By Rafiq Vayani
WASHINGTON DC, RIYADH: PIF, Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), and Microsoft today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the delivery of Microsoft’s sovereign-cloud services in Saudi Arabia, seeking to enhance the security, confidentiality and sovereignty of data within Saudi Arabia and to access cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies.
Microsoft brings extensive experience in delivering sovereign-cloud capabilities that enable governments and highly regulated industries across the world to adopt cloud while maintaining national controls over data, in line with the laws of specific regions and countries.
Under the MoU, Microsoft will work alongside PIF and SITE to assess how its sovereign-cloud model can further support Saudi Arabia’s security, compliance and data residency priorities, while providing access to advanced cloud and AI technologies. The MoU also aims to strengthen collaboration in areas such as joint research, development and innovation, and knowledge transfer.
PIF’s strategy for the information and communication technology sector contributes to positioning Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive hub by innovating and building capacity, in its mission to enable the development and diversification of the domestic economy.
The non-binding MoU is subject to satisfying certain necessary requirements and regulatory approvals, as applicable.
