Here's how Saudi Arabia is investing in the technology of the future

Saudi Arabia has recently launched several initiatives aimed at making the country one of the most technologically advanced in the world. Technology is at the core of these strategic agendas, which include Vision 2030, a blueprint for economic and social reform. This national transformation program maps out a route to a more technologically advanced future.

The Saudi government wants to build communities and boost the economy by regenerating the country’s digital infrastructure. To this end, it has committed to an annual investment of 2.5% of GDP in the research, development, and innovation sector by 2040. Businesses are contributing, too. Supported by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), these future-focused enterprises are setting the standard for digital excellence, delivering high-quality products, solutions, and services.

In telecommunications, we at the Saudi Telecommunications Company group (stc Group) are also raising the bar for Saudi tech, contributing to the country’s growth as an international digital hub. As the leading telecommunication services provider in the country, we play a vital role as a digital champion.

One example of our investment in the tech future is the Saudi Vision Cable, which spans 1,160,000 metres and is the first ever high-capacity submarine cable in the Red Sea. It will provide seamless connectivity of up to 18Tbps/fibre pair with a total of 16 fibre pairs through four landings in Jeddah, Yanbu, Duba, and Haql.

We also recently inaugurated one of our largest and most significant projects to date: Center3 Company, the new digital regional centre for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The company will serve as the owner of all stc Group digital infrastructure assets, including data centres, submarine cables, international points of presence, and internet exchange points. Crucially, it will provide and enable international communication for the telecommunications sector through a submarine fibre-optic network.

The Saudi Vision Cable has been set up to develop digital businesses and enhance investment opportunities in international communication services and data centres by providing the latest communication and hosting technologies. It will also help to raise the capacity of data centres to meet the needs of markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the rest of the world.

Another example of Saudi innovation is the Alibaba Cloud, which has recently been established in Riyadh. Launched in partnership with Alibaba Group, eWTP Arabia for Technical Innovation Ltd., the Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), and the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), Alibaba Cloud will help to deliver high-capacity cloud services. With the cost of data breaches rising, Alibaba Cloud has been introduced to meet the rising demand for cloud computing services and solutions across the region, allowing Saudi and MENA-based companies to employ the highest security and protection standards.

Last but not least, our cybersecurity company sirar continues to forge partnerships and participate in leading international engagements such as the 2022 Global Cybersecurity Forum. These investments are vital to the future of Saudi Arabia. Technology has always been the engine of progress, fuelling change and driving success.

With investments in the research, development, and innovation sector forecasted to increase the nation’s GDP by $16 billion by the end of the decade, we are determined to dedicate even more time, energy and resources to transforming Saudi Arabia, making it a better place to live, visit and invest.