Google opens a technology hub in Saudi Arabia

In continuation of Google’s investments in the development of artificial intelligence data centers, the company has announced that it will soon open an artificial intelligence data center in Saudi Arabia.

The new hub will support research on Arabic-language AI models and Saudi Arabia-specific AI applications, according to a joint announcement by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Google. The Saudi state oil company, Aramco, has also announced that it is already using artificial intelligence in its operations, and that the use of this technology has helped increase production by 15 percent.

Google’s technology hub in Saudi Arabia focuses on artificial intelligence

Google and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia have not yet announced details about the possible project and its applications in the country’s economy. However, due to the central role of fossil fuels in the Saudi economy, artificial intelligence algorithms will most likely be used to develop the oil and gas industries and increase production efficiency.

In 2020, Google announced that it would stop developing algorithms used in the oil and gas industry. The tech giant also pledged in 2021 to cut its greenhouse gas emissions in half by the end of the decade. One of Google’s spokespersons also told E&E News that their new contract with Saudi Arabia is in line with these goals.

As part of its 2030 vision, Saudi Arabia plans to reduce its dependence on oil revenues. As part of this program, the government of this country has invited large technology companies to invest and establish an office in this country. Investing in the tourism industry is another program of this country.

The construction project of the world’s largest building named Cube has just started in Riyadh. This building is so big that it can accommodate 20 Empire State Buildings and its height reaches 400 meters.