Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to join the artificial intelligence (AI) race, aiming to establish a significant presence by setting up a $40 billion investment fund. This initiative, reported by the New York Times and based on information from sources familiar with the plans, involves the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) exploring partnerships with prominent financiers, including discussions with Andreessen Horowitz, a leading US. venture capital firm. The collaboration could potentially see Andreessen Horowitz opening an office in Riyadh, with discussions also touching on the role the firm could play in this.
The kingdom is looking to attract various tech startups within the AI sector, focusing on areas such as chip manufacturing and data centers. While plans are still being finalized and could change, the initiative is expected to kick off in the second half of 2024. Saudi Arabia, through the PIF and its governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, has expressed its ambition to become a global AI hub, leveraging its resources and political commitment to support the growth of artificial intelligence outside the US.
