Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Cisco announced a major initiative with Saudi Arabia’s new AI enterprise, HUMAIN, to develop one of the world’s most open, scalable, and secure AI infrastructures.

The announcement came during a visit by Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins to the Kingdom, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

As per Cisco’s press release, this collaboration aims to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions under Vision 2030 by delivering secure, cloud-based infrastructure and scalable solutions. The multi-year effort builds on Cisco’s 25-year presence in the Kingdom and reflects its strategic commitment to digital transformation.

Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, welcomed the move, calling it a major leap toward building a thriving AI economy driven by local talent. He emphasized that the partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional AI hub.

Chuck Robbins noted the initiative represents a milestone in the Kingdom’s long-standing partnership with Cisco, aimed at empowering both public and private sectors to lead in the AI revolution. HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin added that the initiative opens AI access to global innovators, removing infrastructure as a barrier to creativity.

In addition to the HUMAIN partnership, Cisco announced further investments: launching an AI Institute at KAUST, offering digital upskilling for 500,000 Saudis, and supporting AI infrastructure for events like Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup. Cisco is also planning to establish a Meraki cloud region and local manufacturing operations to deepen its Saudi footprint.