Cisco has entered into a landmark collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN initiative to deliver next-generation AI infrastructure and accelerate the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions. The partnership will leverage Cisco’s end-to-end AI-ready technologies—including Nexus, HyperFabric, and UCS systems—to build an open, secure, and highly scalable platform supporting public and private sector digital transformation. The effort also includes investments in local talent, research, and event-scale digital infrastructure to position Saudi Arabia as a global innovation hub.
As part of the agreement, Cisco will establish a Cisco AI Institute at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), aimed at fostering local research and innovation while building a pipeline of AI talent. Cisco also announced a five-year commitment to upskill 500,000 learners in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, expanding on its prior success with the Cisco Networking Academy in the Kingdom. The company will support digital infrastructure for global mega-events including Expo 2030 in Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and will build a local Meraki cloud region to support cloud-managed networking services.
The announcement follows a high-level diplomatic tour by Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. In Saudi Arabia, Robbins met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, while EVP and Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel participated in President Trump’s regional state visit. Additional meetings included top leaders from the UAE, such as Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohammed and National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, as well as the Prime Minister of Qatar and Bahrain’s National Security Advisor. These meetings reinforced Cisco’s longstanding partnerships in the region and focused on the secure, trusted development of AI infrastructure and innovation ecosystems.
Cisco’s presence in the Gulf also extends to a new strategic alignment with the AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP), a consortium led by BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, Microsoft, NVIDIA, MGX, and xAI. Cisco joins as a technology partner to help mobilize $30 billion in capital investment toward scalable, secure AI compute infrastructure. In the UAE, Cisco is expanding its alliance with AI firm G42, combining Cisco’s secure AI-native solutions with G42’s regional infrastructure and global ambitions. In Qatar, Cisco signed a letter of intent with the Ministry of Interior to support national digital transformation and cybersecurity strategy.
These efforts build on Cisco’s broader global AI momentum. The company recently launched a $1 billion Global AI Investment Fund, released the industry’s first open-source AI security model, and debuted Cisco AI Defense to secure AI-powered enterprise transformation. Cisco has also begun manufacturing wireless technologies in Saudi Arabia and plans to scale operations based on local demand. In parallel, it is expanding access to the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) program through a partnership with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
- Cisco joins HUMAIN to co-develop Saudi Arabia’s national AI infrastructure with open, scalable, and secure networking and compute systems.
- Cisco to launch a Cisco AI Institute at KAUST and provide AI and cybersecurity training to 500,000 learners over five years.
- New cloud and wireless manufacturing initiatives include Meraki cloud in KSA and localized fulfillment for wireless tech.
- Cisco supports AI infrastructure for global events including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
- Executives met with top leaders across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain to deepen regional AI cooperation.
- Cisco joins $30B AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP) alongside BlackRock, NVIDIA, Microsoft, xAI, and others.
- Cisco expands partnerships with G42 (UAE) and Qatar’s Ministry of Interior to support AI, digitization, and cybersecurity.
- Builds on 25 years in KSA and 23 CDA projects across healthcare, smart cities, education, and public sector transformation.
“The Gulf region’s AI revolution is truly impressive, and Cisco is proud to play a key role in ensuring it is implemented intelligently, securely, and with trusted partners to drive maximum value,” said Chuck Robbins, Cisco Chair and CEO.cing the future and empowering organizations across the public and private sectors to harness the potential of AI,” said Chuck Robbins, Cisco Chair and CEO.
