Latest news with #ALLaM
Channel Post MEA
15-05-2025
- Business
- Channel Post MEA
Qualcomm and HUMAIN Collaborate to Develop Next-Generation AI Data Centers
Qualcomm and HUMAIN announced a strategic collaboration to develop next-generation AI data centers, infrastructure, and cloud-to-edge services to meet the rapidly growing demand for AI worldwide, including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The focus of the collaboration is: Develop and build cutting-edge AI data centers in Saudi Arabia designed to deliver highly efficient, scalable cloud-to-edge hybrid AI inferencing solutions for local and international customers based on Qualcomm Technologies' edge and data center solutions Develop and supply state-of-the-art data center CPU and AI solutions from Qualcomm Technologies, with leading performance and efficiency, to power data centers in HUMAIN's AI cloud infrastructure Accelerate the use of HUMAIN's AI cloud infrastructure by leveraging edge devices powered by Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon and Dragonwing processors Integrate HUMAIN's family of Arabic large language models (ALLaM, co-developed with SDAIA) with the wide ecosystem of AI edge devices powered by Qualcomm Technologies' processors, bringing hybrid cloud-to-edge AI inferencing capabilities to a vast array of devices The data centers and supporting ecosystem are intended to provide both government and enterprise organizations with access to high-performance and power efficient CPU and AI cloud infrastructure and cloud-to-edge services. These offerings will enable the deployment of AI solutions that can make real-time predictions and decisions, in addition to significantly increasing the availability and value of advanced AI-enabled applications. HUMAIN and Qualcomm will also collaborate with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to establish a world-class Qualcomm Design Center in Saudi Arabia for semiconductor technology, supported with training and startup initiatives focused on building infrastructure and technology capabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This initiative supports the Kingdom's goal of becoming a global hub for semiconductor design, driving economic growth, attracting talent, and providing upskilling opportunities in semiconductor technology to the Kingdom's engineers. 'We thank Qualcomm Technologies for deepening their strategic partnership with the Kingdom and their collaboration with HUMAIN marks a major step in advancing Saudi Arabia's leadership in edge-to-cloud AI infrastructure and intelligent compute. Together, we are not only building data centers and next-generation AI capabilities but also laying the groundwork for a vibrant semiconductor ecosystem powered by world-class talent,' said His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. 'Saudi Arabia is making impressive strides toward becoming a global AI leader, and Qualcomm Technologies is pleased to be working with HUMAIN to support the realization of these goals. We are incredibly excited help build the advanced AI data center infrastructure required to launch reliable and cost-effective next-generation hybrid AI services in the Kingdom and globally using our industry-leading CPU and AI solutions,' said Cristiano Amon, president and chief executive officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. 'We are equally proud to work with MCIT to help drive the development of Saudi Arabia's semiconductor sector. Establishing chip design capabilities in country will be a major step in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030, and we are honored partner with the Kingdom on this important journey.' 'This agreement marks a major milestone in our journey to build a global hub for AI infrastructure, which helps enable Qualcomm Technologies' data center expansion, driving high-performance low-power computing and energy-efficient AI processing at scale. Together, we're not only accelerating technological advancement – we are building the foundation for the region's most powerful cloud-to-edge hybrid AI which will create opportunities for innovation, job growth, and sustainable economic impact,' said Tareq Amin, chief executive officer, HUMAIN. 0 0
TECHx
14-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Qualcomm, HUMAIN to Build AI Data Centers in Saudi Arabia
Home » Tech Value Chain » Global Brands » Qualcomm, HUMAIN to Build AI Data Centers in Saudi Arabia Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and HUMAIN announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing advanced AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was signed during the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, held alongside the official visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the Kingdom. According to the announcement, the strategic collaboration will focus on next-generation AI data centers and cloud-to-edge services to meet rising global demand. Qualcomm Technologies, known for enabling connected intelligent computing, and HUMAIN, a national AI champion, plan to leverage their combined expertise for this initiative. As reported, the MoU outlines several key objectives: Build AI data centers in Saudi Arabia using Qualcomm Technologies' edge and data center solutions to serve both local and global clients. Deploy high-efficiency CPUs and AI solutions from Qualcomm to power HUMAIN's AI cloud infrastructure. Use Snapdragon® and Dragonwing® processors to scale edge device integration and hybrid AI inferencing. The companies also intend to integrate HUMAIN's Arabic Large Language Models (ALLaM), co-developed with SDAIA, into Qualcomm-powered devices. This move is expected to support hybrid AI operations from the cloud to the edge, offering real-time predictions and decision-making capabilities. In addition, Qualcomm and HUMAIN announced collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to establish a Qualcomm Design Center in the Kingdom. The new center will focus on semiconductor development and include training programs and startup support. Officials emphasized that the initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The goal is to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for AI and semiconductor innovation. Minister of Communications and Information Technology, H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, said the partnership with Qualcomm strengthens the Kingdom's position in intelligent computing. He added it also sets the foundation for a strong local semiconductor ecosystem. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon stated that Saudi Arabia is making rapid progress in AI leadership. He noted that this collaboration would support reliable and cost-effective hybrid AI services in the region and beyond. HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin said the agreement represents a milestone in building a global AI infrastructure hub. He highlighted the project's potential to create innovation, job opportunities, and long-term economic growth in Saudi Arabia. The agreement marks a significant step in the Kingdom's journey to advance its AI and semiconductor ambitions through global partnerships.
