At the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh, Adobe announced an expanded partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Human (a Public Investment Fund company) to boost the creative sector and accelerate AI adoption in the Kingdom. The collaboration includes a commitment valued at over $4 billion, free access to Adobe Firefly Standard and Adobe Express Premium for 12 months for more than 27 million eligible citizens and residents aged 13 and above, and the development of a Saudi-culture-specific generation model.
Adobe's $4 Billion Commitment to Saudi Arabia
Adobe’s partnership commitment exceeds $4 billion. By the end of 2026, the company plans to offer Adobe Firefly Standard models and Adobe Express Premium features free of charge for 12 months to over 27 million eligible citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia who are 13 years or older.
Developing a Saudi-Culture Model
As part of the partnership, Human and Adobe will develop a joint generation model—the first of its kind built using Adobe Firefly Foundry. The model is designed with Saudi culture and local context in mind, enabling individuals, businesses, and creative teams to produce high-quality images with a Saudi character using Arabic text prompts.
Statements from Key Leaders
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Engineer Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, stated that the partnership reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering talent and accelerating the growth of the creative economy, expanding the benefits of AI for innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs.
Adobe’s Chairman and CEO, Shantanu Narayen, explained that the collaboration combines Adobe’s creative tools and Firefly Foundry and video models—designed with Saudi culture in mind—with the local expertise of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Human’s understanding of the local cultural context. This, he said, helps expand creative opportunities and accelerate the growth of the creative economy in the Kingdom.
Arabic Language Support in Adobe Express
Adobe also announced the availability of Modern Standard Arabic support and right-to-left writing in Adobe Express across desktop, web, and iOS. The support includes typography, text editing, user interface controls, and templates designed with Saudi culture in mind.
Upcoming Saudi-Character Model
Human and Adobe plan to launch the joint model soon. Human’s CEO, Tariq Amin, noted that AI should understand the context in which it operates, and the model will enable the production of images more connected to local culture. These capabilities are being developed locally, designed to compete and expand globally.
Support for Startups and Entrepreneurs
The collaboration extends to supporting startups and entrepreneurs. Adobe will offer a selection of its creative tools free for one year, along with training and skill development for eligible startups and participants in the Digital Entrepreneurship Center (CODE) and The Garage, starting in early 2027.
Educational Initiatives via Adobe Digital Academy
Adobe is also collaborating with the Future Skills initiative to provide free applied educational courses through the Adobe Digital Academy platform. These courses aim to develop skills in creativity, marketing, and AI, and to enhance beneficiaries’ participation in the creative economy.
Continuation of Strategic Cooperation
The expanded partnership builds on the strategic collaboration between Adobe and Human announced at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in November 2025. That earlier agreement aimed to expand AI applications, moving them from experimentation to broader use and achieving tangible impact in the Kingdom.
