Cisco Partners with Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN to Build AI Infrastructure
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – May 15, 2025: Cisco, a global leader in networking and cybersecurity, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with HUMAIN – Saudi Arabia’s new AI enterprise – to build an advanced AI infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital transformation ambitions. This collaboration is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to position the country as a leading global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation.
Transforming AI Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia
As part of the partnership, Cisco and HUMAIN will design and build one of the world’s most scalable, resilient, and cost-efficient AI infrastructures. This multi-year initiative will support AI-driven innovations across various sectors, providing Saudi organizations with advanced capabilities for data processing, machine learning, and secure AI applications.
H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“We thank Cisco for its continued partnership and commitment to the Kingdom. This investment marks a major step forward in scaling world-class AI infrastructure, accelerating innovation, and advancing a thriving AI economy led by Saudi talent.”
Cisco’s Role in Developing AI Infrastructure
Cisco’s collaboration with HUMAIN goes beyond traditional infrastructure solutions. It aims to build a secure, scalable AI environment powered by Cisco’s state-of-the-art technologies, including:
- AI-Ready Infrastructure: Leveraging Cisco’s Nexus, Nexus HyperFabric, and UCS technologies, designed to support massive, scalable workloads.
- Security by Design: Enhanced protection using Cisco’s Hypershield and Splunk, ensuring secure data processing and model protection.
- Open and Flexible Platform: A vendor-agnostic approach that integrates seamlessly with local and global partners, maximizing business value.
- Global Expertise with Local Impact: Backed by Cisco’s 300,000-strong partner network, delivering world-class solutions tailored to the Kingdom’s needs.
Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, highlighted the company’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital future:
“AI can unlock groundbreaking opportunities for economic growth and innovation, accelerating KSA’s Vision 2030. Together, we are embracing the future and empowering organizations across the public and private sectors to harness the potential of AI.”
Strategic Investments in AI Skills and Research
In addition to building the AI infrastructure, Cisco is making several strategic investments to support Saudi Arabia’s AI ecosystem:
- Cisco AI Institute at KAUST: Establishing an institute at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to drive AI research, innovation, and talent development.
- Digital Skills Training: Providing free training in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming for 500,000 learners over the next five years, expanding on the success of the Cisco Networking Academy.
- AI for Global Mega Events: Cisco will work with the sponsors of Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup to develop secure, AI-driven digital infrastructure for seamless event operations.
A Strong Foundation for Saudi Arabia’s AI Future
Cisco’s partnership with HUMAIN is part of its long-standing commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. With over 25 years of experience in the Kingdom, Cisco has been a key partner in delivering secure, scalable solutions that power the country’s digital economy.
This partnership also builds on Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, which has delivered 23 high-impact projects across healthcare, education, smart cities, and government since 2016.
David Meads, Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania, and CIS at Cisco, emphasized the company’s commitment:
“At Cisco, we’re partnering for the future. Our collaboration with HUMAIN strengthens our support for Saudi’s Vision 2030 and empowers the Kingdom to securely power AI at scale.”
Paving the Way for AI Excellence
The Cisco and HUMAIN AI partnership is set to transform Saudi Arabia into a global leader in artificial intelligence, empowering businesses and public institutions with cutting-edge AI solutions. This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s economy through technology, innovation, and digital skills.
By combining Cisco’s global expertise with HUMAIN’s ambitious vision, this collaboration will create a secure, scalable, and sustainable AI ecosystem – making Saudi Arabia a pioneer in the digital age.
