Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly shaking up industries across the globe, and big tech players are figuring out their place in this fast-moving evolution. For Qualcomm, AI is a massive opportunity, one they’ve been preparing for over a decade. With deep roots in smart computing, connectivity, and edge processing, the company is doubling down on AI-driven innovation.
Wassim Chourbaji, President MEA and Senior Vice President for Government Affairs EMEA at Qualcomm, recently discussed the company’s AI strategy in the Middle East, its approach to regulation, and how AI-powered devices are shaping the future.
AI as a generational opportunity
“We look at AI as a generational opportunity,” Chourbaji explained. “It’s a technology we have been investing in for over ten years, and today, we have shipped more than two billion AI-enabled products.”
While Qualcomm is widely recognised for its contributions to the smartphone industry, its AI efforts extend far beyond mobile technology. The company is integrating AI into PCs, extended reality (XR), industrial IoT, automotive, and cloud computing—positioning AI as a fundamental layer of future technology rather than an isolated feature.
The timing is ideal. The AI chipset market is expected to reach approximately $71 billion in 2024—an increase of over 30 percent from the previous year. Qualcomm is leveraging its expertise in high-performance, low-power computing to ensure AI-driven devices are not only intelligent but also power-efficient and seamlessly connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G.
Rather than viewing AI as a standalone innovation, Qualcomm sees it as a key driver in transforming industries and redefining enterprise operations.
Building AI ecosystems in the Middle East
The Middle East is emerging as a key player in AI adoption, with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE making substantial investments in digital transformation. Qualcomm is taking an ecosystem-driven approach in the region, focusing on collaboration rather than simply selling products.
“We are not just here to open a business development office and sell products,” Chourbaji said. “We come in to innovate, co-invest, and co-develop.”
A prime example is Qualcomm’s collaboration with Saudi Aramco, where AI is being utilised to enhance industrial operations, optimise costs, improve safety, and drive sustainability. The company is also working with ADNOC and the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) to expand AI applications across both public and private sectors.
One of Qualcomm’s key achievements in the region is the ALLAM AI PC, a pioneering Arabic-language large language model (LLM) PC developed in partnership with Saudi stakeholders.
“This is an AI PC with a 7-billion-parameter Arabic LLM that runs completely offline,” Chourbaji said. “It is designed to be secure and private, making it ideal for government services.”
Beyond its immediate applications, this project has also sparked discussions about designing and potentially manufacturing AI PCs locally, further advancing the region’s AI ambitions.
AI and data: The push for ethics and sovereignty
As AI adoption increases, so do concerns about data sovereignty. Governments and enterprises want AI solutions that ensure sensitive data remains within national borders. Qualcomm’s approach? A hybrid AI model.
“With our technology and platforms, we are best positioned to enable sovereign cloud and sovereign data,” explained Chourbaji. “We’ve demonstrated hybrid models where a 7-billion-parameter model runs on the device while a 70-billion-parameter model operates in the cloud. They communicate seamlessly to optimise efficiency and security.”
To further strengthen data security, Qualcomm has introduced AI appliances—secure, air-gapped AI servers that organisations can deploy without relying on cloud connectivity. This ensures sensitive data remains completely private, addressing regulatory compliance and cybersecurity concerns.
“Sovereign cloud is an area of significant growth,” he said. “Many governments and enterprises want AI systems that keep their data within their country’s boundaries, and Qualcomm is helping to enable that.”
As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, discussions around ethics, security, and responsible deployment have become increasingly important. Chourbaji, who has participated in global AI policy discussions, highlights the necessity of working closely with regulators.
“AI, like any transformative technology, can be used for good or bad,” he said. “That’s why it is critical to have regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with security and privacy. We work closely with governments to provide insights into how regulations might impact innovation, but ultimately, we comply with the laws set by elected officials.”
For Qualcomm, security and privacy are integral to AI design. Running AI on edge devices, rather than in the cloud, enhances data privacy. In industrial environments, AI plays a supportive role—enhancing worker safety and operational efficiency rather than replacing human jobs.
The future: AI-powered devices and beyond
Looking ahead, Chourbaji envisions an increasing shift towards AI-powered devices and extended reality (XR) applications. Qualcomm is heavily investing in next-generation smart glasses, industrial AI, and autonomous computing.
“Smart glasses powered by AI could be game-changing,” he said. “Imagine a visually impaired person wearing glasses that describe their surroundings in real time, or an industrial worker using AI-powered AR for diagnostics and maintenance. These technologies will redefine how we interact with the world.”
Beyond consumer technology, Qualcomm continues to drive AI into critical industrial and enterprise applications, ensuring that AI-powered advancements lead to tangible benefits in productivity, efficiency, and safety.
AI adoption is accelerating in the Middle East, and Qualcomm is positioning itself as a key enabler of innovation. Through co-development, regulatory engagement, and localised AI initiatives, the company is actively shaping the region’s AI future while aligning with national priorities.
“There’s always a ‘next’ in AI,” Chourbaji said. “Whether it’s the next AI-driven smartphone, PC, or mixed reality device, our focus is on pushing boundaries while ensuring AI is used responsibly and effectively.”
From sovereign cloud solutions to AI-powered smart devices, Qualcomm is driving the AI evolution forward, ensuring that innovation is both cutting-edge and ethically sound.
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