelligence development, adding, “AI is an energy game. We have power, energy affordability and abundance, connectivity, land, and water. We have all that it needs to translate Saudi Arabia into the world’s largest AI token exporter.”
These projects are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to make the country a leading technology hub with strong government and private support.