The U.S. Commerce Department is preparing to authorise the sale of up to 70,000 advanced AI chips to government-backed technology companies in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant shift in Washington’s stance toward the Middle East’s fast-growing AI ambitions.
Wall Street Journal (gated) with the info.
The move reverses earlier resistance inside the administration, where officials had raised security concerns about exporting cutting-edge processors directly to state-linked firms. According to officials familiar with the discussions, President Trump has personally engaged with leaders in both countries on chip access since his visit in May, including fresh talks this week with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Under the plan, U.S. suppliers would be cleared to sell up to 35,000 Nvidia GB300 servers — or equivalent systems — to each of the two buyers:
- G42, the Abu Dhabi state-backed AI company, and
- Humain, a Saudi government-supported AI venture.
Nvidia’s GB300 servers are built around the Blackwell B300 processor, one of the most advanced chips currently available. AMD is also heavily involved in the region, having secured a multibillion-dollar partnership with Humain.
U.S. officials said the approvals will come with strict security conditions intended to prevent the technology from being diverted to China or Huawei, reflecting Washington’s ongoing effort to restrict Beijing’s access to frontier AI hardware while deepening strategic ties with Gulf states.
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Approval of large AI-chip exports to the Gulf strengthens Nvidia and AMD’s international pipeline while signalling Washington’s willingness to deepen tech ties with regional allies — provided strict China-related safeguards are in place.
