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HP Expands AI, Printer Manufacturing, and R&D Footprint in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming a magnet for global investments as it pursues its Vision 2030 goal of building a forward-looking economy.In a recent move, HP Inc. revealed plans to set up a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Riyadh, a Center of Excellence for AI and R&D in Dhahran and expand initiatives to equip Saudi youth with essential digital skills. These efforts highlight HP’s dedication to positioning Saudi Arabia as a technology and innovation hub.
In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, HP’s President and CEO, Enrique Lores, emphasized the immense potential within Saudi Arabia, noting that strategic investments in AI will help accelerate regional growth. He reaffirmed HP’s focus on manufacturing, education, and research, all aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the company’s global expansion.
A central aspect of HP’s investment is the establishment of a high-tech manufacturing facility in Riyadh. Through the “Made in Saudi Arabia” initiative, the company aims to boost local production to serve both domestic and regional markets, while also streamlining supply chains by reducing dependence on external manufacturing.
Lores shared that this project will create thousands of jobs by 2027, develop local talent, and contribute to economic growth. He pointed out that it represents not only HP’s first manufacturing facility in the Middle East but also one of the few worldwide, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia.
The facility will begin with the production of desktop computers, later expanding to include laptops and printers, positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional tech production leader. Lores emphasized that the investment is designed to do more than satisfy local demand—it will transform Saudi Arabia into a hub for technology manufacturing and exports.
In addition to the manufacturing facility, HP is making significant strides in AI research and development with its new Center of Excellence for AI and R&D in Dhahran. The center will focus on creating AI-powered solutions in areas like healthcare, smart cities, and energy, while also training Saudi talent in AI development and commercialization. It will collaborate with global AI experts and Saudi companies to develop cutting-edge applications.
Unlike many AI research centers that focus on large-scale models, HP’s center will prioritize practical AI solutions that businesses can easily implement. Lores highlighted that the center would concentrate on AI applications in smart cities, healthcare, and energy, with flexibility to adapt to changing industry needs. HP also intends to attract top global AI specialists to Saudi Arabia, fostering a robust AI ecosystem in the Kingdom.
Lores emphasized that transforming Saudi Arabia into a global AI hub requires both investing in local talent and attracting leading AI experts from around the world.
HP is also committed to education and workforce development. The company is working to train teachers in integrating AI into classrooms and collaborating with policymakers to develop AI-driven curricula, ensuring that students gain crucial AI skills through interactive learning and gaming.
Lores stressed that building a strong digital economy depends on investing in education at all levels, from teacher training to designing AI-integrated curricula for students.
A key component of these efforts is the HP Gaming Garage Lab at the Saudi Electronic University, which opened in June 2024. The lab offers micro-certifications in AI, gaming, and technology, providing a direct pathway to employment in Saudi Arabia’s expanding tech sector.
Through these initiatives, HP is actively shaping Saudi Arabia’s digital future and enhancing its global competitiveness in emerging technologies. Lores reaffirmed HP’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, manufacturing sector, and AI development. He concluded, “Our investments reflect HP’s deep commitment to supporting the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.”
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