Saudi Arabia Expands AI Data Center Plans With $5 Billion Investment

Saudi Arabia is dramatically expanding its artificial intelligence infrastructure ambitions through a multi-billion-dollar data center development project led by AI company Humain.

According to financial sources, Humain has selected Goldman Sachs to advise on financing a major AI data center initiative expected to cost at least $5 billion. The project forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading global AI infrastructure hub.

Humain, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, plans to build large-scale AI facilities capable of supporting nearly two gigawatts of computing capacity in the Riyadh region. The facilities will rely heavily on advanced GPU chips used for AI model training, cloud computing, and enterprise AI services.

Saudi Arabia’s access to relatively low-cost energy resources has made the Kingdom increasingly attractive to global technology firms seeking locations for hyperscale AI data centers. Companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are all expanding AI and cloud investments across the Gulf region.

The Kingdom’s AI strategy aligns closely with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil through investments in advanced technologies, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems.

Experts say the rapid expansion of AI data centers across the Gulf could transform the region into a major exporter of computing power and digital services. However, analysts also warn that geopolitical risks and digital infrastructure resilience remain important challenges.

The project reflects how Gulf economies are aggressively investing in artificial intelligence as a long-term driver of economic growth and geopolitical influence.

Source : Reuters.