Addressing semiconductor industry challenges and pursuing AI innovation, Taiwan partnered with the Gulf countries of UAE and Saudi Arabia at the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival.
Last week, the Dubai AI & Web3 Festival witnessed a collaboration between Taiwan and both UAE and Saudi Arabia to tackle critical semiconductor shortages and support AI technology.
At the event, UAE Minister of State for AI, Omar Al Olama, emphasised the government’s commitment to backing companies leading in AI innovation, aiming to position the UAE as a global hub for transformative technologies.
At the same time, during the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, Wesley Shu, CEO of Taiwanese chip material company Formosa+, discussed the effects of U.S. export controls on advanced AI chips, particularly concerning projects like NEOM and The Line.
The NEOM project in Saudi Arabia is a $500 billion initiative to create a futuristic city covering 26,500 square kilometres. Designed as a hub for innovation, it focuses on biotechnology, food, and energy, focusing on sustainability and smart infrastructure. NEOM is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable development.
A proposed solution involves establishing a Saudi-funded data centre in Taiwan, which accounts for 46% of the world’s foundry capacity. This would help Saudi Arabia mitigate chip shortages and advance its Vision 2030 goals.
Saudi Arabia has also initiated its National Semiconductor Hub program to create 50 semiconductor design firms by 2030, focusing on self-sufficiency amidst complex global export regulations.
