Cisco, the global leader in networking and security, has entered a strategic collaboration with HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s emerging AI enterprise, to develop the world’s most open, scalable, resilient, and cost-efficient AI infrastructure. This partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and aims to set a new benchmark for AI infrastructure design, security, and delivery.
The collaboration is the cornerstone of a broader initiative that includes investments in research, talent development, and innovation, reinforcing Cisco’s 25-year commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital and economic growth. The announcement follows CEO Chuck Robbins’ visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2023, where he met with HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Cisco’s partnership with HUMAIN will involve building Saudi Arabia’s AI infrastructure from the ground up, delivering scalable and secure cloud-based solutions that will power the Kingdom’s AI ambitions. The multi-year initiative aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in digital innovation.
As part of the initiative, Cisco will provide AI-ready infrastructure, including advanced technologies like Nexus, Nexus HyperFabric, and UCS, designed to support massive, scalable workloads. Additionally, Cisco will offer security solutions such as Hypershield and Splunk to safeguard the applications, data, and models driving AI innovation. Cisco’s open, flexible platform ensures seamless integration with both local and global AI partners, delivering true business value.
Cisco’s involvement in Saudi Arabia’s AI future goes beyond technology; it brings the scale, security, and ecosystem necessary to make AI work for the Kingdom’s economy and society. Backed by a global partner network of 300,000, Cisco has the expertise to help make Saudi Arabia’s AI vision a reality at scale.
Supporting the Kingdom’s AI ambition, Cisco is also making a series of strategic investments to strengthen the AI ecosystem. These include the establishment of the Cisco AI Institute at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), which will accelerate innovation, develop real-world AI solutions, and grow next-generation AI talent in Saudi Arabia. Cisco is also committed to digital upskilling, offering free training in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming to 500,000 learners over the next five years.
Cisco’s work extends to providing AI infrastructure for global mega-events like the Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup, ensuring secure, AI-driven digital infrastructure for these landmark events. Additionally, Cisco is expanding its local manufacturing base and cloud-managed networking solutions in the Kingdom.
David Meads, Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania, and CIS at Cisco, commented, “Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to expanding our investments in Saudi Arabia and solidifies our support for Vision 2030. Together, we are embracing the future and empowering organizations across both the public and private sectors to harness AI’s potential.”
Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, added, “This collaboration is not just about infrastructure; it’s an invitation to the world’s innovators. We are democratizing AI, ensuring that access to advanced AI is only limited by imagination, not infrastructure.”
The partnership marks a significant milestone in more than 25 years of collaboration between Cisco and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the power of AI to drive economic growth and innovation in the Kingdom.
