Google Cloud to contribute $109 billion to Saudi economy

 

Google Cloud to contribute $109 billion to Saudi economy

Google Cloud has officially unveiled its latest cloud region in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, with a focus on providing high-performance, low-latency services through the Google Cloud Platform. The expansion aims to cater to a diverse client base, including public sector organizations, large businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and startups across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.

During the launch event attended by key Google Cloud figures, such as CEO Thomas Kurian, the company reiterated its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. According to research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership, the new cloud region is expected to contribute a cumulative $109 billion to the Saudi economy between 2024 and 2030, potentially creating 148,600 jobs by 2030.

 

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Eng. Abdullah Al Swaha, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), expressed confidence in Google Cloud's strategic investment, emphasizing its potential to bolster the Kingdom's regional computing hub ambitions and support digital entrepreneurship and AI-based innovation.

Thomas Kurian highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI), stating that the new cloud region would enable organizations to leverage generative AI solutions and create a culture of innovation supported by modern, sustainable infrastructure and built-in security.

 

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The Dammam cloud region is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the growth ambitions of 1.2 million SMEs in Saudi Arabia. To further encourage startup growth, the Google for Startups Cloud Program will be introduced in the country in the first quarter of 2024, providing eligible startups with technical support, mentors, industry experts, and up to $200,000 in cloud credits over the first two years.

Google Cloud Platform Services in Saudi Arabia are now accessible through CNTXT, a digital transformation company and Google Cloud's exclusive reseller in the region. The partnership aims to accelerate the digital transformation and growth of organizations across local public and private sectors.

 

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Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, Google Cloud, emphasized the company's commitment to leading the digital evolution in the region, while Bader Al Madi, Saudi Arabia Country Manager, outlined the goal of supporting the digital empowerment of businesses and individuals in Saudi Arabia by providing accessibility to cloud technologies and AI.

The new Dammam cloud region is now part of Google Cloud's global network, comprising 39 cloud regions and 118 zones, ensuring high security, data residency, and compliance with local regulatory standards for organizations in the region.

Source: https://www.edgemiddleeast.com/