Cisco Announces Strategic AI Initiatives in the Middle East and U.S.

Key Takeaways

  • Alliance with HUMAIN: Cisco joins Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN alliance to develop the kingdom’s next-generation AI infrastructure.

  • Expanded G42 Partnership: Cisco and G42 deepen their collaboration to spur AI innovation across the UAE and the U.S.

  • AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP): Cisco becomes a technology partner in AIP—backed by BlackRock, GIP, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and xAI—to mobilize $30 billion for scalable, secure AI data centers worldwide.

  • Qatar Digital Transformation: Cisco and Qatar’s Ministry of Interior ink a letter of intent covering AI, infrastructure, and cybersecurity projects.

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 13, 2025 – Cisco, the global leader in networking and security, today unveiled a series of high-impact AI initiatives spanning the Middle East and the United States. Building on senior leadership visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, these collaborations position Cisco at the heart of the Gulf’s AI revolution, delivering secure, scalable infrastructure, fostering innovation, and cultivating local talent.

“The Gulf region’s AI transformation is remarkable, and Cisco is proud to contribute our expertise, ensuring deployments are intelligent, trustworthy, and deliver maximum value,” said Chuck Robbins, Cisco CEO, after meetings with regional heads of state and government.
“AI’s potential is vast, yet we’re only scratching the surface,” added Jeetu Patel, EVP and Chief Product Officer. “Investing now in infrastructure, security, and skills will define the next wave of global innovation.”

Building AI Infrastructure in Saudi Arabia with HUMAIN

Cisco is joining HUMAIN—the Kingdom’s flagship AI enterprise—to co-develop an open, resilient, and cost-effective AI backbone. This multi-year effort combines Cisco’s technological leadership with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious digital agenda, aiming to establish the country as a world leader in AI research, development, and deployment.

Deepening Partnership with G42 in the UAE

Cisco and Abu Dhabi’s G42 are extending their strategic alliance to accelerate AI infrastructure and solutions in the UAE and the U.S. Leveraging Cisco’s secure AI portfolio alongside G42’s regional expertise and global reach, the collaboration will explore joint go-to-market initiatives and innovative service offerings.

Joining the AI Infrastructure Partnership (AIP)

As a new technology partner of AIP—spearheaded by BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, MGX, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and xAI—Cisco will help activate $30 billion in investments for AI-optimized data centers. This partnership underscores Cisco’s commitment to delivering secure, efficient, and scalable platforms for the world’s most demanding AI workloads.

Advancing Qatar’s Digital Agenda

In Doha, Cisco and Qatar’s Ministry of Interior signed a letter of intent to collaborate on the nation’s digital transformation. The agreement encompasses AI research, infrastructure enhancement, and cybersecurity measures, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to innovation and safety.

Additional Global AI Efforts

These Middle East initiatives complement Cisco’s recent AI-focused endeavors, including:

  • An expanded alliance with NVIDIA to speed enterprise AI adoption.

  • The launch of AI’s first open-source security model.

  • Introduction of Cisco AI Defense to safeguard AI deployments.

  • The establishment of a $1 billion global AI investment fund.

New Strategic AI Initiatives

Editorial Commentary

  1. Regional Leadership through Local Partnerships
    Cisco’s collaboration with HUMAIN and G42 demonstrates a strategic approach: combining global technology expertise with local partnerships ensures infrastructure tailored to regional needs and regulatory requirements.

  2. Mobilizing Capital for AI Infrastructure
    By joining AIP, Cisco is instrumental in channeling significant investment—$30 billion—into AI-ready data centers, addressing one of the industry’s biggest barriers to AI scalability.

  3. Holistic Digital Transformation
    From Saudi Arabia’s AI backbone to Qatar’s cybersecurity roadmap, Cisco’s multi-faceted engagement highlights the importance of integrating infrastructure, security, and talent development to drive sustainable AI growth.

For Network-Switch.com readers, these initiatives underline Cisco’s role as a trusted partner in the global AI journey—offering both the technology and strategic alliances necessary to build and secure tomorrow’s intelligent networks.

Original News from: Cisco