The Middle East is undergoing a digital transformation, with cloud computing playing a pivotal role. Governments are leveraging cloud technology to drive economic growth and innovation.
Cloud computing offers businesses the ability to access data storage and computing power online, eliminating the need for physical hardware. A report by PwC and Strategy& Middle East highlights the advantages of cloud technology, including enhanced trust, better decision-making, increased productivity, faster market entry, and cost savings.
Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of this transformation, with Google Cloud leading the charge. In November 2023, Google Cloud opened a new region in Dammam, providing high-performance, low-latency services to various clients, and accelerating the country’s digital progress.
Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, managing director for Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa at Google Cloud, discusses the company’s strategy and the economic impact of their initiatives in the region.
Investments in Infrastructure
Google Cloud has made significant infrastructure investments in the Middle East, including launching cloud regions in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These investments support local economies and digital transformation goals. The company also forms partnerships to help organizations utilize cloud technologies effectively.
Immediate Benefits of the Dammam Cloud Region
The Dammam Cloud Region offers robust security, data residency, and compliance, aiding businesses in adhering to local regulations. It empowers organizations of all sizes to accelerate their digital journeys. This investment also supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by creating jobs and fostering a tech ecosystem.
Future Cloud Regions
Google Cloud plans to expand further in the Middle East, announcing a new cloud region in Kuwait. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for cloud services and support regional digital transformation.
Job Creation and Local Talent
The Saudi Arabia cloud region is projected to create around 150,000 jobs by 2030. Google Cloud focuses on nurturing local talent through training and development programs aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. These efforts aim to build a skilled workforce proficient in emerging technologies.
Addressing the Talent Gap
Google Cloud addresses the talent gap by investing in education and training initiatives. The company has trained over 19,000 learners in Saudi Arabia on cloud technologies through various programs. Collaborations with educational institutions further support the development of a skilled workforce.
Leveraging AI for Innovation
AI is transforming how organizations solve problems and engage customers. Google Cloud integrates AI into its solutions to help businesses maximize investments, work more efficiently, and maintain digital sovereignty.
Future Prospects
Google Cloud aims to be a leading provider of AI and generative AI solutions in the Middle East. The company’s new cloud regions support public and private sector organizations in maximizing data and fostering innovation. Google Cloud remains committed to supporting the region’s digital empowerment and growth.