RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has the potential to serve as a crucial contributor and advocate for the development of US artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to a top official. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in California, Alat CEO Amit Midha discussed the company’s future endeavors and collaborations with global partners in the technology sector in an interview with Bloomberg. Launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Alat plays a significant role in manufacturing semiconductors and various smart technologies, including advanced industrials and next-gen infrastructure. Midha told the event: “We can be meaningful builders and supporters for US captaincy of building AI infrastructure.” Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in advanced technology extend to establishing data centers, nurturing AI enterprises, and bolstering semiconductor manufacturing, according to Bloomberg.. In a parallel development, the US has urged Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42 to divest from Chinese technology. This move, in exchange for continued access to US systems powering AI applications, paved the way for a significant $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft Corp. in G42. Speaking on partnerships with the US and China, Alat’s CEO said: “So far, the requests have been to keep manufacturing and supply chains completely separate, but if the partnerships with China would become a problem for the US, we will divest.” According to Bloomberg reports, US officials have been engaging with their Saudi counterparts, emphasizing the necessity for Saudi Arabia to opt between Chinese and American technology as it seeks to advance its semiconductor industry. These discussions are part of broader dialogues concerning national security. Midha highlighted the importance of forging secure and reliable partnerships with the US. “The US is the number one partner for us and the number one market for AI, chips and semiconductor industry,” he emphasized. Meanwhile, Alat is poised to unveil partnerships with two US tech companies by the conclusion of June, with plans for co-investment alongside a US firm. According to Bloomberg, Midha has refrained from disclosing the names of the companies involved or specifying whether the collaborations are focused on AI, chips, or a combination of both.