Artificial intelligence is a new vision for Saudi Arabia.
One of the most important aspects of the commercial battles of developed and developing countries is investment in AI-related infrastructure. Previously, we talked about the wide range of activities of large technology companies in America to provide the vast energy needed for AI systems, and we narrated the massive investments of some large companies in specific countries to create and develop their systems.
Among these, one of the most important issues in this area is the fierce and historical competition between the United States and China. Due to sanctions and restrictions from the US, China has found itself in a particular position and has been deprived of a significant portion of AI hardware and software. The Chinese have addressed this shortage by purchasing secondary resources at much higher prices and responding to US restrictions by limiting the export of expensive metals needed for semiconductors. Nevertheless, these restrictions are costly for the Chinese, but they have also caused problems for other countries. One of these countries is Saudi Arabia, which has taken a massive leap in investing in artificial intelligence and must overcome legal trade barriers in the US in the process.
Saudi Arabia has established a special organization in the field of artificial intelligence and is actively engaged in planning in this area. Recently, they held a major conference and hosted key figures in the technology field globally. It was during this conference and its related programs that the new dimensions of Saudi Arabia’s approach in this field became apparent. Saudis have even taken steps to establish an Islamic AI charter.
What ties the hands of Saudis is their balancing act in simultaneous interactions with the Chinese and Americans. This dilemma has seriously come to light on days when Saudis are striving to go beyond the realm of conventional and intermediate systems and acquire the most powerful hardware. One of Saudi Arabia’s dream items is the most powerful chips produced by Nvidia. Saudis are working to convince American authorities to overcome trade barriers and export restrictions on this specific matter, which will take several months. If successful, Saudis will achieve a great milestone.
By the end of this decade, Saudi investment in artificial intelligence is expected to reach 12% of the country’s gross domestic product.
