AI Alliance Supercharges Middle East
In a move set to redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence infrastructure, tech powerhouses Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Cisco Systems have joined forces with Saudi Arabian AI startup Humain. Their mission? To establish a formidable joint venture focused on building state-of-the-art data centers across the Middle East.
This isn't just a promise; they've already landed their first major client! Generative video startup Luma AI has contracted to utilize the entire 100-megawatt capacity of their inaugural data center project in Saudi Arabia. Imagine the possibilities for Luma AI with this kind of dedicated processing power—it's a game-changer for high-demand AI applications like advanced video generation. This initial project alone represents a significant leap forward for regional AI capabilities.
This ambitious joint venture isn't happening in a vacuum. It's a direct outcome of a series of strategic deals announced during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Riyadh in May, signaling a growing collaboration between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia in the tech sector. Humain, in particular, is heavily backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, a testament to the nation's commitment to becoming a global AI hub. Why Saudi Arabia? Abundant, available property and cheap power make it an ideal location for such extensive data center buildouts.
The vision is truly immense. The joint venture aims to serve a massive market encompassing Asia, Europe, India, the Middle East, and Africa—a region home to roughly 4.5 billion people. By 2030, their plans include constructing up to one gigawatt of new data centers. To put that in perspective, one gigawatt can power hundreds of thousands of homes, or in this case, an incredible amount of AI computation. This long-term commitment highlights the scale and impact this partnership is expected to have on global AI development.
So, what are AMD and Cisco bringing to the table? For the initial 100-megawatt data center, AMD will be supplying its cutting-edge MI450 AI chips, the brainpower that will drive the complex AI computations. Cisco, on the other hand, will provide the essential networking equipment and other crucial infrastructure, ensuring seamless and robust connectivity.
But Cisco's contribution goes beyond hardware. Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins shared that the company will leverage its extensive salesforce and 25 years of expertise in sales incentives to help Humain effectively sell the capacity of these new data centers. This integrated approach—combining advanced hardware, robust infrastructure, and a powerful sales engine—is designed to ensure the venture's success. Furthermore, the first stage of construction, planned for 2026, is committed to utilizing entirely renewable energy, underscoring a dedication to sustainable growth in the booming AI sector. While construction is yet to begin, the strategic foundations are firmly in place.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of the joint venture formed by AMD, Cisco, and Humain?
A. The primary purpose is to build and operate advanced AI data centers in the Middle East and serve a vast market across multiple continents.
Q2. Which company is the first major customer for the initial 100-megawatt data center project?
A. Luma AI, a generative video startup, is the first major customer, having contracted for the entire 100-megawatt capacity.
Q3. What is a key environmental commitment for the first stage of data center construction?
A. The first stage, planned for 2026, is committed to using entirely renewable energy.