At LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, Adobe announced an expanded partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Human, a Public Investment Fund company. The initiative aims to boost the creative sector and accelerate AI adoption across the Kingdom.
Free Access for Millions
Adobe’s commitment exceeds $4 billion. The company will provide free access to Adobe Firefly Standard models and Adobe Express Premium features for 12 months to over 27 million eligible citizens and residents aged 13 and above, rolling out by the end of 2026.
Localized AI Image Generation
Human and Adobe are developing a joint image generation model, the first built using Adobe Firefly Foundry. Designed with Saudi culture and local context in mind, it enables individuals, businesses, and creative teams to produce high-quality, Saudi-themed images using Arabic text prompts.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, stated the partnership reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering talent and accelerating the creative economy. Adobe’s CEO, Shantanu Narayen, highlighted that the collaboration combines Adobe’s creative tools with Firefly Foundry models tailored to Saudi culture, alongside local expertise from the ministry and Human.
Arabic Language Support in Adobe Express
Adobe also announced full support for Modern Standard Arabic and right-to-left (RTL) text in Adobe Express on desktop, web, and iOS. This includes typography, text editing, UI controls, and Saudi-culture-specific templates.
Support for Startups and Education
The partnership extends to startups and entrepreneurs. Adobe will offer a curated set of creative tools free for one year, along with training and skill development for eligible startups and participants in the CODE digital entrepreneurship center and The Garage, starting in early 2027.
Additionally, Adobe is collaborating with the Future Skills initiative to provide free practical courses via the Adobe Digital Academy, focusing on creativity, marketing, and AI skills to enhance participation in the creative economy.
This expansion builds on the strategic partnership announced at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in November 2025, aiming to move AI applications from experimentation to broader, impactful use in the Kingdom.