Gulf AI ambitions get boost with US approval of advanced chip exports
Washington has been cautious about sending sensitive advanced microchips to Middle East countries with close ties to China, fearing that the technology could end up in Beijing’s hands.
The United States has authorized the export of up to 70,000 advanced American semiconductors, used to power artificial intelligence, to state-owned companies in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the US Commerce Department said Wednesday.
What happened: A statement by the US Commerce Department said the two companies are Saudi sovereign wealth fund-backed Humain and Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42, in which Microsoft holds a minority stake.
"Both companies are receiving approvals to purchase the equivalent of up to 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell chips," the Commerce Department added.
According to Reuters, 35,000 Blackwells are valued at an estimated $1 billion, though prices may vary.
