Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its innovation economy. Red Sea Global and Bunat Ventures have announced a strategic partnership to launch a new AI focused venture fund. The initiative aims to support the next generation of technology startups across the Kingdom. The fund will focus on artificial intelligence as a core driver of growth, sustainability, and economic impact.A First of Its Kind AI Focused Venture FundBeyond Capital Through Real World AccessStrengthening Saudi Arabia’s AI EcosystemLeadership Vision Behind the PartnershipRed Sea Global as a Living Innovation Platform The partnership reflects a shared vision. Both organizations seek to turn Saudi Arabia into a global center for advanced digital innovation. A First of Its Kind AI Focused Venture Fund The new AI Venture Fund will invest in early and growth stage startups. These companies will either be AI native or use AI as a key business enabler. Over the next three years, the fund plans to back around 25 startups. The fund will target: Pre seed and early stage companies Growth stage startups with proven traction Saudi founded ventures expanding locally Global startups building inside the Kingdom The goal is to help startups grow into national and regional champions. Beyond Capital Through Real World Access The fund offers more than financial support. Red Sea Global will open its operational ecosystem to portfolio companies. Startups will test and validate their solutions inside live environments. This access includes: Real world pilots within Red Sea Global destinations Advanced infrastructure and digital platforms Direct feedback from operational teams A controlled space to refine AI solutions This approach helps founders move faster and reduce risk. It also bridges the gap between innovation and real deployment. Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s AI Ecosystem The fund places strong emphasis on Saudi based entrepreneurs. It also welcomes Saudi founded global companies returning to scale at home. This focus supports job creation and knowledge transfer. Expected ecosystem benefits include: New high skill employment opportunities Stronger collaboration with academia Deeper ties between investors and builders Attraction of global AI talent The initiative aims to create long term value, not short term gains. Leadership Vision Behind the Partnership Sultan Moraished, Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence at Red Sea Global, highlighted innovation as a core driver of a regenerative future. He emphasized the role of technology in sustainability and digital transformation. Khaled Zainalabedin, CEO and Managing Partner at Bunat VC, stressed the power of combining visionary development with agile venture capital. He stated that the partnership will empower Saudi AI founders to reshape industries and communities. Red Sea Global as a Living Innovation Platform Red Sea Global already operates major destinations across the Kingdom. These include The Red Sea and AMAALA. The company welcomed its first guests in 2023 and now operates multiple resorts and an international airport. Its growing footprint provides: Diverse testing environments Tourism, mobility, and infrastructure use cases Access to global visitors and partners This scale makes Red Sea Global a unique launchpad for AI innovation. The new venture fund signals a clear message. Saudi Arabia is ready to build, test, and scale the future of artificial intelligence from within the Kingdom.