Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, MD for Middle East, Türkiye and Africa at Google Cloud -interview
Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, MD for Middle East, Türkiye and Africa at Google Cloud, shares insights into Google Cloud’s strategy in Saudi Arabia and the broader region.
What investments has Google Cloud made in its infrastructure in the Middle East?
At Google Cloud, we’ve made substantial investments in our infrastructure in the Middle East to meet the increasing demand for cloud services. We’ve launched a cloud region in Qatar and, more recently, in Saudi Arabia. This is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy and support the country’s digital transformation goals.
Our commitment goes beyond just infrastructure, though. We’re actively forming partnerships with various entities across the region to drive digital transformation. We’re collaborating with organizations to help them leverage the power of cloud technologies for their digital initiatives, where our flexible solutions allow businesses to run applications where they need them.
Google announced a new cloud region in Saudi Arabia last year. What has been the immediate benefit to your company, your clients, and the Kingdom’s economy?
Google Cloud stands as one of the pioneering hyperscalers that launched a cloud region in the Kingdom. It’s a clear manifestation of our commitment to leading the region’s digital evolution.
It’s exciting to witness the transformative impact this is having. For customers, the benefits are clear-cut.
Are any more cloud regions likely to come up within the GCC or the wider Arab market?
Google Cloud’s strategic investments in the region — combined with the economic transformation reforms being pursued by governments — have created a favorable environment for growth. According to a PwC survey, 68 percent of Middle Eastern companies plan to migrate most of their operations to the cloud within the next two years. This indicates a significant and accelerating trend toward cloud adoption in the region.
The Saudi Arabia cloud region is expected to generate around 150,000 jobs by 2030. How successful have you been in absorbing local talent so far?
Our commitment to nurturing local talent has been a cornerstone of our strategy in Saudi Arabia. Since launching the cloud region, we’ve made significant strides in building a skilled and diverse workforce.
The economic impact of our investment is undeniable. Research commissioned by Google Cloud and conducted by Access Partnership, a prominent global tech policy advisory firm, highlights the substantial contribution of the cloud region to the Saudi economy, both in terms of gross economic output to the Saudi economy. It is estimated to add a cumulative $109 billion to the economy between 2024 and 2030 and aid in job creation. The Dammam cloud region can also support the growth ambitions of 1.2 million SMEs. The increased economic activity from in-country cloud adoption has direct, indirect, and spillover economic effects, which would support the creation of jobs.
Taking a broader view, how is Google Cloud addressing the talent gap when it comes to cloud in the region?
The need for skilled talent is paramount for driving innovation, building competitive businesses, and ensuring the long-term success of the Middle East’s tech ecosystem. As the region accelerates its digital transformation, there is a surging demand for professionals with expertise in cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
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