Aramco and PIF unite to supercharge Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions through a landmark stake in Humain, driving innovation, ecosystem growth, and opportunity for MENA startups.
Saudi Aramco has agreed to acquire a significant minority stake in Humain, the artificial intelligence company backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The companies signed a non-binding term sheet during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in Riyadh, signalling a major step in Saudi Arabia’s mission to lead in AI and digital innovation.
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The proposed deal will see PIF retain a majority stake in Humain, while Aramco strengthens its position in industrial AI and digital technologies. The financial terms and size of the stake have not been disclosed, and both companies said the partnership would consolidate their AI resources, fostering talent, innovation, and intellectual property across the Kingdom.
“By combining PIF and Aramco’s AI assets under Humain, we are fuelling AI talent, innovation, and future investment opportunities,” said Yazeed Al-Humied, Deputy Governor and Head of MENA Investments at PIF.
Amin Nasser, Aramco’s President and CEO, added that the company’s investment aligns with its goal to boost industrial AI applications: “Aramco is well positioned to capture opportunities from rising energy demand linked to AI growth, using advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.”
Launched in May 2024, Humain is developing its own line of personal computers and plans to open its first data centre in 2025. The company is also in discussions with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, and has partnered with California-based Groq to power AI-driven projects such as Humain One.
Humain CEO Tareq Amin revealed that the company is preparing for an IPO within three to four years, potentially pursuing a dual listing in Saudi Arabia and the US.
According to the report, this partnership marks one of the strongest collaborations between Saudi Arabia’s largest energy player and its sovereign wealth fund to drive AI development and ecosystem growth in the region.
Why Aramco and PIF Matter to MENA Startups
Aramco and PIF’s collaboration through Humain will likely accelerate AI innovation pipelines across the MENA region, opening opportunities for startups specializing in machine learning, data infrastructure, and digital automation.
For MENA startups, this partnership means:
- Increased access to AI-focused investment and collaboration opportunities.
- Broader ecosystem development through new data centres and AI manufacturing.
- Potential integration and scaling with Aramco’s and PIF’s digital projects.
Saudi Arabia’s deepening AI strategy is positioning the Kingdom as a regional hub for applied AI, where innovation, energy, and enterprise converge.
