Jeddah by jet ski: How the Red Sea is powering Saudi Arabia's new tourism economy
This shift shows Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 diversification plan in action, with private enterprise working alongside government-led reforms to help deliver new economic developments.
In 2024, Jeddah's Red Sea tourism figures were robust, with the Jeddah Season attracting over 1.7 million visitors in 52 days, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
This came as the Kingdom as a whole saw a record 30 million inbound tourists in 2024, an 8 percent increase from 2023, with a total inbound tourism spending of SR168.5 billion ($44 million), up 19 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
How the Red Sea coastline in Jeddah changed into a key hub for marine leisure activities
Developments on hand are part of a larger coastal regeneration plan aimed at establishing Jeddah as a key gateway between the Red Sea and global destinations.
According to Samir Imran, partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East, the Red Sea Global resort is expanding its eco-development along the Red Sea coast, focusing on regenerative tourism, coral reef preservation, and high-end hospitality, noting that resorts like Sheybarah, Six Senses, and Desert Rock are already open, with more set to launch soon.
'Modern Waterfront & Marinas: Jeddah's 4.2 km Corniche Waterfront was completely redeveloped and opened, providing parks, beaches, promenades and recreational facilities. Now named the Roshn Waterfront, this seaside promenade attracts over 55 million visitors each year who come to exercise and enjoy Red Sea views,' Imran said.
He explained that the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, which opened in 2022, is Saudi Arabia's first luxury tourist marina, offering 101 deep-water berths, superyacht services, and positioning Jeddah as a key hub for the Kingdom's growing tourism sector.
Similarly, PwC Middle East Partner and Global Tourism Industry Lead, Nicolas Mayer, elaborated on how Jeddah's Red Sea coast has become a top tourism destination, offering a mix of heritage, culture, and marine leisure that appeals to today's experience-driven travelers.
'There's also been rapid growth in nature-based activities. Snorkeling, fishing trips, and coral reef tours now feature alongside kayaking, bird watching, and excursions into the coastal wetlands. These options open the door to everything from a morning adventure to a multi-day itinerary,' Mayer said.
'What makes Jeddah special is how well all of this comes together. You can start your day in a historic district and end it on a jet ski or dining seaside. For many visitors, this mix of experiences is what makes Jeddah feel like a real destination, not just a single attraction,' he added.
How the Saudi Vision 2030 is influencing the coastal renaissance in Jeddah
Jeddah's marine luxury growth stems from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which drives tourism, economic diversification, and quality of life, with the coastline showcasing these efforts.
From Arthur D. Little's side, Imran explained that Saudi Arabia has introduced major regulatory reforms to boost marine tourism, including tourist e-visas, lifting the ban on foreign-flagged yachts, and establishing the Red Sea Authority to issue licenses and oversee the sector's growth.
'By establishing defined entry points with customs facilities and streamlining yacht permit procedures, the Kingdom eliminated longstanding barriers, making it more accessible and connected to the global community,' he said.
The partner went on to say that under Vision 2030, the nation has heavily invested in the area's tourism infrastructure, including the Jeddah Central Project, backed by the Public Investment Fund, which is expected to feature a new waterfront, marina, beaches, and cultural landmarks by 2027.
At the same time, the government is encouraging private-sector participation through regulatory reforms and incentives, leading to partnerships like Cruise Saudi and MSC Cruises, all aimed at transforming Jeddah into a global marine tourism hub.
He added that the area's coastal transformation is fueling Saudi Arabia's tourism boom. As marine attractions grow, so does local spending and job creation, with Red Sea tourism expected to add SR85 billion to gross domestic product and create 210,000 jobs by 2030.
'In Jeddah, one can already see the impact in the hospitality sector: dozens of new restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels have sprung up along the revitalized Corniche, employing Saudi youth and diversifying the local economy,' Imran said.
He concluded by saying that marine sports in Jeddah are boosting local talent, with over 1,000 Saudis trained in 2024 for roles like dive instructors and marina managers. Vision 2030 has also enabled women to join the sector, competing in sailing and powerboat racing. These efforts are creating a cycle of stronger infrastructure, workforce inclusion, and rising tourism.
