US chip exports deepen AI ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE
🔘 The US cleared exports of up to 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell AI chips to G42 and Humain.
🔘 The move deepens US–Gulf AI ties despite some lawmakers’ concerns.
The US Commerce Department has approved the export of advanced #AI chips to two firms in #SaudiArabia and the #UAE. The authorization covers the equivalent of up to 35,000 #Nvidia Blackwell chips, which are central to large-scale AI training.
The two buyers — G42 in #AbuDhabi and Humain in Saudi Arabia — are working on major data center projects in their countries. The timing of the approval matched the return of Saudi Crown Prince #MohammedBinSalman to the #US for the first time since 2018. It also signalled US support for the two governments’ AI ambitions.
In its statement, the Commerce Department said both companies can buy up to 35,000 Blackwell chips, though the total value can vary. A full batch would be worth about $1 billion. The agency said the approvals come with “rigorous security and reporting requirements.”
Earlier in the day, Humain said it plans to buy 600,000 Nvidia AI chips. Humain is also working with #ElonMusk’s #xAI to develop large-scale data centers in Saudi Arabia, including a planned 500-megawatt site.
The UAE praised the US decision. Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said the approval reflects ongoing talks between the two governments and shows their trust in each other on technology and security.
G42 aims to build one of the largest data center hubs in the world using US technology. Nvidia, #OpenAI, #Cisco, #Oracle and #SoftBank are involved in its first phase, called Stargate UAE, which is set to go live in 2026.
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November 21, 2025 1.2K
