US Tech Firms Secure Major AI Deals During Trump Gulf Tour

US technology firms have announced significant deals in the Middle East as former president Donald Trump proclaimed $600 billion in commitments from Saudi Arabia to American artificial intelligence companies during his tour of the Gulf states. Among the most high-profile agreements was a deal signed by Nvidia, which will supply hundreds of thousands of cutting-edge AI chips to Saudi Arabia. The initial delivery will include 18,000 of Nvidia’s latest “Blackwell” chips, to be utilised by Humain, the AI startup owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.

Trump’s visit also sparked collaborations in the United Arab Emirates. Cisco confirmed a partnership with the UAE-based AI company G42, aiming to advance the country’s AI sector. Reports suggest the UAE is also close to securing a substantial deal to acquire advanced Nvidia AI chips, further strengthening its position in the rapidly growing sector.

While these agreements signify American technology firms solidifying their presence in the region, Saudi Arabia showcased its own ambitions to become a global hub for artificial intelligence. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently launched Humain, a firm dedicated to developing and managing AI technologies. This initiative, alongside significant investments in infrastructure, indicates the kingdom’s strategy to diversify its economy away from oil reliance.

Along with Nvidia’s collaboration, the White House announced that the Saudi Arabian firm DataVolt will invest $20 billion in AI data centres and energy infrastructure within the United States. In turn, major US companies such as Alphabet’s Google, Oracle, Salesforce, and others will invest $80 billion jointly in transformative technologies across both countries, further strengthening partnerships between the US and Saudi Arabia in the technology frontier.

Cisco also plans to work with UAE’s G42 to explore new advancements in cybersecurity and develop AI-driven data centre technologies. This development aligns with both nations’ ambitions to become leaders in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Leveraging advanced AI chips and platforms, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are positioning themselves as prominent players in the global AI sector.

The focus on artificial intelligence deals with the Gulf states highlights the geopolitical importance of advanced semiconductors in global technology leadership. As the US restricts exports of AI chip models to China, the Gulf region stands out as a pivotal partner in shaping the future of AI development.