In a striking declaration that underscores Saudi Arabia’s accelerating technological ambitions, Tarek Amin, CEO of HUMAIN Saudi Arabia, has stated that the Kingdom is on track to become the world’s largest exporter of artificial intelligence, powered by its abundant energy resources and a forward-thinking regulatory framework.
HUMAIN: Saudi Arabia’s AI Powerhouse
HUMAIN stands as one of the most ambitious technology ventures to emerge from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation. The company develops full-stack AI-native platforms spanning four core layers: infrastructure, cloud computing, data and models, and applications. Rather than relying on a patchwork of third-party vendors, HUMAIN builds an integrated ecosystem designed to deliver end-to-end solutions across industries — from smart cities and sovereign governments to energy systems and financial markets.
This vertically integrated approach gives Saudi Arabia something few nations can claim: genuine technological sovereignty in the AI space, built from the ground up on home soil.
Energy: The Decisive Competitive Edge
Amin’s statement arrives at a moment when the global tech industry is grappling with an inconvenient truth: artificial intelligence is extraordinarily energy-hungry. Training large language models, running massive data centers, and deploying AI at scale all require staggering amounts of power. Companies worldwide are scrambling to secure reliable, affordable energy sources — and often falling short.
This is where Saudi Arabia holds a trump card. As one of the world’s largest energy producers, the Kingdom offers an unmatched combination of abundant supply, competitive costs, and growing renewable energy capacity. The country’s investments in solar and wind power through initiatives like NEOM further strengthen its position as a sustainable hub for power-intensive AI operations.
A Regulatory Framework Built for the Future
Energy alone doesn’t build an AI industry. Saudi Arabia has complemented its infrastructure investments with a comprehensive regulatory framework governing AI development and deployment. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) leads the charge, establishing standards and policies that ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies while creating a business-friendly environment that attracts global talent and investment.
From Consumer to Exporter
Amin’s confidence reflects a broader shift in Saudi Arabia’s technological identity. The Kingdom is no longer content to simply import and consume technology built elsewhere. Through massive investments under Vision 2030, strategic entities like HUMAIN, and a clear-eyed understanding of its natural advantages, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to export AI solutions to the world.
As the global race for AI dominance intensifies, Saudi Arabia’s unique combination of energy wealth, sovereign infrastructure, and regulatory readiness may prove to be the winning formula that transforms the Kingdom into a true AI superpower.
Source: Asharq Bloomberg (@asharqbksa)
