Saudi Arabia’s GO Telecom to launch AI Hub in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s GO Telecommunications Group will launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub in Pakistan later this month to promote digital innovation, develop AI-based solutions, and empower the country’s youth, Pakistan’s Ministry of IT and Telecommunications announced.

The initiative was unveiled during the visit of Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Khawaja to Saudi Arabia, where she discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation under Saudi Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025.

In Riyadh, Minister Khawaja met with GO Telecom CEO Yahya bin Saleh Al-Mansour to explore collaboration in digital infrastructure, AI development, and human capital advancement.

“Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a deep and evolving partnership rooted in mutual growth and digital progress,” Khawaja said. “The GO AI Hub Pakistan will help foster collaboration in emerging technologies, equip youth with digital skills, and accelerate our shared vision of a connected, knowledge-driven future.”

The upcoming GO AI Hub Pakistan will function as a center for AI and digital innovation, focusing on knowledge transfer, capacity building, and technical talent development. Plans also include expanding Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, establishing data centers, and developing a technical training facility for emerging technologies.

GO Telecom’s CEO Yahya bin Saleh Al-Mansour emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration, stating that the company’s expansion into Pakistan supports its goal of diversification and stronger partnerships with friendly nations.

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During her visit, Khawaja also held discussions with Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), to enhance cooperation in AI research and cybersecurity.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil, with major investments in health, education, IT, infrastructure, tourism, and digital transformation.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s National AI Policy 2025, introduced in July, aims to promote AI adoption across sectors, improve public services, and create employment opportunities. The policy envisions launching 50,000 AI-based civic initiatives, developing 1,000 local AI products, and awarding 3,000 AI scholarships annually to strengthen research and innovation.