Last week, US President Donald Trump’s whirlwind tour of the Middle East sparked a wave of AI deals that could reshape the future of global technology — and America’s place at the forefront.

Big AI Moves in the Gulf

On May 12, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced the launch of Humain, a new AI startup. Major US tech giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm jumped in with agreements to supply chips and support AI infrastructure for the venture.

The Trump administration also moved to scrap and replace a Biden-era rule — known as the “AI Diffusion” regulation — which would have capped sales of the most advanced AI chips starting May 15. This change clears the way for more chip exports to international partners.

In a headline-grabbing finale to the tour, the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) revealed a partnership to build a massive data center complex in Abu Dhabi. The planned 5-gigawatt facility would be the largest data center cluster outside the US — a huge deal in the world where data centers power AI breakthroughs. To put it in perspective, the global total capacity for data centers is about 59 gigawatts.

President Trump also announced that Saudi Arabia and the UAE will invest in US-based data centers, reinforcing a two-way partnership.

Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Trump said, “We’ve agreed to create a path for the UAE to buy some of the world’s most advanced AI semiconductors from American companies.”

A Game-Changer for the AI Race

Experts see these deals as a potential turning point in the fierce AI competition between the US and China. AI czar David Sacks called the agreements a “game-changer” on social media, saying they “will help cement American technology as the global standard before competitors catch up.”

AI requires enormous computing power — known as “compute” — which in turn demands huge energy resources. Mohammed Soliman, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, explains, “The US has a real challenge powering its own data centers because of energy constraints.”

Partnering with energy-rich Gulf countries, Soliman argues, could provide a vital strategic boost. “Building out energy infrastructure in the US will take time and massive investment. Meanwhile, the Gulf’s energy can help power this AI revolution now.”

Concerns Over Security Risks

However, some worry about the security risks of sending advanced chips to the Gulf. A group of leading Democrats warned that without strong safeguards, these deals could pose “an immediate national security threat.” They fear that Saudi and Emirati firms might use the chips for sensitive projects — including autonomous weapons — or that technology could eventually fall into China’s hands.

Still, analysts say if US companies control the data centers directly, the risks are reduced.

US officials argue that working with the Gulf is better than pushing these countries into a closer alliance with China, whose companies like Huawei are rapidly advancing in AI chip technology. As David Sacks put it, “If we reject them, we will drive them into China’s arms.”

The Gulf’s Growing AI Ambitions

Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have big plans to build AI industries as they prepare for a future less dependent on oil. If they successfully use these chips to develop cutting-edge AI models, the Gulf could emerge as a new heavyweight in the global AI race — potentially becoming the “third-biggest power” after the US and China, according to expert Sam Winter-Levy.

That said, the Gulf currently faces challenges such as a shortage of AI talent, which might slow its rise.

A New Chapter in US-Gulf Relations

This wave of AI deals marks a shift in the US-Gulf partnership — one now defined more by technology than oil.

“It’s no longer about crude oil; it’s about compute power,” says Soliman. But he also warns that if too much US computing power ends up in the region, Gulf governments could gain influence over American tech firms and even US foreign policy.

Meanwhile, Democrats urge the US government to ensure these investments help build America’s own AI industry first and foremost, keeping critical technology development at home.

Source: CNN – Will ‘massive’ Gulf deals cement the US lead in the race for global AI dominance?

The post Huge AI Deals in the Gulf Could Boost US Tech Leadership appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Apple has announced its largest-ever investment commitment, pledging to spend more than $500 billion in the United States over the next four years. This massive investment will support American innovation, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and workforce development.

Expanding Across the U.S.

Apple’s investment will expand teams and facilities in key states, including:
Michigan
Texas
California
Arizona
Nevada
Iowa
Oregon
North Carolina
Washington

Key Investment Areas

• New Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Texas
• Doubling the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund (from $5B to $10B)
• New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit
• Accelerated R&D investments in AI and silicon engineering

“We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment,” – Tim Cook, Apple CEO

Building a New Manufacturing Facility in Houston

Apple will open a 250,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, set to launch in 2026. This plant will manufacture servers for Apple Intelligence, a new AI-powered system designed to help users write, create, and get things done.

Job Creation – Thousands of new jobs in Houston
Energy Efficiency – Designed to lower energy demands
Cutting-Edge Security – Supports Apple’s Private Cloud Compute AI system

Apple is also expanding its data centers in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada to support Apple Intelligence.

Doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund

Since its launch in 2017, Apple’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund has fueled high-skilled manufacturing jobs and innovation across America. Now, Apple is doubling the fund to $10 billion to support advanced production and workforce training.

Key Highlights:

Multibillion-dollar commitment to produce Apple silicon at TSMC’s Fab 21 in Arizona
More than 2,000 U.S. workers manufacturing chips domestically
24 silicon manufacturing factories across 12 states, including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah
Investments in U.S. companies like Broadcom, Texas Instruments, Skyworks, and Qorvo

To date, Apple’s fund has supported projects in 13 states, including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Indiana.

Expanding Research & Development Across the U.S.

Apple is accelerating its R&D investments and has nearly doubled its U.S.-based advanced R&D spending over the last five years.

Hiring 20,000+ new employees, primarily in:

• Silicon engineering
• AI and machine learning
• Software development

Developing cutting-edge chips, including:

• Apple A18 chip (Powering the latest iPhone 16e)
• Apple C1 modem (Apple’s first in-house cellular modem, designed for energy efficiency)

Apple’s R&D hubs will expand across the U.S., focusing on custom silicon, hardware engineering, AI, and machine learning.

Supporting American Businesses with a New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit

To help U.S. manufacturers transition to AI-powered smart manufacturing, Apple is launching the Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit.

Partnering with top universities like Michigan State
Providing free training for small and medium-sized businesses
Offering in-person and online courses on:

• Project management
• Manufacturing process optimization
• AI-driven production techniques

Investing in the Next Generation of U.S. Innovators

Apple continues to support education and skills training for American students and workers through:
Tech education grants – Partnering with 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs, and FIRST
The New Silicon Initiative – Expanding to Georgia Tech, UCLA, and other universities to train students in chip design and hardware engineering

Apple’s Impact on the U.S. Economy

$75 billion in U.S. taxes paid over the last five years ($19B in 2024 alone)
2.9 million jobs supported nationwide
Apple TV+ productions in 20 states
Collaboration with thousands of U.S. suppliers across all 50 states

Apple’s $500 billion commitment underscores its dedication to advancing American innovation, creating high-paying jobs, and supporting world-class manufacturing.

Source

The post Apple to Invest $500 Billion in the U.S. – Here’s What It Means appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.