How cloud technology is accelerating Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation

The adoption of cloud computing is one of the most discussed topics in the Kingdom's ICT sector, as a way to accelerate digital transformation. (Getty Images)
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Updated 31 August 2022
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How cloud technology is accelerating Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation

  • Many organizations have turned to cloud computing as a competitive driver of operational efficiency
  • Rapid adoption of cloud services is a key driver of the Kingdom’s thriving digital economy

JEDDAH: With the amount of data increasing at an exponential rate, doubling every two years, information processing and analysis tools and storage technologies have become critical requirements for any nation with a clear strategy for digital transformation.

Saudi Arabia is no exception, thanks to a nimble information technology community whose rapid adoption of cloud-based technologies is supporting and accelerating the Kingdom’s digital transformation.

In recent years, many governments and organizations around the world have turned to cloud computing as a competitive driver of operational efficiency, mainly to find a balance between security and agility.

Last October, a study by research firm Markets and Markets estimated that cloud-services adoption will grow by 16.3 percent between 2021-2026. Similarly, Gartner, the technology research and consulting firm, estimates that more than 95 percent of new digital workloads will be deployed on cloud-native platforms by 2025, up from 30 percent in 2021.

The Kingdom’s investment in and utilization of cutting-age information and communications technology has prepared it well for the new era of e-government, a framework with benefits for citizens, the government and the economy.

Experts say the Saudi government has been proactive in its approach to the implementation of digital technologies driving economic diversification, boosting innovation and building a thriving digital economy.

The transformation to e-government is taking place as the ICT sector witnesses rapid change. In 2019, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced a “cloud first policy” that guides public and private sector companies as part of a cloud-led transformation.

The Communications and Technology Information Commission adopted a Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework, which aims to enhance cloud-computing services in the Kingdom and ensure regulatory transparency.




Cloud technology provides flexibility, scalability and access to the latest technologies, enabling teams to innovate faster and be more agile. (AFP)

The commission has laid out a path to become a 5G digital regulator, the most advanced category according to the International Telecommunication Union, to connect the Kingdom to a thriving digital economy, increase innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainability, growth and partnerships.

Two years ago, the commission updated its cloud-computing framework and outlined the separate responsibilities of service providers and users, namely individual customers, government agencies and enterprises. Currently, cloud services are deployed under four models: Private, public, community and hybrid.

The framework makes a clear distinction between “Saudi government data” and “non-government data.” Within these two categories, subscriber data uploaded into a cloud solution provider’s cloud system may then be subject to additional classification levels, depending on the required level to preserve the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data in question.

Saudi government data may be classified as “top secret,” “secret,” “confidential,” or “public.” Non-government data is categorized as either “data received from Saudi government entities” or “other data.”

FASTFACTS

* Digitization is the transformation of information from analog or manual to digital, such as the conversion of handwritten records into computerized versions.

* Digitalization is the process of applying digital tech and capabilities to tasks normally handled by people, delivering improved outcomes.

In October 2020, the ministry published the Kingdom’s Cloud First Policy to accelerate the pace at which government authorities were migrating from traditional IT infrastructure to cloud platforms, and encourage the adoption of cloud services in the country.

The ministry said that the policy covered all government authorities with some exclusions. These authorities would consider cloud-computing options when making new IT investment decisions in line with a clearly defined strategy that caters for various technical, security and commercial requirements.

To date, there are 21 service providers in the Kingdom, according to the commission website, ranging between class A and C. Nine more cloud providers are in the process of qualifying.

CNTXT, a company established to spearhead cloud-computing adoption in the Kingdom, offers Google Cloud solutions and services, digital transformation software, and consulting for public and private sector customers seeking to secure their place in the digital future.




Companies wanting to secure their space in the digital future are advised to adopt cloud computing. (AFP)

The company is a joint venture by Saudi Aramco and Norwegian software firm Cognite.

“Many (clients) realize that cloud adoption is more than just adopting new technology,” its CEO, Abdullah Jarwan, told Arab News. “It is an all-encompassing organizational change. It is about establishing a new technology strategy for the company, identifying new ways of working, and undergoing change management processes that enable you to take the most from cloud technology.”

The global pandemic not only highlighted the vulnerability of national systems, but also showed that while foundational organizational infrastructure is essential, work is needed to strengthen the digital resilience of the Kingdom’s economic sectors.

Experts believe the Saudi government’s cloud-first policy goal will facilitate access to global cloud service providers, which in turn will attract investments, develop definitive data regulations, enable innovation, foster agility and scale up growth.

“Cloud-technology adoption, like any other technology adoption, also requires cultural change,” Jarwan said.

