Amazon Partners with Saudi AI Firm Despite Jamal Khashoggi Murder Controversy

In May 2025, Amazon announced a significant $5 billion investment to collaborate with Humain, an artificial intelligence company owned by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). This partnership aims to establish an “AI Zone” in Saudi Arabia, a move that has sparked controversy given the country’s history and the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, which is owned by Jeff Bezos, was killed and dismembered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. His death was widely condemned internationally and led to several companies and individuals distancing themselves from Saudi investments. Despite this, Amazon’s deal signals a renewed willingness to engage with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to pivot its economy toward AI and technology.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Project Neom aim to transform the kingdom into a futuristic, AI-driven economy as it prepares for the eventual decline of its oil revenues. However, these initiatives have faced skepticism due to delays, downsizing, and the ethical implications of partnering with a regime known for human rights abuses and repression.

The deal also comes amid criticism of Jeff Bezos’s handling of The Washington Post, which has seen significant internal turmoil and a decline in journalistic independence. Critics argue that Amazon’s partnership with Saudi Arabia undermines Bezos’s public stance on free press and human rights, especially given the unresolved circumstances surrounding Khashoggi’s murder.

This development raises broader questions about the tech industry’s relationship with authoritarian regimes and the ethical boundaries of lucrative investments. While Saudi Arabia’s push for AI innovation offers significant opportunities, it also demands careful consideration of the human costs and reputational risks involved.

Implications for AI and Ethical Investment

Amazon’s partnership with Humain exemplifies the complex intersection of AI advancement and geopolitical ethics. As AI becomes a critical driver of economic growth, companies face increasing pressure to balance innovation with social responsibility. The Saudi deal underscores the need for transparent governance, human rights considerations, and long-term reputational management in AI investments.

For technology leaders and investors, this case highlights the importance of due diligence and ethical frameworks when engaging with countries undergoing rapid technological transformation but with questionable human rights records. It also demonstrates how AI projects can become entangled with political agendas and international controversies.

Navigating AI Innovation Amid Ethical Challenges

As AI continues to reshape global economies, companies must develop strategies that incorporate ethical investment principles alongside technological goals. This includes:

• Conducting rigorous human rights due diligence before entering partnerships
• Engaging stakeholders including employees and civil society to assess reputational risks
• Implementing transparent reporting on AI ethics and investment impacts
• Balancing innovation goals with commitments to human rights and press freedom

Amazon’s deal with Saudi Arabia serves as a cautionary tale for the tech industry. While AI offers transformative potential, the path forward must be paved with ethical considerations that respect human dignity and freedom of expression. Companies that fail to integrate these values risk not only reputational damage but also undermining the very societal progress AI promises to deliver.