<div id="readability-page-1"><p>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 <em>CNBC</em>, 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.</p><h3>TipRanks Cyber Monday Sale</h3><ul><li> Claim 60% off TipRanks Premium  for data-backed insights and research tools you need to invest with confidence.  </li><li>  Subscribe to TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks  and see our data in action through our high-performing model portfolio - <u> now also 60% off </u></li></ul> <h2><strong>Gulf Nations Attract Money and Talent</strong></h2> <p>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 &#34;a buzz,&#34; similar to what he once saw in San Francisco during the early tech boom.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Dalio said this progress reflects long-term planning, not short-term hype. He called the UAE &#34;a paradise in a world that's troubled,&#34; pointing to its stability, lifestyle, and effort to create a modern financial center that attracts global firms.</p> <h2><strong>Dalio Warns of a Tougher Global Outlook</strong></h2> <p>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 &#34;more precarious&#34; due to three pressures he tracks closely: rising debt levels, growing political tension in the U.S., and ongoing geopolitical conflicts.</p> <p>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.</p> <h2><strong>Which Stock Is Best to Buy Now?</strong> </h2> <p>Using the TipRanks Stock Comparison tool, we looked at how Wall Street analysts rate Nvidia, Microsoft, Oracle, and Alphabet — and which of these major tech names analysts see offering the strongest upside right now.</p></div>

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<p>Ray Dalio sees the Middle East as a fast-growing AI hub, attracting major companies like Nvidia, Oracle, Microsoft, and Alphabet. He compares the region's energy to Silicon Valley, with significant investments and talent influx. Dalio highlights the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar's strategic growth in AI, backed by financial resources and global partnerships. Despite optimism for the region, Dalio warns of global economic challenges due to rising debt, political tensions, and geopolitical conflicts.</p>

- Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, highlights the Middle East as a rapidly growing AI hub, with major companies like Nvidia, Oracle, Microsoft, and Alphabet establishing a presence there.  
- He notes that the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are attracting investment and talent, supported by significant commitments such as Saudi Arabia's $10 billion agreement with Google Cloud to create a global AI hub.  
- While optimistic about the region, Dalio expresses caution regarding the global economy, citing rising debt, political tensions in the U.S., and geopolitical conflicts as potential pressures in the coming years.

NVDA, MSFT, ORCL, GOOGL: Ray Dalio Sees the Gulf as the 'Next Big AI Boom'