U.S. authorises export of advanced American semiconductors to companies in Saudi, UAE - The Hindu
The U.S. Commerce Department has approved the export of up to 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell AI chips to two Gulf-based firms: G42 in the UAE and Humain in Saudi Arabia. These chips, valued at about US$1 billion, are part of broader data-centre and AI infrastructure projects in both countries. However, the licenses come with stringent security and reporting conditions. The move aligns with expanded AI collaboration between the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and underlines Washington’s commitment to promoting its technological leadership while supporting Gulf nations’ ambitions in artificial intelligence.
The Key points
- The U.S. authorised export of the equivalent of 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell (GB300) chips.
- Recipient companies: G42 (UAE, state-run) and Humain (Saudi Arabia, government-backed).
- The chips are estimated to be worth around US$1 billion, though exact pricing may vary.
- Exports are subject to strict security and reporting requirements imposed by the Commerce Department.
- Humain announced a plan to buy 600,000 Nvidia chips for its AI infrastructure.
- Humain and Elon Musk’s xAI plan to build a 500-MW data centre in Saudi Arabia.
- G42 plans to build one of the largest AI data-centre hubs in the UAE using U.S. technology.
- The first phase of G42’s project, called “Stargate UAE”, is being developed in partnership with Nvidia, OpenAI, Cisco, Oracle, and SoftBank.
- The licence decision coincided with a significant diplomatic event: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s U.S. visit, signalling deeper AI ties.
- The U.S. aims to use such tech exports to reinforce its global AI leadership and deepen strategic alliances with Gulf partners.
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