Saudi Arabia Partners with AWS to Launch $5 Billion AI Zone

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

In a major leap toward becoming a global hub for artificial intelligence, Saudi Arabia’s newly established AI company, HUMAIN, has entered into a strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch the Kingdom’s first-ever AI Zone. The groundbreaking initiative is backed by an investment of over $5 billion.

Announced on Tuesday, the AI Zone aims to position Saudi Arabia at the forefront of AI innovation and adoption, reinforcing its ambitions under Vision 2030 to drive digital transformation and economic diversification through emerging technologies.

The AI Zone will leverage AWS’s world-class AI and cloud infrastructure, including UltraCluster networks, Amazon SageMaker, Amazon Bedrock, and Amazon Q. This advanced ecosystem will support HUMAIN’s goal of creating a unified AI environment designed for government and enterprise use across the Gulf region and beyond.

The new initiative builds upon AWS’s existing $5.3 billion investment in a dedicated AWS cloud region in Saudi Arabia, scheduled to go live in 2026. The AI Zone adds a new layer of investment focused on AI infrastructure, innovation, and talent development.

“This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become a global leader in AI,” said Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN. “The AI Zone will act as a magnet for top talent and global investment, accelerating the Kingdom’s technological evolution.”

As part of the collaboration, HUMAIN will utilize AWS technologies to develop cutting-edge AI applications and establish a marketplace for AI agents. The initiative also supports the development of Arabic Large Language Models (ALLaM) and aims to boost AI adoption across critical sectors, including healthcare, education, government, and energy.

To fuel national AI capabilities, AWS will train 100,000 Saudis in AI and cloud technologies through its Amazon Academy — the largest program of its kind in the Middle East. Additionally, a dedicated women-focused initiative will offer free AWS certification to 10,000 Saudi women, empowering greater female participation in the AI field.

According to PwC estimates, Saudi Arabia’s investment in AI is expected to contribute up to $130 billion to the national economy by 2030, driven by increased productivity, digital innovation, and societal advancement.