Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is partnering with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to open up an artificial intelligence hub in the country, the investment firm said on Tuesday.
The new hub will work on creating Arab language AI models and “Saudi-specific AI applications,” a statement from the PIF said.
“This strategic partnership will accelerate adoption of AI in the local language and across industries — including healthcare, retail, financial services and more — for enterprises and startups in Saudi Arabia, across the Middle East, Africa and around the world,” Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, said in a statement. “As part of Saudi Arabia’s rich technology ecosystem, we aim to create highly-skilled jobs for Saudis and opportunities for global businesses to fuel growth through cloud adoption.”
The PIF is one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, estimated to have more than $930B in assets under management.
Google shares rose fractionally in midday trading on Tuesday.