Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with another major investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, with Humain and DataVolt partnering to develop an AI-ready data centre at Oxagon in NEOM on the kingdom’s Red Sea coast.
100 MW in the First Phase
The project will initially develop around 100 megawatts of data centre capacity.
The facility will form part of DataVolt’s 360 MW first-phase development at Oxagon. The broader plan calls for an AI data centre campus with a potential capacity of 1.5 gigawatts.
Facility Expected in 2028
The new data centre is expected to become operational in 2028.
It will be designed to support high-performance computing clusters needed for advanced AI workloads, including AI training, data processing and other computing-intensive applications.
Renewable Energy and Advanced Cooling
The facility will integrate renewable energy sources and innovative cooling technologies.
AI data centres require large amounts of electricity because of the intensive computing power needed to train and operate advanced AI systems. Energy-efficient infrastructure and advanced cooling technologies are therefore expected to play an important role in the project.
Why Oxagon Matters
Oxagon is being developed as an industrial and technology hub within NEOM.
The site offers pre-zoned industrial land, access to large-scale energy resources and subsea cable connectivity that can provide low-latency computing connections.
These factors are expected to make Oxagon attractive for large-scale digital infrastructure projects.
Humain’s Expanding AI Ambitions
Humain was established last year and is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
The company has already secured several agreements with global technology companies and is targeting 6 gigawatts of computing capacity by 2034.
Its expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to build a domestic AI ecosystem and establish the kingdom as a major centre for advanced computing.
Reducing Dependence on Oil
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and other technology sectors as part of its effort to diversify its economy.
The kingdom is seeking to reduce its dependence on oil revenues by developing new industries, digital infrastructure and technology-driven economic activity.
New Direction for NEOM
NEOM was originally unveiled as an ambitious futuristic development intended to include advanced cities, renewable energy projects and technology-focused industries.
Some of its plans have been scaled back amid concerns over costs and changes in global oil prices. However, Oxagon continues to be positioned as a centre for renewable-energy manufacturing and AI-driven industries.
Gulf Race for AI Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are accelerating investments in AI infrastructure as global demand for computing power rises.
The expansion includes data centres, high-performance computing, energy infrastructure and digital connectivity.
The investments are aimed at positioning Gulf economies to play a larger role in the rapidly expanding global AI industry.
Conclusion
Humain and DataVolt are partnering to develop around 100 MW of an AI-ready data centre at Oxagon in NEOM, marking another major step in Saudi Arabia’s effort to expand its artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The facility will be part of a 360 MW first-phase development, within a broader plan for a 1.5 GW AI data centre campus. Expected to become available in 2028, the project will use renewable energy, advanced cooling technologies and high-performance computing systems.
The project also reflects Saudi Arabia’s wider strategy of investing in technology and artificial intelligence to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.
