Report says Together AI will use Humain compute in Saudi Arabia

In short: Reports say Together AI plans to use computing power from Humain in Saudi Arabia, as Humain grows into a hub for AI data centers.

What's going on

Saudi Arabia is putting a lot of money into building the kind of computing capacity needed to train and run modern AI systems. This capacity is often called “AI compute,” which is a simple way of saying large amounts of powerful computer chips and electricity working together (like renting a huge factory full of machines instead of using a single workshop).

A New York Times report says Together AI, a company that helps people use and run open source AI models, has a deal to use compute from Humain in Saudi Arabia. Humain is a state-backed AI company created under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and it aims to provide AI services like data centers, cloud computing (renting computers over the internet), and AI models.

Other public reporting shows Humain also partnering with international AI companies to secure dedicated computing power. For example, Humain has been linked to an agreement with Cohere for at least 50 megawatts of AI compute. Saudi Arabia has also been reported as working with major tech suppliers, including chip and infrastructure companies, on very large projects.

One detail in the prompt, that Saudi-based compute would help “bypass U.S. backlash” over data centers, is plausible as an explanation. However, the available materials summarized here do not directly confirm that Together AI itself described the deal in those terms.

What to watch

If more companies follow Together AI into Saudi compute deals, it could shift where new AI data centers get built and who controls access to the “rentable horsepower” behind AI. Watch for clearer statements about contract terms, where data is stored, and what rules apply when AI systems are trained and run across borders.

Source: NYTimes