Saudi FII Attracts BlackRock, Blackstone AI Deals

The Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh has set the stage for one of the most significant investment competitions of the year, with Blackstone Inc. CEO Steve Schwarzman and BlackRock Inc. CEO Larry Fink both pursuing multi-billion dollar investments in Saudi Arabia’s newly established AI company, Humain. The simultaneous interest from two of the world’s largest asset management firms represents a major validation of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in the artificial intelligence sector and underscores the kingdom’s growing appeal to global financial leaders.

The presence of both Schwarzman and Fink at the investment showcase highlights the strategic importance Wall Street places on securing footholds in Saudi Arabia’s technology transformation. Their competing bids for Humain demonstrate how Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy is successfully attracting top-tier international investors to sectors beyond traditional energy. The substantial financial commitments being discussed reflect confidence in both the potential of Saudi AI development and the kingdom’s broader economic vision.

While AI investments capture headlines, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. CEO David Solomon is among the financial leaders focusing on Saudi Arabia’s developing private credit market. The emerging alternative financing sector represents a significant opportunity for global investment banks seeking to expand their footprint in the Middle East. Solomon’s presence at the Future Investment Initiative signals Goldman Sachs’ strategic interest in participating in the kingdom’s financial ecosystem evolution.

The growing private credit market in Saudi Arabia aligns with global trends where non-bank lenders are playing increasingly important roles in corporate financing. For international financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, this represents an opportunity to deploy substantial capital while supporting the development of Saudi Arabia’s private sector. The kingdom’s economic transformation has created fertile ground for alternative financing solutions that complement traditional banking services.

The Future Investment Initiative, organized by the FII Institute under CEO Richard Attias, has firmly established itself as a critical platform for connecting global capital with Saudi investment opportunities. The conference’s ability to attract executives of Schwarzman, Fink, and Solomon’s caliber demonstrates its growing influence in international finance circles. These high-profile participations reinforce the event’s reputation as a must-attend gathering for serious global investors.

Under Richard Attias’ leadership, the FII Institute has successfully positioned the annual event as more than just a conference—it has become a deal-making hub where billion-dollar transactions are conceived and negotiated. The concentration of financial power at this year’s edition, with multiple Wall Street giants pursuing major Saudi investments simultaneously, underscores the kingdom’s successful pivot toward becoming a global investment destination beyond its traditional oil-based economy.

The competitive dynamics between BlackRock and Blackstone for the Humain AI investment, combined with Goldman Sachs’ focus on private credit opportunities, illustrate the diverse investment landscape emerging in Saudi Arabia. This multi-faceted approach to attracting foreign capital reflects the sophisticated strategy behind Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, positioning the kingdom as a compelling destination for various types of international investment across multiple sectors.