Amazon Web Services (AWS) has entered into a strategic partnership with Humain, an AI company backed by Saudi Arabia’s ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, to invest over $5 billion in building an "AI Zone" within the country. This ambitious project aims to establish dedicated AI infrastructure, servers, networks, and comprehensive training and certification programs. Humain will leverage AWS technologies to develop advanced AI solutions and collaborate on providing tools and resources to AI startups based in Saudi Arabia. This partnership is part of a broader trend where major American tech firms are increasingly aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Nvidia, AMD, Google, and Salesforce have also recently partnered with the PIF on various AI initiatives and investments, recognizing the fund as a significant source of capital. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump and several tech industry leaders attended a U.S.-Saudi investment forum. Under a new initiative by the Trump administration, U.S.-based tech suppliers, including Nvidia and AMD, have been granted permission to forge business relationships with Saudi Arabian firms. In compliance with Saudi regulations, all AI companies operating within the kingdom must store their data locally, which has prompted many tech vendors to set up facilities there. Google and Oracle, for instance, have both announced expansion plans in Saudi Arabia over the past year. Earlier in March, Amazon committed to spending billions on data centers in Saudi Arabia. The company's latest announcement reveals that it will invest approximately $5.3 billion to develop a new AWS region in the country, set to launch in 2026. The AI Zone investment is described as an "additional investment," distinct from the initial $5.3 billion commitment. However, it remains unclear whether the funds allocated for the AI Zone will be drawn from this previously announced amount. TechCrunch has contacted Amazon for further clarification and will update this story if the company responds. This strategic move by AWS underscores Amazon's commitment to expanding its presence in the Middle East and supports Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a global hub for AI innovation. By investing heavily in local infrastructure and fostering a supportive ecosystem for AI startups, AWS is positioning itself to play a pivotal role in the region’s technological development and data sovereignty goals.