Additionally, Vision 2030 has driven Jeddah's shift from standalone projects to integrated coastal destinations, fostering long-term tourism growth and job creation.
'In Jeddah, we're seeing a sharp rise in new job categories tied to the marine economy. Tour operators, diving instructors, marina staff, fishing guides, and jet ski rental businesses are expanding fast. Yacht chartering and high-end marine hospitality are growing too,' PwC's Mayer said.
He continued to stress that upscale waterfront dining is boosting demand for a wide range of hospitality roles, supported by local training programs.
Meanwhile, the 'Umrah Plus' trend is encouraging religious visitors to extend their stays for cultural and leisure experiences, creating new jobs and aligning with Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and investment in people.
The future development of Jeddah's marine
Arthur D. Little's Imran noted that Jeddah's Red Sea coast is set to strengthen its position as a marine luxury hub, combining heritage with modern coastal appeal. With strong infrastructure already in place, experts are optimistic about continued rapid growth.
'The Al-Arbaeen Lagoon revival, with its new yacht marina and 4.4 km park, is actively under construction in 2025. These will add capacity for more boats and more visitors. Cruise tourism is also ramping up, Jeddah's port is now a home base for Red Sea cruises, introducing yet another stream of maritime tourists exploring the coast,' he said.
'We can expect tourist volumes in Jeddah to keep climbing as air connectivity improves and as word spreads about its Red Sea treasures,' the ADL partner added.
Private and global investors are playing a bigger role in Jeddah's tourism growth, aiming to serve 19 million coastal visitors by 2030, many from the region, Imran clarified.
He noted that experts view Jeddah's Red Sea location as ideal for year-round yachting, positioning it as a strong alternative to winter destinations such as the Caribbean or Dubai.
From PwC's perspective, Mayer justified that the Red Sea Authority will ensure future growth stays sustainable and coordinated, while the city's active private sector helps drive innovation and preserve its unique character.
'We'll likely see growth in multi-day yacht itineraries that link Jeddah to quieter parts of the coast. Cruise tourism might also become a bigger part of the mix, especially as infrastructure improves. Water taxis, floating hotels, and digitally enhanced marine experiences, like virtual dive guides, could help the city appeal to younger travelers and tech-savvy tourists,' Mayer said.
He added: 'Jeddah also benefits from its position as both a cultural capital and a transit hub for religious tourism. That makes it a natural gateway. Travelers might start their trip with Umrah or a visit to Al-Balad and then head to the coast for a few days of nature and leisure.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Startup Wrap: Saudi Arabia leads MENA startup funding in H1 with $1.34 billion raised
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia emerged as the Middle East and North Africa's top-funded startup market in the first half of 2025, securing approximately 64 percent of the region's total capital. Investments in the Kingdom surged to $1.34 billion, representing a 342 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report by Wamda and Digital Digest. This performance, supported by sovereign wealth backing, targeted government incentives, and strong domestic venture activity, solidified Saudi Arabia's dominance amid a broader regional funding rebound. The Kingdom's fintech sector accounted for the bulk of capital, raising $969 million across 20 transactions. Construction tech and property tech followed with $48 million and $39 million, respectively. Activity was led by local firms such as STV, Wa'ed Ventures, and Raed Ventures, with international participation also emerging — most notably JPMorgan's involvement in a debt round raised by Saudi fintech Lendo. Across the broader region, MENA startups raised $2.1 billion through 334 deals in the first half of 2025, up 134 percent from the same period in 2024. Debt financing played a critical role in this growth, contributing $930 million — about 44 percent of the total. Excluding debt, the year-on-year growth stood at 53 percent, indicating improved but more tempered equity market conditions. The second quarter closed with $583.4 million invested across 149 deals, outperforming the same period of 2024 despite a slower June. Fintech remained the region's top-funded sector, securing $170 million in the second quarter, followed by property tech with $77 million and travel tech with $40 million. The UAE recorded $541 million in investments across 114 deals in the first half, reflecting an 18 percent increase over the previous year. Fintech led with $265.8 million, followed by insurance tech with $55 million, and Web3 and AI with $44.7 million each. Debt made up 19 percent of total UAE deal volume, suggesting a comparatively robust equity environment. Eight female-led startups in the UAE raised $17.6 million, while mixed-gender teams attracted $91.7 million. In Egypt, startup funding climbed 106 percent to reach $179 million across 52 deals, despite sustained macroeconomic pressure and rising external debt. Property tech led with $75 million, followed by fintech with $85.3 million and e-commerce with $24.8 million. Female-founded startups raised $425,000, while mixed-gender teams secured $23 million. Mid-stage investments dominated by capital volume, with $161 million allocated across 10 Series A rounds in the second quarter. However, early-stage startups — defined as pre-seed to Series A — continued to account for the majority of transactions, capturing $568 million in the first half. Later-stage companies secured $431.7 million. Fintech sustained its leadership across MENA in the first half, attracting 62 percent of total capital through 77 deals. Venture studios ranked second, driven by a major investment in iMena Group, while property tech came third with $119 million raised across 16 startups. Business-to-business models accounted for 70 percent of total first half funding, securing $1.5 billion across 197 transactions. Business-to-consumer and hybrid models attracted the remainder. Despite record-breaking funding levels, gender disparities persisted. Startups led solely by men received nearly 89 percent of first half capital. Female-founded ventures raised $84.5 million across 27 deals, while mixed-gender teams garnered $150 million through 48 deals. ZabonEx raises $100k to optimize food supply chains in Oman Oman-based predictive analytics startup ZabonEx has raised $100,000 in pre-seed funding, led by Future Fund Oman and ITHCA Group. Founded in 2023 by Hatim Moosa and Almuhannad Al-Balushi, ZabonEx offers a B2B Software-as-a-Service platform that delivers real-time, customer-level demand forecasting for the food and beverage sector. The funding will support enhancements to ZabonEx's predictive engine, the expansion of its tech team, and the development of strategic partnerships within Oman's food supply chain. The startup is also building onboarding tools tailored to the local market as it prepares for regional expansion. Qlub raises $30m to drive international growth UAE-based fintech Qlub has raised $30 million in a new funding round to support its global expansion efforts. The round was co-led by Shorooq Partners and Cherry Ventures, with participation from e&, Mubadala Investments, and Legend Capital. Qlub, founded in 2021 by Eyad Al-Kassar and Mahmoud Fouz, offers a contactless dining payment platform allowing diners to view menus, order, and pay via smartphone. The new funds will be used to expand into additional markets, enhance analytics capabilities, and improve integration with hospitality systems. According to the company, clients have reported 300 percent more tips, 80 percent faster checkouts, and substantial labor cost savings. Lime launches in Egypt to address education finance needs Lime Consumer Finance, a subsidiary of First Abu Dhabi Bank Group, has launched operations in Egypt with a focus on education financing. Licensed by the Financial Regulatory Authority, Lime aims to provide accessible and transparent financial solutions for Egyptian families. The platform supports payments across a network of nurseries, schools, and universities and offers installment plans of up to 12 months for amounts up to 1 million Egyptian pounds. With over 30 percent of Egypt's population under 15, the company positions education as a strategic entry point for broader financial services. Flend secures $3m to bridge SME funding gap in Egypt Egyptian fintech Flend has raised $3 million in seed funding through a mix of equity and debt. The equity round was led by Egypt Ventures, with participation from Camel Ventures, Sukna Ventures, Plus VC, Banque Misr, and prominent family offices. Debt financing was provided by MSMEDA and local banks. Founded by Ahmed Zaki, Nehal Helmy, and Saif Edeen El-Bendari, Flend provides fully digital short-term working capital loans to SMEs, with direct integration into over 20 supply chain platforms. The company plans to deploy 1 billion Egyptian pounds in loans over the next year while expanding its team, partnerships, and technical infrastructure. Journify doubles valuation following strategic investment UAE-based Journify has secured new strategic investment from Shorooq Partners, Bunat Ventures, and Plug and Play, doubling its valuation and achieving fivefold revenue growth within six months. The startup was founded in 2023 by Taoufik El-Jamali, Amine Chouki, and Omar Al-Shoubaki. Journify provides an AI-powered data activation platform that helps Gulf Cooperation Council brands leverage first-party data across major ad platforms. The company plans to use the funding to advance its AI roadmap, scale hiring across key departments, and expand further into the GCC market. SafaQat secures investment to advance AI-driven procurement in Oman Oman-based digital procurement platform SafaQat has received funding from the Oman Future Fund and Idrak Group. Founded in 2020 by four brothers, the startup digitises the tendering process and is supported by the SME Development Authority. SafaQat intends to enhance its AI infrastructure, improve the user experience, and expand into government procurement and new markets with the latest investment.
