Trump's Middle East Visit Unlocks $100 Billion AI Investment
2min read President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East has paved the way for significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) for two key allies in the Persian Gulf region. This development has opened doors for some of the largest U.S. tech companies to invest tens of billions of dollars in the region.
According to agreements expected to be announced in the coming days, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to gain broader access to advanced AI chips produced by NVIDIA and AMD. These chips are considered the gold standard for running AI models. The U.S. President's visit to the Middle East has been instrumental in shaping these deals, as he seeks to deepen commercial ties and place U.S. technological plans at the forefront.
NVIDIA, the world's largest semiconductor manufacturer, is set to provide Humain, a Saudi company, with the most advanced AI-related chips. Humain, in collaboration with AMD, plans to invest $100 billion over the next five years in AI infrastructure. Additionally, Amazon, Cisco Systems, and Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, have investment or collaboration plans in Saudi Arabia.
Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that the Trump administration is considering an agreement that would allow the UAE to import more than a million NVIDIA advanced chips. This quantity far exceeds the restrictions imposed by AI chip regulations during the Biden era. Furthermore, OpenAI is reportedly considering establishing a new data center in the UAE.
On the first day of Trump's visit to the region, these AI-related plans stood out among numerous investment projects. In the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman celebrated the strengthening of commercial ties between the two countries. These agreements also include the expansion of Boeing aircraft purchases and Saudi Arabia's commitment to allow Elon Musk's Starlink service for aviation and maritime use.
These developments underscore the strategic importance of the Middle East for U.S. tech companies, particularly in the realm of AI. The region's growing interest in AI and its willingness to invest heavily in the technology make it an attractive market for companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and others. The Trump administration's efforts to facilitate these deals are part of a broader strategy to enhance U.S. influence in the region and promote American technological leadership.
The investments and collaborations announced during Trump's visit are expected to have a significant impact on the AI landscape in the Middle East. The region's commitment to AI development, coupled with the advanced technology provided by U.S. companies, could lead to breakthroughs in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation. The deals also highlight the importance of international cooperation in driving technological innovation and economic growth.
As the Middle East continues to embrace AI, the region is poised to become a hub for technological advancement. The investments and collaborations announced during Trump's visit are just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey for the region. With the support of leading U.S. tech companies and the Trump administration's backing, the Middle East is well-positioned to become a global leader in AI and other emerging technologies.
