Cisco Expands Partnership with Saudi Arabia to Power the AI Future

Rhea-AI Summary

Cisco (CSCO) has announced a major partnership with Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN AI enterprise to develop the Kingdom's AI infrastructure. The collaboration aims to create an open, scalable, and cost-efficient AI ecosystem, building on Cisco's 25-year presence in Saudi Arabia. The initiative includes:

The partnership features Cisco's AI-ready infrastructure with Nexus and UCS technologies, advanced security solutions like Hypershield and Splunk, and support from a 300,000-strong global partner network. Additional investments include:

• Establishing a Cisco AI Institute at KAUST
• Digital upskilling for 500,000 learners in AI, cybersecurity, and data science
• AI infrastructure development for Riyadh Expo 2030 and 2034 World Cup
• Plans for local manufacturing starting with wireless technologies
• New Meraki cloud establishment in Saudi Arabia

Positive

• Strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN AI enterprise positions Cisco as a key player in the Kingdom's AI infrastructure development
• Expansion of local presence through new manufacturing facilities and Meraki cloud establishment
• Digital upskilling initiative targeting 500,000 learners demonstrates long-term market commitment
• Secured major infrastructure projects for Riyadh Expo 2030 and 2034 World Cup
• Building on successful track record with 23 high-impact projects already delivered in the region

Negative

• Significant investment required in infrastructure and resources
• Potential geopolitical risks associated with Saudi Arabian market expansion
• Long-term return on investment uncertain in emerging AI market

Insights

Global Technology Investment Analyst

Cisco's strategic AI partnership with Saudi Arabia strengthens its position in the lucrative Middle East tech market while diversifying revenue streams.

Cisco's expanded partnership with Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN represents a significant strategic move into the high-growth AI infrastructure market in the Middle East. This multi-year initiative positions Cisco to capture substantial value from Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030 digital transformation plans.

The partnership leverages Cisco's core strengths in networking, specifically its Nexus products, UCS technologies, and security solutions like Hypershield and Splunk. This represents an intelligent diversification strategy as Cisco extends beyond its traditional networking business into the rapidly expanding AI infrastructure market.

What's particularly valuable is how Cisco is executing a comprehensive ecosystem approach rather than just selling hardware. The establishment of the AI Institute at KAUST, commitment to train 500,000 learners, and plans for local manufacturing operations create deep integration with Saudi Arabia's technology landscape. This multi-pronged approach builds significant switching costs and competitive barriers.

The timing aligns perfectly with major upcoming showcases including Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup, providing Cisco with high-profile demonstration opportunities for its AI capabilities. Additionally, the manufacturing base for wireless technologies could improve margins by optimizing the supply chain for Middle East operations.

From a competitive standpoint, establishing this deep government relationship in Saudi Arabia gives Cisco an advantageous position against rivals like Huawei, Nokia, and Juniper Networks in capturing infrastructure spending across the region. While the exact revenue potential isn't quantified, the comprehensive nature of this partnership suggests material upside to Cisco's international growth trajectory.

Cisco to Join HUMAIN's Initiative to Build the Kingdom's Future AI Infrastructure

News Summary:

• Cisco to partner with Saudi Arabia's new HUMAIN AI enterprise to power AI infrastructure and ecosystem growth.
• New investments in research, talent and digital skills aim to accelerate the Kingdom's AI journey.
• The partnership supports Vision 2030 by advancing Saudi Arabia's transformation into a leading, diversified digital economy.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cisco, the global leader in networking and security, today announced a groundbreaking initiative with HUMAIN – Saudi Arabia's new AI enterprise – to help build the world's most open, scalable, resilient and cost-efficient AI infrastructure.

This landmark collaboration will set a new standard for how AI infrastructure is designed, secured and delivered – combining Cisco's global expertise with the Kingdom's bold AI ambitions. As the cornerstone in a wider set of new investments in research, talent and innovation, the partnership builds on Cisco's 25-year commitment to Saudi Arabia's digital and economic growth.

These announcements follow CEO Chuck Robbins' visit to Saudia Arabia on May 6, 2023, where he met with HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel's participation today in the visit by President Trump to Saudi Arabia. 

Laying the foundations for AI at scale
Cisco's new initiative with HUMAIN plans to build Saudi Arabia's AI infrastructure from the ground up – to deliver scalable, secure, cloud-based solutions to power the Kingdom's AI ambitions. The multi-year initiative aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in digital innovation.

H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said, "We thank Cisco for its continued partnership and commitment to the Kingdom. This investment marks a major step forward in scaling world-class AI infrastructure, accelerating innovation, and advancing a thriving AI economy led by Saudi talent, while reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading hub for AI in the region and beyond." 

"AI can unlock groundbreaking opportunities for economic growth and innovation, accelerating KSA's Vision 2030," said Chuck Robbins, Cisco Chair and CEO. "Today marks a new milestone in more than 25 years of partnership with the Kingdom. Together, we are embracing the future and empowering organizations across the public and private sectors to harness the potential of AI and be at the forefront of this revolution."