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's high-end dining scene fuels culinary and cultural revival
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's culinary heritage is deeply rooted in its diverse landscapes, climates, and tribal traditions — further shaped by centuries of global trade. Yet both locally and internationally, exposure to authentic Saudi cuisine has long remained limited to a few convenient, accessible formats. That's changing, not just in taste but in structure. In July, the Saudi government issued a formal regulatory framework for luxury restaurants, officially classifying fine dining as a distinct category with its own licensing code — requiring on-table service only, the elimination of cashier counters, and a curated, limited number of branded outlets per city. Each establishment must feature a visible beverage prep station, maintain distinct employee-only rest areas, and meet strict kitchen zoning rules that separate raw, cooked, and served foods to minimize contamination. By formalizing standards for luxury restaurants, the government aims to elevate service consistency, improve operational quality, and ensure a premium guest experience across the Kingdom. The new framework will not only protect consumers but also encourage global investment by giving restaurateurs a clear, streamlined path to enter Saudi Arabia's high-end dining market. It reflects the broader goals of Vision 2030: to boost tourism, foster entrepreneurship, and position Saudi cities as regional lifestyle destinations. The Saudi foodservice market is projected to grow from $30.12 billion in 2025 to $44.67 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2 percent, according to Mordor Intelligence, a market research firm. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global culinary destination — supporting local entrepreneurship and attracting international ventures — while reshaping its food and hospitality landscape. Economic ripple effects The rise of high-end dining in Saudi Arabia is generating widespread economic ripple effects, starting with job creation across multiple sectors. According to Elena Caron, corporate services director at Fragomen, demand is growing not only for chefs and service staff, but also for professionals in logistics, supply chain, and technology. 'At the same time, restaurants and hospitality groups must navigate a more complex regulatory environment. Complying with labor laws, meeting Saudization quotas, securing commercial licenses and following foreign investment rules are all essential to ensure legal compliance and long-term business sustainability,' Caron said. She added that supply chain and food safety standards are also evolving, particularly with the growing emphasis on local sourcing. 'As partnerships with Saudi farms and producers expand, restaurants are expected to meet rigorous food handling and traceability requirements in line with Saudi Food and Drug Authority's regulations,' she said. 'In this environment, compliance isn't optional — it's essential to protect brand integrity and maintain consumer trust.' Ahmad Al-Zaini, CEO and co-founder of cloud-based restaurant management and point-of-sale platform Foodics, noted that demand for skilled talent is rising across service, logistics, and food production, while the expansion of premium dining is also increasing the need for upscale real estate, smart kitchens, and efficient service systems. 'At Foodics, we've seen a clear uptick in demand from premium and fine dining establishments that want operational clarity, advanced analytics, seamless integrations and customer experiences,' he said. 'These businesses are anchors for the recently unlocked premium lifestyles in the Kingdom, and they play a role in attracting a new category of sophisticated investors, operators, and entrepreneurs.' Alexander Sysoev, founder of international restaurant guide GreatList, an international restaurant guide, described fine dining as a powerful catalyst — driving demand for luxury real estate, elevating local production standards, and generating diverse employment opportunities across the culinary value chain. 'The real shift is cultural,' Sysoev said. 