Saudi Arabia is taking a bold step towards becoming a leader in the global artificial intelligence landscape by launching Humain, a new AI development company under its sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the initiative on Sunday, emphasizing its strategic importance for the country’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil reliance and foster technological innovation.
The Crown Prince stated that ‘the launch of Humain represents a significant milestone in our journey towards becoming a global AI leader,’ highlighting the company’s role in spearheading national AI strategies and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
Humain will focus on developing advanced AI models and applications, establishing a supportive innovation ecosystem within Saudi Arabia, and forming strategic partnerships with global tech leaders. The initiative aligns with broader Gulf region efforts to position themselves as central hubs for technology and innovation.
Operated wholly by the PIF, Humain’s initial funding has not been publicly disclosed, but sources indicate that the company will prioritize large language models (LLMs), foundational AI technologies, infrastructure investments, and talent development.
Industry experts view this move as part of Saudi Arabia’s calculated strategy to compete with established AI powerhouses like the United States and China. ‘The kingdom is betting heavily on AI to drive future economic growth,’ noted a report from Economy Middle East.
This development follows Saudi Arabia’s substantial investments in technology sectors, including the massive NEOM project and substantial stakes in global tech companies, including Uber and Lucid Motors.
Officials assured that Humain’s AI solutions will be developed responsibly, respecting Saudi values while promoting innovation, as reported by Investing.com.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges such as regulatory frameworks, skilled workforce development, and intense international competition remain. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia’s push into AI indicates its determination to establish a significant presence in this rapidly evolving field.
