Saudi Arabian AI firm Humain is seeking U.S. approval for advanced semiconductor exports by committing to exclude Huawei technology, aiming to access AI chips from NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm. This move supports Saudi Arabia’s AI expansion goals amid U.S. restrictions on Chinese tech.
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Humain’s CEO pledges no Huawei integration to address U.S. security concerns and secure export licenses for cutting-edge AI accelerators.
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Founded in May and backed by Public Investment Fund, Humain plans a $3 billion data center partnership to boost computing capacity.
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By 2030, Humain targets deploying 400,000 AI chips, starting with 18,000 in 2026, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global AI leader.
Saudi AI firm Humain pushes for U.S. semiconductor approval sans Huawei tech, eyeing NVIDIA chips for massive expansion. Discover how this bolsters Saudi’s AI ambitions and global tech race.
What is Humain’s Strategy for Securing U.S. Approval for AI Semiconductors?
Humain’s strategy for securing U.S. approval for AI semiconductors involves a firm commitment to excluding Huawei technology from its operations, as pledged by CEO Tareq Amin. This approach aims to alleviate national security concerns, facilitating access to advanced AI accelerators from American firms like NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm. Amin emphasized in an interview at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh that Humain will never incorporate Huawei’s Ascend chips, contrasting with U.S. restrictions on Chinese tech giants.
How Does Humain Plan to Expand Its AI Infrastructure?
Humain, founded in May and controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is at the heart of the kingdom’s push to become a global AI powerhouse. The firm recently announced a $3 billion data center partnership with Blackstone, with potential involvement from investors like BlackRock, KKR & Co., and DigitalBridge. CEO Tareq Amin, a former Aramco Digital executive, envisions Humain as the world’s third-largest computing capacity provider, trailing only the U.S. and China.
A key challenge is obtaining export licenses for state-of-the-art AI chips, particularly from NVIDIA. While the U.S. has eased some Gulf export bans under the previous administration, approvals for Saudi Arabia remain pending due to fears of technology diversion to China. Amin highlighted his experience from Rakuten Group in navigating U.S. investment approvals and has shared Humain’s comprehensive security plans with U.S. officials, describing it as a unique “defense package” for the region.
Humain has forged partnerships with Western tech leaders, including NVIDIA, Advanced Micro Devices, and startup Groq. It will be the first customer for Qualcomm’s new AI chips, designed to rival NVIDIA. All these firms have applied for export licenses to Saudi Arabia. The company aims to deploy about 18,000 AI chips in 2026 as its initial phase, scaling up to 400,000 by 2030. Amin remains optimistic, pointing to upcoming diplomatic talks and a planned U.S. visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Humain’s chairman, next month. “We’re not far away,” Amin stated, anticipating possible outcomes in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Role Does Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Play in Humain’s Growth?
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund controls Humain and is driving its expansion through strategic investments, including a $3 billion data center deal with Blackstone. This backing positions Humain to consolidate AI assets and achieve global scale, with plans for thousands of advanced chips by 2030 to support the kingdom’s digital transformation.
Why Is Excluding Huawei Important for Humain’s U.S. Partnerships?
Excluding Huawei addresses U.S. concerns over technology security and potential Chinese access, enabling Humain to secure export licenses for AI chips from NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm. CEO Tareq Amin’s pledge ensures compliance with U.S. restrictions on blacklisted firms like Huawei, fostering trust and accelerating Saudi Arabia’s AI infrastructure development.
Key Takeaways
- Security Commitment: Humain’s exclusion of Huawei technology is key to gaining U.S. approval for advanced semiconductors, easing export restrictions.
- Expansion Timeline: Starting with 18,000 AI chips in 2026, Humain aims for 400,000 by 2030, backed by major partnerships.
- Investment Boost: PIF and Aramco’s collaboration strengthens Humain’s position, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s AI leadership and energy-efficient innovations.
Conclusion
Humain’s pursuit of U.S. approval for AI semiconductors underscores Saudi Arabia’s bold AI expansion strategy, free from Huawei influences and powered by collaborations with NVIDIA and others. With Public Investment Fund and Aramco’s support, the firm is set to transform the kingdom into an AI hub. As diplomatic efforts progress, stakeholders should monitor developments for opportunities in this evolving global tech landscape.
