IBM and Lenovo will collaborate to offer AI solutions that combine Lenovo infrastructure and IBM Watsonx AI products like the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority’s open-source Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM).
In order to help clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia scale the effect of generative AI, IBM and Lenovo announced at LEAP 2025 that they seek to expand their strategic technological cooperation.
As they are ready for the rise of a “Artificial Intelligence everywhere” future, several prominent Saudi Arabian organisations are investigating and investing in generative AI use cases. IDC predicts that global investment on AI-centric systems will top $300 billion annually by 2026.
Building on their 20-year collaboration, IBM and Lenovo will work together to provide Artificial Intelligence solutions that combine Lenovo infrastructure and technology from the IBM Watsonx portfolio of AI products, such as the open-source Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM) developed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). In areas including fraud detection, public safety, customer service, code modernisation, and IT operations, these solutions are anticipated to assist government and corporate clients in the Kingdom in accelerating their usage of AI to enhance public services and make data-driven choices.
“Current announcement represents an important step in the longstanding relationship between IBM and Lenovo. “IBM is happy to expand it’s collaboration in order to offer Saudi Arabian customers solutions tailored to their specific requirements in this rapidly expanding market by combining Lenovo’s on-premises and cloud infrastructure solutions with IBM’s fit-for-purpose generative AI offerings.”
Currently, Saudi Arabian organisations may use Watsonx to access Arabic Large Language Model, train, adjust, and deploy ALLaM using sophisticated AI capabilities, and execute their AI workloads on Lenovo infrastructure for both on-premises and cloud use cases. It is anticipated that the new solutions would provide customers more options for using the potential of generative AI through a strategy founded on openness, confidence, and autonomy.
“IBM and Lenovo have a rich history of joint innovation and partnership that spans two decades.” “IBM is excited about this new partnership, which will combine Lenovo’s infrastructure products with IBM’s AI portfolio, which makes use of compact, effective, open-source models tailored to particular use cases and regional needs. IBM will work together to provide even more value for IBM’s shared clientele in the Kingdom.
Statements on the future direction and intent of Lenovo and IBM are subject to change or withdrawal at any time and are solely intended to serve as aims and objectives.
Arabic Large Language Model (ALLaM)
IBM and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) announced the release of SDAIA’s Arabic Large Language Model (LLM), “ALLaM,” which is open-source (with optional AUP) on IBM’s enterprise AI and data platform, Watsonx. Through Watsonx.ai Studio, clients will have access to the model and use cutting-edge AI capabilities to train, fine-tune, and implement Arabic Large Language Model. The industry-leading governance features will facilitate responsible deployment that complies with IBM’s ethical AI requirements.
The availability of Arabic Large Language Model in Watsonx provides the required AI governance for organisations while expanding the use and reach of Arabic LLMs. With Watsonx’s full backing, businesses and governmental organisations may now confidently implement Arabic generative AI, opening the door for further innovation.
It’s goal has been to strengthen Arabic language proficiency in AI development since Arabic Large Language Model was announced last year, solidifying the Kingdom’s standing as a world leader in AI. This partnership will act as a spur for more technical development. The adoption of generative AI is at the core of this change, and Saudi Arabia is leading the way in this collaboration with IBM to usher in a new age of digital excellence in the region. said H.E. Dr. Esam Alwagait, who is the Director of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority’s (SDAIA) National Information Centre.
“This partnership marks an important turning point in the advancement of Arabic in the field of generative AI. In line with the linguistic and cultural requirements of the area, it guarantees that the public and private sectors may profit from the implementation of Arabic language models’, stated Ayman AlRashed, Regional Vice President, IBM Saudi Arabia. “This development enhances Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leader in AI technology catered to the particular needs of its market and provides businesses throughout the Kingdom and the larger Arab world with distinctive services.”
This now-completed development strengthens the close relationship between IBM and SDAIA and opens the door for more cooperation. The new offering demonstrates a dedication to common objectives and a vision for ongoing prosperity in the area by skilfully combining cutting-edge technology and creative ways to handle new possibilities and challenges.
About SDAIA
SDAIA is Saudi Arabia’s data and AI authority. Additionally, SDAIA is the national authority on data and AI ecosystem concerns. Operating national data and AI-related platforms and infrastructure, fostering innovation and capacity building, and regulating and advancing the industry are all part of its purpose.
