Riyadh — The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Cisco have announced a landmark collaboration to establish a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Institute in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional leader in digital innovation and research under the Vision 2030 strategy.
The partnership aims to advance AI research, development, and education while fostering local talent and industry collaboration. The new institute will serve as a hub for AI-driven solutions in key sectors including manufacturing, transport, and autonomous mobility, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification and digital transformation goals.
Cisco will leverage its global expertise in networking, cybersecurity, and cloud-scale AI infrastructure, while KAUST brings its world-class research capabilities, academic excellence, and innovation ecosystem. Together, the two institutions plan to create a platform for cutting-edge R&D, skills development, and real-world AI applications that can accelerate industrial modernization across the Kingdom.
“This AI institute will be crucial for equipping our students with the vital skills needed for the jobs of the future,” said Sir Edward Byrne, President of KAUST, highlighting the university’s two-decade partnership with Cisco as a key pillar in its innovation journey.
Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, emphasized that developing human capital is essential to unlocking AI’s transformative potential. “Empowering talent is the foundation of a sustainable digital economy,” he said, reaffirming Cisco’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s long-term digital growth.
The initiative will also prioritize AI talent cultivation, encouraging local research collaborations and industry partnerships to ensure that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of the next industrial revolution powered by intelligent automation and connected systems.
