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- Riyadh’s AI Silicon Valley; Sajwani Bullish on Data Centres; Adnoc-Microsoft, Energy-Tech Alliance
Riyadh’s AI Silicon Valley; Sajwani Bullish on Data Centres; Adnoc-Microsoft, Energy-Tech Alliance
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Happy Tuesday everyone!
The Middle East’s AI ambitions are shifting into high gear, from Riyadh to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin declared the creation of a “true AI Silicon Valley in Riyadh,” underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global innovation. In Dubai, Damac founder Hussain Sajwani told CNN he’s investing billions into data centers and AI infrastructure across 12 countries, calling demand “beyond imagination.” Meanwhile, Adnoc and Microsoft have joined forces to co-develop AI agents and power sustainable data center growth, marking another milestone in the region’s drive to lead the world’s next technology transformation.
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“We Have Created Truly an AI Silicon Valley in Riyadh,” Says HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin
What It’s About?
Saudi AI giant HUMAIN’s CEO Tareq Amin highlighted the rapid rise of AI innovation in Riyadh, calling it “truly an AI Silicon Valley.” He emphasized the importance of broad global participation in AI, stating, “I don’t like centralized knowledge, especially when it comes to AI… I think it’s good for humanity to see different parts of the world participate in this evolution.” Under his leadership, HUMAIN has developed products like Humane One, Humane Search, and Humane Vision—all within just nine months.
Why It Matters?
Amin stressed execution over formal agreements, saying, “I am not MOU obsessed. The results is really what matters to me.” His approach reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position Riyadh as a hub for AI innovation in the Middle East, attracting talent, investment, and tech companies to accelerate AI-driven growth across the region.
What’s Next?
With the foundation laid for a vibrant AI ecosystem, HUMAIN plans to expand its products and continue driving AI development from Riyadh. As Amin noted, “We are just… just started,” signaling further technological breakthroughs, regional collaborations, and initiatives that could establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global player in artificial intelligence.
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Hussain Sajwani Talks Data Centers, AI, and Dubai Ambitions in CNN Interview
What It’s About?
In a CNN interview, Damac founder Hussain Sajwani highlighted his heavy focus on data centers, AI, and infrastructure to support the global AI boom. “I am today focusing heavily on data center and artificial intelligence and infrastructure for the AI,” he said, revealing that Damac has over 20 data centers under construction across 12 countries, with 5,000 megawatts of power already secured and plans to expand further in the U.S.
Why It Matters?
Sajwani stressed the extraordinary global demand for AI computing power. “I met OpenAI’s founder, Sam Altman, I met Oracle’s senior executive… the demand is beyond your thinking,” he said. Through his investments in OpenAI, XAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies, he noted that the AI revolution will reshape industries, though “a lot of people are going to lose their jobs, unfortunately.” He also highlighted the technical complexity and cost of building Tier 3 data centers, estimating $10–14 million per center.
What’s Next?
Damac has committed $20 billion to expand AI infrastructure globally. Sajwani launched Damac AI, which will purchase NVIDIA and AMD chips, store them in its data centers, and sell computing power to hyperscalers like OpenAI, while potentially developing a cloud platform. “We are going all the way on our commitment,” he said, signaling ambitions to make AI infrastructure as significant as residential real estate. On his global perspective, he remarked on leadership inspiration, calling former U.S. President Trump “a very hardworking man… very intelligent… high energy,” highlighting the importance of ambition and execution in his vision.
Adnoc And Microsoft Forge AI Partnership To Power Energy And Data Centre Innovation
What It’s About?
Adnoc has signed a major deal with Microsoft to co-develop and integrate artificial intelligence across its operations, from production to logistics. The agreement, announced ahead of ADIPEC, also includes Masdar and XRG, focusing on sustainable energy infrastructure to power Microsoft’s global AI and data centre growth.
Why It Matters?
The collaboration strengthens Adnoc’s position as an AI-driven energy leader while advancing Microsoft’s sustainability and data ambitions. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said the partnership aims to embed AI “into every layer” of operations while developing energy systems that will “power AI itself.”
What’s Next?
Both companies will roll out AI agents for autonomous operations, expand training programs, and explore transformative AI solutions for the energy sector. Building on Adnoc’s early adoption of generative AI tools, the deal signals a deepening alignment between energy innovation and digital transformation in the UAE’s industrial strategy.
🦄 World of Startups
WTDCare, a Saudi healthtech platform offering non-emergency and special needs medical transportation, raised an undisclosed pre-seed round led by Riyadh Angel Investors.
Syd Life AI, a UAE-based preventive health platform using its proprietary LQM and LQI models, expanded to the US through a $1 billion exclusive partnership with Altius.
MidLyr, a US-Egypt AI infrastructure startup building compliant automation tools for financial institutions, raised $2.5 million in pre-seed funding led by Silicon Badia.
rmz.ai, a Saudi generative AI platform developing AI agents for content creation and campaign management, raised $100,000 in a pre-seed round from Beyond.xyz.
👨💻From Smashi Business’ Desk
All aboard Saudi Arabia’s “Dream of the Desert” — the Kingdom’s first ultra-luxury train unveiled at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.
Saudi delivery app Shgardi has shut down after five years in operation — a sign of how fierce the Kingdom’s delivery wars have become.
UAE Tycoon Al Habtoor Slams Israeli Minister Over Remark That Saudis Should ‘Keep Riding Camels in the Desert’
Pavel Durov’s tweet on the Louvre heist takes an unexpected turn, blending humor with sharp criticism of French security.
UAE’s Hadban Twins Among First 25 Creators Honoured With Instagram Rings in New York.
🔍In other news…
Microsoft to invest over $15 billion in UAE, secures US export licenses for AI chips
Adnoc CEO Says AI Raises Energy Investment Needs to $4 Trillion
Giant Abu Dhabi Oil Field Could Hit Target Early, Says Exxon CEO
AirAsia Plans Middle East Hub in Bahrain Amid Growth Ambitions
Abu Dhabi’s Adnoc Uses AI to Reduce Unplanned Shutdowns by Half
Billionaire Developer Nick Candy and British luxury hotel operator Maybourne have discussed UAE projects
Dubai is encouraging developers to build more hotels in the south of the city due to a shortage of plots for in-demand beachfront resorts.
Riyadh Air will wait for delayed Boeing aircraft deliveries rather than lease planes ahead of its full launch, the airline’s CEO Tony Douglas has said.