Arab News
20-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
An AI strategy for workforce empowerment
Most companies today are streamlining workflows and strengthening their competitive edge with artificial intelligence. They know preparation is critical to staying ahead in the rapidly growing AI-powered digital economy, both locally and globally. Around the world, corporate investments in AI have skyrocketed from $14.57 billion in 2013 to $189 billion in 2023 — a 13-fold increase, according to WisdomTree, a global asset manager specializing in exchange-traded funds. In Saudi Arabia, the AI market was valued at $1.52 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $9.33 billion by 2030, BlueWeave Consulting reports. Yet, many businesses aiming to become 'AI-enabled' overlook a key lesson from Saudi Arabia's national AI strategy: successful transformation requires more than just technology. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has prioritized the industry through its National Strategy for Data and AI, fostering investments, favorable policies, and workforce development to create a thriving ecosystem. At LEAP 2025, the Kingdom's flagship tech conference, AI-related projects worth $14.9 billion were signed on the first day alone. These included international partnerships to bring cutting-edge capabilities to Saudi Arabia. This while showcasing its innovations such as the Saudi Data and AI Authority's ALLaM, a series of large-language models in Arabic. The government has also launched initiatives including the Generative AI Academy, offering training programs in collaboration with NVIDIA to equip the workforce with essential skills. Recognizing that technology alone is insufficient, Saudi Arabia emphasizes empowering people to fully harness AI's potential. The government recognizes that AI leadership requires more than just adopting or developing technology. To be effective, the workforce must be equipped with the right mindset and skills to harness its full value. This lesson resonates with businesses today. When the internet became widely available in 1999, its potential was undeniable — yet many Saudi businesses hesitated. By 2001, more than 1 million Saudis were online, but fax machines remained common in offices, according to the Communications, Space & Technology Commission. Organizations were slow to trust and adopt the internet as a core business tool. Today, AI represents a pivotal moment of transformation. While businesses have access to AI tools, many struggle to move beyond the planning or pilot phase. This highlights a key truth: even with immense potential, technology's value can only be unlocked with the buy-in and drive of people. If Saudi Arabia's current and future workforce is not aware of AI's potential or comfortable using it collaboratively, the Kingdom risks falling behind. Over the years, business owners have often asked me, along the following lines: 'Why won't my team use the new AI tool we've invested in?' Employees must view AI as a tool that enhances their work — not one that replaces them. Without this foundation, AI initiatives risk resistance and underutilization. Hatem S. Al-Mandeel My response is always: 'Do your people know what the tool does and how they're allowed to use it?' The answer is often hesitant: 'I assume so, but I'll need to check internally.' If the answer is not an immediate yes, there is a problem. AI can feel disruptive or unwelcoming to employees — just as the internet once did. In many cases I have encountered, employees are not even aware AI is being discussed at work. This brings me to my first piece of advice: build a clear AI mission statement and communicate it often. Clarity and repetition are crucial for gaining internal support. Employees need to understand not just what AI adoption means for the business but why it matters and how it impacts their roles. However, a mission statement alone is not enough. The next step is building awareness and foundational skills. Employees must view AI as a tool that enhances their work — not one that replaces them. Without this foundation, AI initiatives risk resistance and underutilization. My final advice: identify AI advocates within your workforce. These individuals exist in every organization and thrive when their curiosity and skills are recognized. They can play a vital role in driving AI education and adoption from within. One business owner I spoke with recently discovered his team members were not using an AI tool simply because they did not know it could help with daily tasks. After bringing in for awareness training, usage increased significantly. The path forward for Saudi Arabia businesses is clear: the rise of the AI-powered digital economy presents an opportunity for the Kingdom to become a global leader. To achieve this, businesses must learn from national initiatives — AI transformation is not just about adopting technology; it is about empowering people to extract its full value. If you are defining your AI strategy or concerned about its impact, start by enabling your workforce with awareness and skills. • Hatem S. Al-Mandeel is the managing director and co-founder of
Asharq Al-Awsat
06-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
SDAIA Lists ALLaM 7B Arabic Language Model on Hugging Face
