The technological landscape is constantly evolving, and Elon Musk’s xAI is making headlines with its recent consideration to expand data centers into Saudi Arabia. This decision stems from the country’s competitive electricity costs and a favorable regulatory climate. Already operating a data center in Memphis, Tennessee, xAI is reportedly seeking to lease rather than build new facilities.
Among potential partners is Humain, an AI firm backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Announced plans include building 6.6 gigawatts of data center capacity in the coming decade. Humain has been aggressive in its expansion strategy, targeting a crucial role in the global AI ecosystem. In fact, during an interview with the Financial Times, Humain’s Chairman Tareq Amin stated that their venture fund, Humain Ventures, aims to support high-potential AI startups, crucially positioning Saudi Arabia within the AI industry.
The potential partnership aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the goals set by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. Notably, these efforts reflect a broader ambition by Saudi Arabia to enhance its technological clout through strategic investment and infrastructure development. Humain’s roadmap includes scaling their AI data center capacity to 6.6 GW and increasing the country’s AI infrastructure.
Through a $10 billion joint venture with AMD, Humain aims to deliver 500MW in AI compute capacity over the next five years. Furthermore, a partnership with Qualcomm intends to establish a chipset design center in Riyadh, employing 500 engineers, reflecting a blend of foreign collaboration with domestic ambition.
