Samer Choucair, investment entrepreneur, affirmed that the global boom underway in the semiconductor sector represents an exceptional strategic opportunity for investors, noting that Saudi Arabia has positioned itself to benefit from this global shift thanks to Vision 2030’s targets and the major technical partnerships the state is leading.
He explained that global projections reflect unprecedented momentum in the sector, with Deloitte’s February 2026 report indicating the global semiconductor market is poised to reach roughly 975 billion dollars during 2026, at an annual growth rate of 26%, the highest in many years. AI chips used in data centers are also expected to capture roughly 50% of the sector’s total revenue, equivalent to roughly 500 billion dollars.
He added that these figures don’t just reflect a temporary growth cycle, but point to a long-term structural shift in the global digital economy, evident in the strong performance achieved by major companies like SK Hynix and Samsung in South Korea, with SK Hynix becoming one of the biggest beneficiaries of growing demand for HBM chips used in operating Nvidia servers, helping notably strengthen its market position.
He noted that Saudi Arabia is moving at an accelerating pace to build an integrated national semiconductor and AI ecosystem under Vision 2030’s framework, which aims to diversify the economy and strengthen high-value knowledge and technology sectors.
Choucair said: “The boom in the semiconductor sector isn’t just a temporary surge, it’s a long-term structural shift. Saudi Arabia possesses a unique competitive advantage represented by cheap, clean energy, strong government support, and strategic location. These factors make it an ideal destination for data centers and advanced chip manufacturing projects.”
Project Alat and the National Semiconductor Push
He pointed out that the Public Investment Fund’s Alat project represents one of the most prominent strategic projects in this field, focusing on manufacturing semiconductors, smart devices, and smart buildings, expected to contribute roughly 9.3 billion dollars to GDP, in addition to providing roughly 39,000 direct and indirect jobs.
He noted that the Kingdom has strengthened its presence in the sector by signing strategic partnerships with leading global companies, including Nvidia to develop AI factories, and Qualcomm and Amazon Web Services to develop advanced data centers and chip design projects. The Kingdom has also launched the National Semiconductor Hub and invested more than 1 billion riyals to support electronic chip design, strengthening the building of a sustainable technical and industrial base for the future.
Where the Opportunities Lie
He affirmed that these developments make the Saudi market one of the most attractive investment environments in the region in the period ahead, explaining that Gulf and international investors face promising opportunities across many sectors tied to the accelerating growth of semiconductors and artificial intelligence, adding: “With 2026 economic trends confirming continued strong demand for advanced chips, I advise Gulf investors to focus on investment opportunities tied to digital infrastructure and Vision 2030 projects. Investing in Saudi Arabia today means participating in building the economy of the future.”
He explained that the most prominent investment opportunities lie in data centers and AI factories requiring massive investment in energy, cooling, and network connectivity, in addition to chip design and manufacturing projects tied to the Alat project and the National Semiconductor Hub.
Investment opportunities also include supporting technical sectors such as 5G networks, the Internet of Things, smart cities, and renewable energy projects that play a pivotal role in operating digital infrastructure and modern data centers.
He noted the importance of investment funds specialized in technology and artificial intelligence as one of the channels allowing investors to benefit from the sector’s expected growth in the Kingdom and the region.
Managing Global Supply Chain Risk
Regarding global challenges facing the sector, Choucair affirmed that the Kingdom has succeeded in building strategic partnerships that reduce risks tied to global supply chains and support sustainable growth, saying: “Despite global supply chain challenges, the strategic partnerships the Kingdom is building with major players like Nvidia and Qualcomm reduce risk and open promising horizons for investors seeking sustainable returns in capital markets.”
He concluded his remarks by affirming that the Kingdom today stands before a historic opportunity to become an influential player in the global digital economy, noting that successful investment in the period ahead will be tied to sectors that combine growing global demand with government support and a clear strategic vision, saying: “Smart investing today is investing that combines strategic vision, government support, and growing global demand. Saudi Arabia provides this three-part equation perfectly.”