Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a global leader in connected intelligent computing, and HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s national AI champion, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on developing next-generation AI data centers and hybrid cloud-to-edge services. The partnership aims to address the surging global demand for AI technologies, with a special focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The MOU was inked during the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, coinciding with the official visit of then-US President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia.
Key Initiatives Under the Agreement
- AI Data Center Development: Qualcomm and HUMAIN plan to build advanced AI data centers in Saudi Arabia. These centers will feature scalable, high-efficiency cloud-to-edge hybrid AI inferencing solutions, powered by Qualcomm’s cutting-edge edge and data center technologies.
- High-Performance CPU and AI Solutions: Qualcomm will supply state-of-the-art data center CPUs and AI platforms designed for maximum performance and energy efficiency. These will form the backbone of HUMAIN’s AI cloud infrastructure.
- Edge Device Integration: The partnership will accelerate adoption of HUMAIN’s AI cloud infrastructure through Qualcomm-powered edge devices, utilizing Snapdragon® and Dragonwing® processors.
- Arabic Language AI Models: HUMAIN’s Arabic large language models (ALLaM), developed in collaboration with SDAIA, will be integrated with Qualcomm’s AI edge ecosystem. This integration enables hybrid cloud-to-edge AI inferencing capabilities across a wide range of devices.
Broader Impact and Vision
The collaborative data centers and supporting ecosystem aim to provide government agencies and enterprises access to powerful, energy-efficient CPU and AI cloud infrastructure. This will enable real-time AI-driven decision-making and enhance the deployment of advanced AI applications.
In addition to infrastructure development, the MOU includes a major initiative with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to establish a Qualcomm Design Center focused on semiconductor technology in the Kingdom. This center will provide training and support startup ventures to build local infrastructure and talent in semiconductor design—a critical step toward Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global semiconductor hub.
Leadership Perspectives
Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm Incorporated, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership:
“Saudi Arabia is making impressive progress toward global AI leadership. We’re excited to collaborate with HUMAIN to build advanced AI data center infrastructure that enables reliable, cost-effective hybrid AI services both locally and globally. Partnering with MCIT to grow the Kingdom’s semiconductor sector is equally vital for Vision 2030.”
Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, highlighted the transformative potential:
“This agreement is a milestone in establishing a global hub for AI infrastructure. By combining Qualcomm’s data center expansion capabilities with our regional expertise, we’re accelerating high-performance, energy-efficient AI computing at scale—creating new opportunities for innovation, jobs, and sustainable economic growth.”
His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, noted:
“Qualcomm’s deepening partnership with the Kingdom through HUMAIN is pivotal in advancing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in edge-to-cloud AI infrastructure. Together, we are not only building world-class data centers but also laying the foundation for a thriving semiconductor ecosystem fueled by local talent.”
This collaboration marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a global AI powerhouse, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to technological advancement and economic diversification through Vision 2030.
