Saudi Arabia is attracting major tech firms to build AI data centers, fueled by its large energy surplus, according to Groq CEO Jonathan Ross.

Groq, a California-based AI chipmaker, is partnering with Aramco Digital to develop what it calls the “world’s largest inferencing data center” in the kingdom.

Ross said Saudi Arabia’s excess energy and available land make it well-suited for large-scale data infrastructure.

The effort aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and place AI at the center of its strategy.

PwC estimates AI could contribute US$135.2 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy by 2030, or around 12.4% of GDP.

Challenges remain, including high water and cooling demands for data centers and a shortage of digital and AI talent.

Earlier this year, Groq received a US$1.5 billion investment from Saudi Arabia and is also working with the Saudi Data and AI Authority on local language models.

🔗 Source: CNBC

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