Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, has announced a series of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating the AI revolution in the United States and the Middle East. These efforts place Cisco at the forefront of AI infrastructure development in the Gulf region, strengthening its position as a key technology partner for AI innovation and secure, scalable infrastructure.
The announcements follow CEO Chuck Robbins’ recent visit to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, alongside Jeetu Patel, EVP and Chief Product Officer, who is participating in President Trump’s state visit to the region. During their visits, Robbins met with key leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, to discuss AI infrastructure, innovation, and talent development.
These high-level engagements reinforce Cisco’s deep-rooted partnerships in the Gulf, particularly in the AI sector. Cisco’s commitment is evident in its focus on supporting secure AI infrastructure buildouts and advancing AI research and talent across the region.
Robbins highlighted the rapid pace of AI innovation and Cisco’s role in ensuring secure and intelligent implementation of AI across governments, businesses, and consumers. “The Gulf region’s AI revolution is impressive, and Cisco is proud to play a key role in maximizing its value securely,” Robbins stated.
Patel emphasized the need for infrastructure investment, AI security, and new skills to unlock AI’s full potential. Cisco’s collaboration across the Gulf aims to drive impactful, secure AI developments, with several notable announcements:
- AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP): Cisco joins a partnership led by BlackRock, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and others, seeking to raise $30 billion in capital to support scalable, secure AI infrastructure investments.
- Collaboration with HUMAIN in Saudi Arabia: Cisco partners with HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s AI enterprise, to develop open, scalable, and resilient AI infrastructure. This multi-year initiative aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global AI leader.
- Partnership with G42 in the UAE: Cisco extends its partnership with G42 to advance AI infrastructure development, focusing on secure AI solutions and services tailored to regional needs.
- Qatar’s Digital Transformation: Cisco collaborates with Qatar’s Ministry of Interior to enhance the country’s digital transformation through AI, cybersecurity, and infrastructure development.
These initiatives build on Cisco’s recent efforts, including its expanded partnership with NVIDIA to accelerate AI adoption, the release of AI’s first open-source security model, and the launch of Cisco’s $1 billion Global AI Investment Fund. Cisco continues to strengthen its position as a technology leader in the AI space, ensuring secure, scalable, and impactful AI solutions for the future.
