Key Insights:

• Kaust restricts AI partnerships with China to protect US chip access and comply with US regulations.
• Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions depend on balancing partnerships with both the US and China amid tightening export controls.
• Professor Byrne prioritizes US and European collaborations for Kaust’s AI research to secure advanced technology.

Professor Sir Edward Byrne, the new president of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Kaust), has pledged to limit AI partnerships with China to ensure continued access to US-manufactured chips. 

This move aims to align the university’s research efforts with US trade regulations, as the US has imposed tighter restrictions on the export of advanced AI chips to prevent their use in China. Byrne, who took over leadership of Kaust in September, emphasized the importance of US collaborations to the university’s work.

Byrne outlined his priorities during an interview with the Financial Times, stressing that he will focus on fostering relationships with institutions in the US, UK, and Europe. “I’m absolutely committed to being fully observant of all relevant national regulations, including those relating to the US,” he said, addressing concerns that partnerships with China could jeopardize access to critical AI technology from American firms.

Prioritizing US and European Partnerships

Byrne’s approach reflects a shift in Kaust’s strategy from that of his predecessor, Tony Chan, who expanded the university’s collaborations with China. Under Chan’s leadership, Kaust was involved in a joint AI project with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and the Shenzhen Research Institute of Big Data. The collaboration aimed to develop an Arabic-focused large language model, AceGPT, raising concerns that the project might conflict with US export controls on AI technology.

Byrne has stated that while Kaust may continue some collaborations with China, these will be limited to areas outside of sensitive US-regulated technologies. “I still see room for collaboration with China in many areas,” Byrne said, “but not in the areas that the US government has very strict guidelines around.” This new stance is intended to safeguard Kaust’s access to advanced AI chips produced by US companies like Nvidia, which are essential for the university’s research activities.

Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions and Balancing Global Partnerships

Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its AI capabilities and has been building relationships with both the US and China. However, as the US intensifies its efforts to limit China’s access to key technologies, Saudi Arabia finds itself in a delicate position. The kingdom’s leaders have been working to secure access to US-made AI chips, with officials, including technology minister Abdullah Alswaha, making several visits to Silicon Valley for talks with American tech executives.

In September, Saudi Arabia hosted an AI conference in Riyadh, where the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) presented an Arabic language model and announced an agreement with Nvidia to acquire 5,000 GPUs. An official from SDAIA confirmed they had already secured access to 1,000 Nvidia GPUs and were optimistic about obtaining more. The country’s AI strategy involves leveraging cutting-edge technology while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly as US restrictions on AI chip exports grow tighter.

US Export Controls and Regional Concerns

The US has increased controls over the export of its advanced AI chips, largely in response to concerns over their potential misuse in China. These measures have caused concern across the Middle East, as both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are heavily investing in AI. Microsoft, which has invested $1.5 billion in the UAE’s largest AI company, G42, has called for greater “clarity and consistency” regarding when and where AI chips can be shipped to the region.

Kaust’s decision to limit AI partnerships with China is seen as a proactive step to ensure continued access to these crucial technologies. Without the latest AI chips, the university could struggle to keep pace with global advancements in the field. By focusing on compliance with US regulations, Byrne aims to position Kaust as a leading institution in AI research while maintaining access to the resources it needs.

Kaust, established in 2009 with a $10 billion endowment, plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s broader goals to become a global leader in technology and innovation.