Week 37 - 2026Published 13 Sept 2026

Saudi Arabia builds an Arabic model — while much of the AI stack remains global

Saudi Arabia saw the launch of two local AI platforms this week: HUMAIN's NVIDIA-powered AI cloud, and HUMAIN-M3, an Arabic language model built on an open-weight Chinese base. Moving from consumer to producer narrows the layer that has to be bought in — while global vendors deepen their position in the market through security platforms and productivity tools. For decision-makers, the real opportunity is not the tools themselves but who controls local data and sets the standards around it.

The week in AI

Arab

Arab AI Scene

Saudi HUMAIN-M3 Builds on MiniMax M3 as Nations Hunt Open-Weight AI Bases

7 Sept 202626 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Arab AI Scene

7 Sept 202626 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Saudi HUMAIN-M3 Builds on MiniMax M3 as Nations Hunt Open-Weight AI Bases

On September 3 at LEAP 2026, HUMAIN, backed by the PIF, unveiled the HUMAIN-M3 model, an advanced AI model designed for the Arabic language. This model is based on the M3 architecture from the Chinese startup MiniMax, featuring around 428 billion parameters and ongoing training on over one trillion Arabic tokens. HUMAIN-M3 achieved impressive results on seven public Arabic benchmarks, securing five first-place finishes with an average score of 89.37%, surpassing models like GPT-5.6 SOL and Claude Opus 5. The model emphasizes speed by reusing general capabilities while specializing in local language and culture.

Arab

Arab AI Scene

HUMAIN Launches AI Cloud in Saudi Arabia

7 Sept 202626 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Arab AI Scene

7 Sept 202626 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

HUMAIN Launches AI Cloud in Saudi Arabia

HUMAIN, a Public Investment Fund company, has launched its AI cloud in Saudi Arabia, powered by NVIDIA's accelerated computing systems. This cloud is currently supporting AI workloads for government and enterprise customers across the Kingdom, marking a significant advancement in AI adoption. The HUMAIN AI cloud utilizes Blackwell Ultra GPUs, providing advanced infrastructure for Saudi organizations to develop, customize, and deploy AI models. Currently, it supports 1.1 MW of operational capacity, with plans to expand to 35.1 MW by the end of 2027.

Arab

Arab AI Scene

Microsoft and HUMAIN announce long-term strategic collaboration

10 Sept 202629 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Arab AI Scene

10 Sept 202629 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Microsoft and HUMAIN announce long-term strategic collaboration

HUMAIN, a Public Investment Fund company, announced a long-term strategic collaboration with Microsoft in Riyadh, August 2026. The partnership focuses on integrating HUMAIN's ALLAM models into Microsoft's AI ecosystem and providing direct engineering support from HUMAIN's experts to assist organizations in developing AI solutions.

Global

Agents

Skild AI Taps NVIDIA Physical AI to Teach Robots New Tasks From a Single Video

10 Sept 202629 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Agents

10 Sept 202629 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Skild AI Taps NVIDIA Physical AI to Teach Robots New Tasks From a Single Video

Skild AI has launched its new S1 model, enabling robots to learn new tasks from a single video without the need for reprogramming. This model employs in-context learning, allowing robots to adapt to dynamic environments. Developed on NVIDIA AI infrastructure, Skild and NVIDIA are collaborating to transition adaptable intelligence from the lab to factories. Deepak Pathak, co-founder and CEO of Skild, noted that learning from experience marks a significant shift in robotics.

Global

Models

AlphaGenome Atlas: A predictive map of every possible DNA letter change in the human genome

8 Sept 202627 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Models

8 Sept 202627 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

AlphaGenome Atlas: A predictive map of every possible DNA letter change in the human genome

The AlphaGenome Atlas has launched a comprehensive map detailing the effects of 9 billion DNA variants across the human genome. This project includes precise data on how these variants influence health and disease, enhancing our understanding of genetic diversity. This achievement is a significant step towards improving medical treatments and personalizing them based on individuals' genetic makeup.

Arab

Agents

F5 deepens commitment to Saudi Arabia with AI security innovation and planned expansion of F5 global network

11 Sept 202630 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Agents

11 Sept 202630 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

F5 deepens commitment to Saudi Arabia with AI security innovation and planned expansion of F5 global network

F5, led by Ehab Derbas, announced its AI Security Platform during Solution Day in Riyadh. The new platform aims to enhance security for applications and APIs, with a report indicating that 88% of organizations face AI-related challenges. This initiative aligns with the digital transformation goals of Vision 2030, providing continuous visibility, governance, and protection across AI applications. It also improves control over how AI models and tools are used, enhancing organizational security.

Global

Governance

Veeam warns of EMEA ‘shadow agent’ crisis

11 Sept 202630 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Governance

11 Sept 202630 Rabiʻ I 1448 AH

Veeam warns of EMEA ‘shadow agent’ crisis

New research from Veeam reveals that 70% of organizations admit automated AI workflows interact with sensitive data without full oversight. Organizations face dual challenges in AI management, with 67% reporting employees create autonomous workflows that IT cannot fully track. This highlights the urgent need for ensuring data security and trustworthiness. As regulatory pressures increase, AI governance has become a C-suite liability, with 40% of leaders concerned about personal accountability. Additionally, 39% of organizations report heightened scrutiny from boards, increasing tension among executives.