��������

When people hear the term “artificial intelligence,” they typically think of chatbots and digital assistants. But what’s coming next could significantly impact the digital economy in the Middle East and beyond.

What we are referring to is superintelligent AI. And if global tech leaders are right, it could arrive in fewer than five years.

But what does that involve? How is it different from today’s AI? And what are the implications for a region focused on leading in technology and innovation?

Most people know AI through generative tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and DALL-E — systems that can write, code, and produce art. While powerful, these tools are best suited to narrow tasks and rely on patterns found in existing data.

The new challenge is to create artificial general intelligence — AI that thinks and acts like a human across a wide range of tasks. In short, AGI could learn new subjects, solve unfamiliar problems creatively, and adapt its behavior much like a human mind.

Artificial superintelligence, or ASI, would go even further. It would outperform the most intelligent humans in virtually every domain, from science and economics to emotional intelligence. Not just faster or smarter, but capable of things humans can’t yet do.

The foundations are already in place: faster computers, improved neural systems, and reasoning systems with numerous agents. The Middle East is increasingly gearing up for the change — with �������� at the forefront.

In the Kingdom, the focus has shifted from simply using AI to developing and managing homegrown AI systems.

In May, �������� launched Humain, a new initiative backed by the Public Investment Fund. The project has ambitious goals: to build robust AI infrastructure, develop local cloud solutions, and create a powerful multimodal language model in Arabic.

Because superintelligence will require adapting to local contexts, respecting cultural values, and maintaining control over data and systems, �������� aims not only to use AI, but to shape it as a platform for future generations.

Humain will be powered by more than 18,000 Blackwell GPUs from Nvidia. AMD and Microsoft will help fund research on AI training systems and chip architecture, while Amazon Web Services plans to invest $5 billion to build an AI Zone in the Kingdom.

These partnerships are more than transactions — they are building blocks for long-term technological strength. As the world prepares for the emergence of superintelligence, we’ll need more computing power, deeper government coordination, and stronger cross-border collaboration. �������� is making its move now, ahead of the curve.

With superintelligent systems, we could see autonomous legal platforms, AI-designed cities, and travel driven by emotional experiences.

Yousef Khalili

But what will superintelligent AI mean for the broader Middle East economy? It could accelerate four major transformations, starting with more intelligent governance and rapid infrastructure development.

Such systems could analyze countless policies in real time and improve sectors such as traffic management, public health, and economic planning. This kind of capability could help �������� achieve its Vision 2030 goals more quickly and accurately.

Superintelligent AI will also unlock personalized learning. Imagine AI tutors that adapt to each student’s learning style, cultural context, and emotional state. With superintelligence, it’s possible to deliver large-scale, individualized education, therefore building a generation of skilled experts across fields.

The scientific potential is even greater. In areas like medicine, clean energy, and materials science, AI could enable breakthroughs, whether in drug discovery, hydrogen technologies, or advanced materials. These applications align closely with ��������’s growing investments in biotechnology and sustainable energy.

New industries will also emerge. With superintelligent systems, we could see autonomous legal platforms, AI-designed cities, and travel driven by emotional experiences. NEOM may serve as a testing ground for many of these innovations.

Regional leadership in AI governance must also grow. The future is not guaranteed to be positive. Superintelligence is unlike any tool humanity has ever created. Without clear rules and alignment, it could harm economies, displace jobs, or deepen inequality.

This is why governance, alignment, and ethics must evolve in parallel with technological progress. The region is well placed to lead not only in adoption but in shaping the frameworks around it. As Saudi minister Abdullah Al-Swaha recently said: “Instead of only following standards, we should help create them.”

In the end, readiness provides the edge. Superintelligent AI is approaching quickly. The nations that invest early, think boldly, and manage wisely will have a real opportunity to leap ahead in this century.

�������� is demonstrating what it means to think ahead. From building sovereign AI systems to securing large-scale infrastructure deals, it is laying the foundation for a future where prosperity is driven not by oil or labor, but by intelligence.

If superintelligence emerges by 2028, the Middle East will not simply be a witness — it will be a leader.

• Yousef Khalili is the global chief transformation officer and CEO for the Middle East and Africa at Quant, a company developing advanced digital employee technology aimed at redefining the future of customer experience.