"This is not just another infrastructure play - it's an open invitation to the world's innovators," said Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN. "We are democratising AI at the compute level, ensuring that access to advanced AI is limited only by imagination, not by infrastructure".

Cisco's global scale and deep expertise will help power the Kingdom's AI future
Cisco's role in building Saudi Arabia's AI infrastructure goes beyond technology – it brings the scale, security and ecosystem needed to make AI work for the Kingdom's economy and society. Cisco is uniquely positioned to offer:

• AI-Ready infrastructure – Features advanced silicon and purpose-built AI solutions including its industry-leading Nexus, Nexus HyperFabric and UCS technologies, Cisco's end-to-end platform is built to support massive, scalable workloads.
• Security by design – With security solutions like Hypershield and Splunk, Cisco helps organizations move beyond traditional security methods to protect the applications, data and models that power AI innovation.
• An open, flexible platform – As a secure network forms the foundation for any AI workload, Cisco's vendor-agnostic approach makes it easy to integrate with local and global partners across the AI ecosystem to deliver true business value.
• Global reach, local impact – Backed by a 300,000-strong global partner network, Cisco brings the expertise and delivery power to match the Kingdom's ambition.

The foundation Cisco can provide will help turn Saudi Arabia's AI vision into reality – at scale, and with lasting impact.

Backing the Kingdom's AI ambition on multiple fronts
Alongside its flagship initiative with HUMAIN, Cisco is making a series of strategic investments to strengthen Saudi Arabia's AI ecosystem – spanning research, skills, and infrastructure:

• Cisco AI Institute at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – Cisco plans to establish an AI Institute at KAUST to accelerate innovation, develop real-world AI solutions and grow next-generation talent in Saudi Arabia. The Institute will be supported by Cisco's foundational AI technologies and infrastructure.
• Digital upskilling for 500,000 learners – Free training in AI, cybersecurity, data science and programming over the next five years, building on Cisco Networking Academy's success in training over 401,000 learners in KSA to date – with 36% female participation.
• AI infrastructure for global mega events – Building on its track record of providing secure networking infrastructure for global events, Cisco plans to work with the sponsors of Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup to develop secure, AI-driven digital infrastructure – helping seamless operations and standout experiences.

Building on Momentum from LEAP 2025
Earlier this year at LEAP 2025, Cisco announced a series of initiatives to advance AI and digital innovation in the Kingdom. Delivering on its commitments, Cisco has operationalized data centers for cloud security services and the Webex Collaboration Platform. To further complement our security and collaboration services, Cisco is announcing its plan to establish a Meraki cloud in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, delivering the power of cloud-managed networking solutions.

Cisco has also initiated plans for a local manufacturing base – starting with fulfillment operations for wireless technologies, with intent to scale based on market needs.  Cisco is also expanding access to the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) qualification—one of the most widely recognized and respected technical certifications in the industry—in partnership with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). 

A long-term partner in Saudi Arabia's digital journey
David Meads, Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, Romania, and CIS at Cisco, said: "At Cisco, we're partnering for the future. Today's announcement reinforces our commitment to expand our investments in the region and solidifies our support for Saudi's Vision 2030. Our long-standing presence in KSA combined with Cisco's cutting-edge technologies and expertise will support the Kingdom in securely powering AI at scale."

Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program has been supporting the Kingdom since 2016 – driving digitization, building digital skills and fostering innovation. To date, it has delivered 23 high-impact projects across healthcare, education, smart cities and government.

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world.  With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience.  With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on the Cisco Newsroom. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may be deemed to contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, among others, statements regarding Cisco's future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations, including the anticipated timing, consummation and expected benefits of its plans in Saudi Arabia. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results due to a variety of factors, including, among other things, the ability of Cisco to achieve expected benefits of its investments, business and economic conditions and growth trends, increased competition, global economic conditions and uncertainties in the geopolitical environment and other risk factors set forth in Cisco's most recent reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q, respectively. Any forward-looking statements in this release are based on limited information currently available to Cisco, which is subject to change, and Cisco will not necessarily update the information.

 

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SOURCE Cisco Systems, Inc.

FAQ

What is Cisco's new partnership with Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN AI enterprise?

Cisco is partnering with HUMAIN to build Saudi Arabia's AI infrastructure, delivering scalable, secure, cloud-based solutions using Cisco's Nexus and UCS technologies, aiming to position the Kingdom as a global AI leader.

How many learners will Cisco train in Saudi Arabia through its digital upskilling program?

Cisco plans to provide free training to 500,000 learners in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming over the next five years.

What new facilities is CSCO establishing in Saudi Arabia?

Cisco is establishing an AI Institute at KAUST, a Meraki cloud presence, and local manufacturing facilities starting with wireless technologies fulfillment operations.

What major events will Cisco support with AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia?

Cisco will develop secure, AI-driven digital infrastructure for the Riyadh Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup events in Saudi Arabia.

How long has Cisco been operating in Saudi Arabia?

Cisco has maintained a 25-year commitment to Saudi Arabia's digital and economic growth, with its Country Digital Acceleration program supporting the Kingdom since 2016.