Naver Cloud announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AI semiconductor startup Rebellion at the ‘LEAP 2025’ event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The agreement focuses on building sovereign AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

Under the shared vision of “Sovereign AI,” the two companies plan to leverage their unique AI technological capabilities and business expertise to develop AI models optimized for local culture and language, offering a range of solutions based on these models.

To achieve this, the companies will collaborate on: ▲ developing Arabic-based large language models (LLMs), ▲ jointly identifying potential partners and customers in Saudi Arabia’s public and private sectors, and ▲ building an AI value chain ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.

Naver is one of the few global companies that develops and operates LLMs from the pre-training stage. The company emphasized that, apart from U.S. and Chinese big tech firms, it is the only company capable of optimizing high-cost LLMs, managing the necessary infrastructure, and proposing comprehensive solutions.

Rebellion, recognized for its AI semiconductor technology and market potential, secured strategic investment from Saudi Aramco last year, marking a first for a Korean startup. Building on this, Rebellion is actively entering the Middle Eastern market, advancing projects such as Aramco’s data center commercialization and establishing a local entity, solidifying its position as a key AI infrastructure partner in Saudi Arabia.

Yu-won Kim, CEO of Naver Cloud, stated, “Through LEAP 2025, we confirmed the high local interest in sovereign AI that preserves national culture and identity. By collaborating with various domestic companies, we aim to lead the realization of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign AI while contributing to strengthening Korea-Saudi cooperation and exchanges for AI innovation.”