IBM and Lenovo have announced an expansion of their strategic technology partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of generative AI in Saudi Arabia. This move comes as global AI spending is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2026, underscoring the growing significance of artificial intelligence in various sectors.

The companies made the announcement during LEAP 2025, a prominent technology conference, where they unveiled plans to deliver advanced AI solutions that combine IBM’s watsonx portfolio with Lenovo’s robust infrastructure. This expanded collaboration builds on a 20-year partnership between the American tech giant and the computer manufacturer.

A key component of the collaboration will include integrating the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority’s open-source Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM), which is designed to enhance AI-driven services in the Kingdom. These AI solutions are expected to help government agencies and businesses improve public services, detect fraud, enhance public safety, modernize IT operations, and optimize customer service.

As part of the initiative, Saudi organizations will be able to access ALLaM through WatsonX, enabling them to leverage advanced AI capabilities for training, tuning, and deploying the model. The solutions will be available for both on-premises and cloud applications, running on Lenovo’s infrastructure.

Giovanni Di Filippo, President of EMEA, Infrastructure Solutions Group at Lenovo, commented, “We’re pleased to deepen our partnership to bring IBM’s fit-for-purpose generative AI offerings together with Lenovo’s infrastructure solutions for both on-premises and cloud use to provide customers in Saudi Arabia with solutions designed to meet their unique needs in this fast-paced growing market.”

According to IDC forecasts, global spending on AI-centric systems is set to surpass $300 billion annually by 2026, with Saudi Arabia’s organizations increasingly investing in AI-driven innovations as they look toward a future dominated by AI technologies.

Ayman AlRashed, Regional Vice President of IBM Saudi Arabia, highlighted the long-standing history of innovation between IBM and Lenovo. “We look forward to this new collaboration to bring together Lenovo’s infrastructure offerings and IBM’s AI portfolio, which utilizes small, efficient, open-source models targeted for specific use cases and geographic requirements. Together we will drive even greater value for our mutual clients in the Kingdom,” AlRashed said.

This collaboration is poised to play a significant role in accelerating Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions, positioning the country as a key player in the region’s AI-driven future.