Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The world’s technological landscape is shifting dramatically, and Nvidia is firmly at the epicenter. Just this week, the company announced a staggering deal to supply over 18,000 of its latest artificial intelligence chips to Saudi Arabia’s Humain, a move that’s sending ripples throughout the tech industry and raising significant geopolitical questions.
A White House-Backed Investment
The announcement, made as part of a White House-led trip to the region, underscores the strategic importance of AI and the lengths to which nations are going to secure access to the technology. President Donald Trump and other top CEOs were present at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, highlighting the administration’s focus on bolstering U.S. tech leadership.
Blackwell Chips Fueling Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions
At the heart of the deal are Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell chips. Humain will be utilizing these chips in data centers totaling 500 megawatts – essentially, building “AI factories” – a testament to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to become a major player in the development and deployment of advanced AI software, including technologies like ChatGPT. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “Saudi Arabia should build the AI infrastructure of your nation so that you could participate and help shape the future of this incredibly transformative technology.”
Strategic Significance & Geopolitical Implications
This isn’t just a business deal; it’s a strategic move. The Department of Commerce recently scrapped a rule implemented under the Biden administration, simplifying the export licensing process for Nvidia’s AI chips. This shift signals a renewed focus on supporting U.S. tech companies and bolstering their global competitiveness. The race to develop and deploy AI is intensifying, and nations are vying for access to the most advanced hardware.
AMD Joins the Race
The competition isn’t limited to Nvidia. AMD has also secured a supply agreement with Humain, further solidifying the landscape of AI hardware providers. Humain has committed a staggering $10 billion to the project, demonstrating the scale of investment driving this technological revolution.
Trump’s Praise & a Competitive Edge
Even President Trump took a moment to praise Jensen Huang’s attendance, contrasting him with Apple CEO Tim Cook, who was notably absent. This highlights the perceived importance of Nvidia’s role in this new technological era.
Looking Ahead
The deal between Nvidia and Humain represents a pivotal moment in the global AI landscape. With massive investment, strategic partnerships, and a renewed focus on export control, the race to dominate the future of artificial intelligence is officially underway.
Sourced from https://www.cnbc.com/