Headline: US Set to Greenlight AI Chip Sales to UAE and Saudi Arabia
Key Takeaways
The United States is poised to authorize major shipments of advanced AI hardware to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, signaling a reset in Washington’s approach to the Middle East’s rapid AI expansion. The Commerce Department’s pending approvals would open the door for government-backed firms in both countries to buy cutting-edge processors under tight security safeguards.
The plan would permit sales of up to 70,000 advanced AI chips to the region, with U.S. suppliers cleared to provide as many as 35,000 Nvidia GB300 servers—or equivalent systems—to each buyer. The primary recipients are expected to be G42 in Abu Dhabi and Humain in Saudi Arabia. Nvidia’s GB300 servers are powered by the Blackwell B300 processor, among the most capable AI accelerators available today. AMD is also deepening its footprint, having struck a multibillion-dollar partnership with Humain to support large-scale AI infrastructure.
This marks a shift from earlier resistance inside the administration over exporting top-tier processors to state-linked entities. Officials indicate the approvals will include stringent end-use and security controls designed to prevent diversion to China or Huawei, aligning with broader U.S. export controls while strengthening tech ties with key Gulf partners. For Nvidia and AMD, the move expands an international pipeline of AI hardware demand as Gulf states scale data centers and AI model training capabilities.
Key Points: – U.S. Commerce Department preparing to approve AI chip sales to UAE and Saudi Arabia – Authorizations cover up to 70,000 advanced AI chips for government-backed buyers – Up to 35,000 Nvidia GB300 servers (or equivalents) permitted per country – Recipients include G42 (UAE) and Humain (Saudi Arabia) – Nvidia’s GB300 systems use the Blackwell B300 processor; AMD has a major pact with Humain – Strict safeguards aim to prevent technology diversion to China or Huawei
