HUMAIN, DataVolt and Nebius Advance NEOM AI Campus
Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN and DataVolt have signed a preliminary framework agreement with Nebius to secure a major customer for their planned AI data centre campus at Oxagon, NEOM. Announced on October 21, 2026, the agreement marks an early commercial milestone for the project.
Under the proposed deal, Nebius could take up to 50 megawatts (MW) of data centre capacity. That represents half of the initial 100 MW currently under construction within the campus’s planned 360 MW first phase. The proposed allocation is expected to become operational in stages starting in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Nebius to Anchor the Planned AI Campus
HUMAIN, a company owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, develops AI infrastructure, computing services, models, and applications. Meanwhile, DataVolt specialises in developing, owning, and operating large-scale digital infrastructure. Nebius provides AI cloud services and needs high-performance computing capacity to serve its expanding customer base.
The agreement brings these capabilities together at Oxagon, NEOM’s advanced industrial city on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. In addition, Nebius expects to deploy NVIDIA-powered computing infrastructure at the site to support demanding AI workloads. The proposed arrangement could therefore connect Saudi infrastructure development with international demand for AI computing services.
HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin described securing Nebius as the project’s first customer as a significant milestone. He said the company aims to build a globally competitive AI ecosystem linking infrastructure, computing, models, and applications. Similarly, DataVolt CEO Rajit Nanda highlighted the importance of rapid delivery and competitive infrastructure costs.
Project Targets 360 MW in Its First Phase
The Nebius agreement follows HUMAIN and DataVolt’s expanded partnership to develop 100 MW of AI-ready data centre capacity at Oxagon. Construction began in September 2026, moving the project from planning into development. However, the broader first phase targets 360 MW, while the wider campus could eventually reach 1.5 gigawatts.
The site is designed to combine large-scale energy resources, industrial land, and high-speed digital connectivity. Access to subsea cable networks linking Europe and Africa could also support international AI workloads. These features are increasingly important as AI companies seek reliable power and infrastructure for advanced computing systems.
Saudi Arabia Strengthens Its AI Infrastructure Ambitions
The partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to become a global centre for AI infrastructure and cloud computing. Through HUMAIN, the Kingdom is developing capabilities across the AI value chain. Meanwhile, DataVolt is building the physical infrastructure required to host high-density computing systems.
NEOM Managing Director and CEO Aiman Al-Mudaifer said the agreement reflects rising international demand for AI-ready infrastructure. He also highlighted Oxagon’s role in bringing together land, energy, and connectivity for advanced industries.
Nevertheless, the proposed capacity allocation remains subject to further development and implementation of the framework. The partners have outlined a phased operational timeline beginning in the fourth quarter of 2027. Therefore, actual delivery will depend on construction progress and the deployment of computing infrastructure.
The agreement gives the Oxagon campus an initial international customer commitment while supporting Nebius’s AI cloud expansion. Ultimately, its progress will help demonstrate whether Saudi Arabia can turn its energy and infrastructure advantages into a competitive base for global AI computing.