'It raises expectations across industries — from education and sourcing to hospitality. Restaurants are no longer just places to eat — they're becoming part of a national economic strategy.' Patrick Samaha, partner at Kearney Middle East and Africa, said the Kingdom's F&B sector grew 15 percent in 2025, creating hundreds of jobs through major restaurant openings in Riyadh and Jeddah. 'This momentum is also reshaping the real estate landscape,' he said, adding: 'Premium F&B demand in districts like King Abdullah Financial District and Jeddah's Corniche surged 20 percent in 2025, prompting developers to integrate signature dining into luxury mixed-use projects.' Vision 2030's culinary impact Fine dining has become a core pillar of Saudi Arabia's economic transformation under Vision 2030, with government support attracting top global chefs, brands, and investors. According to Caron, a new generation of Saudi culinary entrepreneurs is rising. 'Vision 2030 has empowered them to launch dining concepts that reflect local culture while meeting global standards,' she said. Al-Zaini added that global brands are expanding into Saudi Arabia to tap new audiences, which in turn is raising service standards and fostering competition across the value chain. 'This has led to a rise in homegrown restaurateurs investing in premium concepts, training local talent, and demanding more reliable infrastructure for their operations,' he said. Sysoev agreed, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia is emerging as a high-potential culinary market. 'For local entrepreneurs, it brings legitimacy, infrastructure, and — most importantly — a sense of momentum,' he said. 'They no longer need to prove that fine dining is possible. Now, they're proving they can lead.' Samaha noted that recent reforms and giga-projects have fast-tracked international investment, with brands like COYA and Le Petit Chef entering the market. In the first half of 2025 alone, seven major openings were recorded. 'Vision 2030 is cultivating local talent, despite the influx of international brands and concepts,' he said, adding: 'Initiatives like the Culinary Incubator and Human Capability Development Program trained over 4,500 Saudis in hospitality and culinary arts in 2025, enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs to emerge.' He added that distinctly Saudi fine dining concepts are now emerging — blending local heritage with global techniques to redefine the Kingdom's culinary identity. Riyadh and Jeddah lead the way Looking ahead, industry leaders agree that Riyadh and Jeddah will remain at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's fine dining evolution. Al-Zaini pointed to the Kingdom's tech-savvy, affluent youth as key drivers of demand for globally inspired yet locally grounded dining experiences. 'This creates the perfect opportunity for restaurateurs to experiment with the plethora of technologies at their disposal today, from interactive culinary displays to personalized dishes, and gastronomical explorations with local ingredients from the Kingdom's vast agricultural landscape,' he said. Sysoev noted that while AI can optimize menus and personalize service, true value lies in originality and cultural context. He projected that soon Saudi Arabia will not be copying Western models — it will be crafting its own. 'That means a stronger focus on local ingredients, sustainability, and chef-driven concepts with a distinct point of view. Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah don't need to follow the hype — their power will come from building identity. That's how they'll stand out on the global culinary map,' Sysoev said. According to Samaha, three key trends are shaping the future of fine dining in the Kingdom: innovation, sustainability, and cultural storytelling. He said restaurants are using AI and smart tech to personalize guest experiences. Sustainability is now central, with zero-waste kitchens, local sourcing, and green initiatives like AlUla's solar-powered Desert Bloom project. 'Third, fine dining in the Kingdom is evolving into a platform for cultural expression. Events like Layali Diriyah and the Riyadh Food Art Festival position cuisine as a medium for storytelling, identity, and destination branding,' he said. As Saudi Arabia reimagines its tourism and lifestyle sectors, fine dining is no longer just about food — it is a strategic lever for economic diversification, cultural diplomacy, and global identity.
Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia accelerates AI push with HUMAIN at the helm
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is ramping up its artificial intelligence ambitions with the launch of HUMAIN, a flagship initiative backed by the Public Investment Fund, as part of its broader drive to become a global AI powerhouse. With more than $40 billion earmarked for AI-related investments under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is scaling up infrastructure, forging global tech partnerships, and positioning itself as a hub for advanced AI applications across the Middle East and beyond. 'Artificial intelligence has become a strategic priority for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it aligns strongly with the country's economic transformation goals and enhances governance,' Youssef Saidi, an economic expert and research fellow at the Economic Research Forum, told Arab News. He added that the Kingdom's AI strategy aims to position the country as a global AI leader by the end of the decade. 'Saudi Arabia is leveraging AI to drive innovation and economic growth across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and logistics, helping the country's transition into a knowledge-based economy. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in AI research and development to become a regional leader in this field,' he added. HUMAIN launch Wholly owned by PIF, HUMAIN was launched in May by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to develop advanced Arabic language models and establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI infrastructure and innovation. The initiative is expected to support local innovation, develop intellectual property, and attract top global AI talent and investment. 'HUMAIN is due to offer one of the world's most powerful multimodal Arabic language models, advanced AI tools, and next-generation data centers,' said Saidi. He added: 'HUMAIN is expected to contribute to Saudi Arabia's AI ecosystem by fostering human-centered AI innovation, encouraging the design of AI systems that are ethical, inclusive, transparent, and accountable.' The company aims to enhance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address real-world challenges relevant to Saudi society. Its focus spans strategic sectors including energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. Building talent To ensure long-term sustainability of its AI sector, Saudi Arabia is also prioritizing talent development and creating an attractive environment for global expertise. Speaking to Arab News, Yaseen Ghulam, associate professor of economics and director of research at Riyadh-based Al-Yamamah University, said the Kingdom aims to train 20,000 data and AI experts by 2030 through investor-friendly regulations and public-private partnerships. He cited initiatives such as the ATHKA AI Olympiad and Elevate AI training program as key contributors to public education and skills development. 'Microsoft, Huawei, Accenture, Atomcamp, and Oracle are also establishing AI academy programs,' Ghulam added. He added that the Kingdom is gaining global traction as a destination for skilled professionals, noting that it ranks third globally in AI hiring growth, with women leading in skills penetration. 'The country pays AI experts 20 percent more than the world average, along with additional incentives,' said Ghulam. Tech partnerships Saudi Arabia's AI ambitions are being bolstered by collaborations with global tech giants, particularly in semiconductors and advanced computing. 'NVIDIA and AMD, two major players in the graphics processing unit market, are playing a key role in Saudi Arabia's AI infrastructure development,' said Saidi. He noted that NVIDIA is partnering with the Kingdom to build AI factories powered by its Grace Blackwell supercomputers, with a projected capacity of 500 megawatts. 'The partnership between Saudi Arabia and NVIDIA aims to establish hyperscale AI data centers, enabling Saudi Arabia to train and deploy sovereign AI models at scale,' the research fellow added. NVIDIA is also working with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority to train thousands of developers in accelerated computing and AI. Saidi highlighted the key role of global tech giants like California-based semiconductor firm Advanced Micro Devices in supporting Saudi Arabia's AI ecosystem and driving its digital transformation agenda. 'AMD is investing up to $10 billion to deploy 500 megawatts of AI compute capacity over the next five years and collaborating with Saudi organizations to develop AI enterprise platforms, supporting digital transformation across industries,' he said, adding that the NVIDIA and AMD investments will have a great benefit in developing human capital and shaping the future of AI-driven activities in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Strategic edge Ghulam pointed to several factors that position the Kingdom as a strong global AI contender, including its recognition as the world leader in government strategy in the sector in the 2024 Global AI Index. 'The country has a significant advantage in hosting data centers and training AI models due to its strategic location, financial might, excess energy, expanding private sector, and digitization push,' he said. The Kingdom is home to over 240 AI-focused businesses and has seen a fivefold increase in its AI patent portfolio since 2019. Heavy investment in digital infrastructure is also enhancing global connectivity and AI dataset capabilities. Ghulam added that Saudi Arabia has one of the strongest AI-related physical infrastructure footprints in the region, with 10 supercomputers and the highest number of colocation data centers in the Middle East. 'The Arabic language AI models that are to be developed by HUMAIN are expected to serve more than 450 million people worldwide who speak Arabic around the world,' said Ghulam. With foundational work well underway, Ghulam said the Kingdom has set an ambitious benchmark for the years ahead. 'Saudi Arabia aims to become one of the top 15 AI prepared countries by 2030, investing heavily in energy, data centers, semiconductors, and connectivity,' he said. He added that the Kingdom's public AI spending commitments — both current and projected — surpass those of the US and China. 'HUMAIN plans to build 1.9 gigawatts of data center capacity by 2030 and collaborate with NVIDIA to ship cutting-edge GPUs to Saudi Arabia,' he concluded.
