In March, 2024, all tech executives, engineers and sales representatives were stuck in a traffic jam while heading for a conference some 50 miles outside Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The main attraction was investments of billions of dollars to build tech industry in Saudi to complement its oil industry.

Some 2 lac plus people attended the event. Amazon announced an investment in data centers and AI in Saudi. IBM talked about close collaboration with Saudi. Huawei and other firms made speeches. All were ready to invest in Saudi.

Saudi has decided to become a dominant player in AI. It is pouring in big money. Saudi created $100 billion fund in 2024 to invest in AI and other technology. It wants to build a domestic tech industry. Even its neighbour UAE is investing in tech and AI. Saudi Arabia together with the neighbour will create a new power center in the global tech industry.

The US may have misgivings about the Saudis and Chinese collaboration in this area. To counter this, the US has already brokered a Microsoft deal with G42.

The scorching heat of the desert (reaching 110 degrees F in summer), the not so liberal environment, the attitude towards the LGBTQ, group — all these are issues. But a strong will to overcome the issues will be very helpful.