ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s GO Telecom company will establish an artificial intelligence (AI) hub in Pakistan this month that would help transfer knowledge and jointly develop innovative digital solutions, Pakistan’s information technology (IT) ministry said on Monday.
The decision to establish the GO AI Hub in Pakistan was made during a meeting between Pakistani IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and the leadership of GO Telecom at the company’s headquarters in Riyadh last week.
GO Telecom plays a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation landscape, offering cloud, data center and management services to businesses. The company has expanded regionally through partnerships such as with Oman’s Data Park and by acquiring a majority stake in Ejad Tech, a Saudi IT solution provider.
While GO has a strong domestic presence in Pakistan’s petroleum sector, the planned AI hub appears to be its first major tech venture in the South Asian country, marking an expansion of its international footprint.
“The official launch of the [GO AI] Hub is planned for October 2025, with participation from senior government and industry leaders from both countries,” the IT ministry said in a statement shared with Arab News, adding that the initiative will promote joint development of digital solutions between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
During the meeting, future collaborations, including digital infrastructure expansion, data center development, and the establishment of a technical talent development center in Pakistan, also came under discussion, reflecting the shared vision to enhance regional digital connectivity and innovation.
“Through initiatives like GO AI Hub Pakistan, we aim to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies, empower youth through digital skills, and accelerate our shared vision of a connected, knowledge-driven future,” the IT ministry’s statement said.
Arab News reached out to GO Telecom but could not get an immediate response on more details about the AI hub.
In an earlier statement shared by the Pakistani IT ministry, GO Telecommunications Group CEO Yahya bin Saleh Al-Mansour said the discussions with the Pakistani IT minister in Riyadh underscored the “strong potential” for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
“The Group’s expansion into the Pakistani market aligns with our strategic vision of diversification and strengthening partnerships with friendly and brotherly nations,” he was quoted as saying.
The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) welcomed the initiative, saying the AI hub would open new avenues for Pakistani startups in training, innovation and bilateral collaboration.
“This is an excellent initiative as it will provide Pakistani AI and telecommunications companies with access to the GO Telecom Group’s platform, enabling greater collaboration and growth opportunities,” P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed told Arab News.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed close ties, but in recent years have sought to broaden their cooperation further. During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh in October 2024, they signed 34 memoranda of understanding worth $2.8 billion across multiple sectors.
Both countries are now planning to forge a partnership in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, Pakistani state media reported last week.
Syed said the GO AI Hub would help increase the reach of Pakistani companies and startups to the Saudi market.
“Our companies have long lacked access to major international markets through a credible and established platform but with the GO AI Hub Pakistan, they will finally gain that opportunity as the Saudi telecom giant offers extensive reach in the Kingdom and region,” he added.