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has disclosed the listing of the generative Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM) —7 billion parameters category— on the Hugging Face platform. This platform, a prominent global open-source repository for natural language processing (NLP) resources, now hosts the nationally developed model, making it accessible to a global audience of developers and researchers for utilization in artificial intelligence applications. SDAIA asserts that ALLaM is positioned as one of the preeminent generative language models for the Arabic language worldwide, SPA reported. This initiative aligns with the strategic objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and SDAIA Board of Directors Chairman, who supports SDAIA's mandate to strengthen the Kingdom's position as a global technology hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation. ALLaM is a large language model distinguished by its precision and efficacy in the comprehension and processing of Arabic. Its capabilities encompass text summarization, content generation, and other functionalities, positioning it as a tool for the development of smart applications. The model's training, conducted on an extensive and diverse Arabic language dataset, is cited as contributing to its performance across varied operational environments. According to SDAIA, the availability of ALLaM on the Hugging Face platform is intended to facilitate access for the scientific and technical community, enabling the development of artificial intelligence-driven applications. The listing on Hugging Face represents a phase in the model's ongoing development. ALLaM was initially integrated into IBM's Watsonx platform, which facilitated advanced Arabic language analysis and processing through artificial intelligence solutions. Subsequently, it was launched on Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, providing developers and enterprises access to advanced cloud computing environments. During the LEAP25 conference, Qualcomm, in collaboration with the ALLaM development team, announced the model's availability on the Qualcomm AI Cloud. Additionally, the "ALLAM AI PC," a computer incorporating advanced artificial intelligence technologies designed to enhance user interaction with the Arabic language, was unveiled.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
IBM and Lenovo expand strategic technology partnership in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA – IBM and Lenovo today announced at LEAP 2025 a planned expansion of their strategic technology partnership designed to help scale the impact of generative AI for clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. IDC expects annual worldwide spending on AI-centric systems to surpass $300 billion by 2026, with many leading organizations in Saudi Arabia exploring and investing in generative AI use cases as they prepare for the emergence of an 'AI everywhere' world.1 Building upon their 20-year partnership, IBM and Lenovo will collaborate to deliver AI solutions comprised of technology from the IBM watsonx portfolio of AI products, including the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) open-source Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM), and Lenovo infrastructure. These solutions are expected to help government and business clients in the Kingdom to accelerate their use of AI to improve public services and make data-driven decisions in areas such as fraud detection, public safety, customer service, code modernization, and IT operations. 'Today's announcement represents an important step in the longstanding relationship between IBM and Lenovo,' said Giovanni Di Filippo, President of EMEA, Infrastructure Solutions Group at Lenovo. 'We're pleased to deepen our partnership to bring IBM's fit-for-purpose generative AI offerings together with Lenovo's infrastructure solutions for both on-premises and cloud use to provide customers in Saudi Arabia with solutions designed to meet their unique needs in this fast-paced growing market.' Organizations in Saudi Arabia are currently able to access ALLaM through watsonx; use advanced AI capabilities to train, tune, and deploy ALLaM; and run their AI workloads on Lenovo infrastructure for both on-premises and cloud use cases. The new solutions are expected to provide additional ways for clients to harness the power of Generative AI with an approach based on transparency, trust, and choice. 'IBM and Lenovo have a rich history of joint innovation and partnership that spans two decades,' said Ayman AlRashed, Regional Vice President, IBM Saudi Arabia. 'We look forward to this new collaboration to bring together Lenovo's infrastructure offerings and IBM's AI portfolio, which utilizes small, efficient, open-source models targeted for specific use cases and geographic requirements. Together we will drive even greater value for our mutual clients in the Kingdom.' Statements regarding IBM's and Lenovo's future direction and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objectives only. 1 Navigating AI-Driven Digital Transformation at the IDC Saudi Arabia CIO Summit 2024 About IBM: IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. About Lenovo Lenovo is a US$57 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #248 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo's continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.
