Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, says the Middle East is turning into one of the world’s fastest-growing AI hubs — and major companies like Nvidia (NVDA), Oracle (ORCL), Microsoft (MSFT), and Google’s parent Alphabet (GOOGL) are already building a presence there. Speaking to CNBC, Dalio said the energy in the region reminds him of Silicon Valley, with money, talent, and global tech players all moving in at the same time.
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Gulf Nations Attract Money and Talent
Dalio said the rise of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar is no accident. These countries have mixed deep financial resources with a steady inflow of global talent, creating a strong pull for investors and AI builders. He described the current mood in the region as “a buzz,” similar to what he once saw in San Francisco during the early tech boom.
The Gulf states have backed this growth with major commitments. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Google Cloud signed a $10 billion agreement this year to build what they call a global AI hub. The UAE is moving just as fast. OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Cisco (CSCO) are working together on a large AI campus known as Stargate, aimed at handling some of the world’s heaviest AI workloads.
Dalio said this progress reflects long-term planning, not short-term hype. He called the UAE “a paradise in a world that’s troubled,” pointing to its stability, lifestyle, and effort to create a modern financial center that attracts global firms.
Dalio Warns of a Tougher Global Outlook
While Dalio is upbeat on the Middle East, he sounded more cautious about the global economy. He said the next one to two years could be “more precarious” due to three pressures he tracks closely: rising debt levels, growing political tension in the U.S., and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Dalio pointed out early signs of strain in private equity, venture capital, and commercial real estate as older, low-cost loans roll into higher rates. He also expects U.S. political tensions to heat up as the 2026 elections approach, which could add more uncertainty to markets.
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