INNUMBERS

* 16.3 percent Global growth rate of cloud adoption in 2021-2026.

* $448bn Projected global cloud services market value by 2026.

* $10bn Projected demand for cloud services in KSA by 2030.

* 92 percent KSA executives expecting 50 percent+ shift to cloud over next three years.

“It requires the company to invest in training and up-skilling its workforce in order to make sure that employees know how to take the most advantage of new cloud-based tools. It can sometimes also be hard to convince people to start using new tools. So, this change needs to be embraced and communicated from the top, where the cloud is positioned as a fundamental enabler of a company’s innovation.”

Today, the adoption of cloud computing is one of the most discussed topics in the Kingdom’s ICT sector, as entities in both the public and private sectors look to accelerate digital transformation.

Cloud computing is a relatively mature and robust technology that offers its users several proven advantages, such as cost reduction, immediate scalability and resource sharing.

Security is cloud migration’s primary, if not most significant, characteristic. Cybersecurity threats across the digital landscape rose almost exponentially during the global pandemic. Many organizations opted for cloud migration owing to restrictions on operations with on-premise IT systems.

Though cybersecurity threats are still a significant concern today, cloud security concerns are also coming to the fore. Such threats include lack of user awareness of safe configuration practices for personal smart home security; lack of secure setup and checkups for remote access enterprise systems; and end-user education against social engineering as user information is increasingly stolen via fraudulent emails and web links sent via social media platforms, instant messages and others.




Participants including Saudi women attend a hackathon in Jeddah in 2018. (AFP/File Photo)

Despite the threats, a Mordor Intelligence study of migration to cloud services between 2018-2026 put the market value in 2026 at $448.324 billion, compared with $119.13 billion in 2021.

According to Jarwan, several points are usually considered before companies migrate to the cloud, such as “technology stack evaluation, on-premise hardware and software, security evaluation, identification of gaps, and cost.”

Once the assessments are made, companies prioritize their services for the transition.

“Companies that want to secure their space in the digital future must adopt the cloud,” Jarwan told Arab News. “It provides flexibility, scalability, and access to the latest technologies, enabling teams to innovate faster and be more agile.

“Companies can shift their focus from maintaining infrastructure, which is not their core business, to freeing resources for actual development and innovation.”

Looking ahead, Jarwan said: “The question is not if but when and how companies should adopt the cloud.”


Environmental Week highlights Saudi Arabia’s sustainability vision

Updated 59 min 3 sec ago
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Environmental Week highlights Saudi Arabia’s sustainability vision

  • New national index aims to monitor Kingdom’s environmental health, guide policy decisions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched Saudi Environment Week on Sunday, themed “Our Environment is a Treasure,” to showcase the Kingdom’s efforts in ecosystem protection and sustainable development.

A highlight was the debut of the National Environmental Performance Index, a strategic tool to monitor environmental progress and guide policy.

The event, inaugurated by Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli in Riyadh, brings together government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and local communities to promote eco-friendly practices and collective responsibility.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir also attended, with the event featuring environmental presentations, agreement signings, and children’s performances to encourage positive environmental behavior.

Activities include nationwide exhibitions, workshops on biodiversity and renewable energy, and forums for green innovations.

The new index, which Al-Fadhli described as essential for informed decision-making, will track environmental metrics like air quality, water conservation, and biodiversity.

It aims to align national development with ecological priorities, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable growth.

Al-Fadhli stressed the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainability, prioritizing natural resource protection and societal responsibility. He said that the index ensures accountability and progress as the country builds a greener future.

Al-Fadhli toured the exhibition, featuring sections on vegetation cover, desertification control, biodiversity, waste management, meteorology, and environmental compliance.

The exhibition also includes workshops highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role in fostering environmental cooperation, raising awareness, encouraging private sector investments in sustainable projects, and advancing technology.

The ministry emphasized that the newly introduced index serves as a nationwide monitoring tool, developed in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme.

It is designed to align with government bodies, environmental organizations, and national centers, ensuring cohesion with Saudi Arabia’s ecological priorities.

Key goals include evaluating environmental health, identifying change drivers, and establishing an early detection system for sustainability challenges and progress.

By tracking progress toward environmental targets, the ministry noted that the index identifies gaps for urgent action, enabling data-driven policy adjustments.

Phase 1 focuses on five core areas linked to the National Environment Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030: wildlife conservation, green space expansion, waste management efficiency, pollution levels in air, soil, and water, and weather forecasting accuracy.

Phase 2 will address emerging priorities, such as climate change metrics, reflecting their importance in long-term environmental planning.

The ministry stressed that the index will provide policymakers with actionable insights, driving improvements in ecological resilience, public health, and quality of life for Saudi citizens.

The National Fisheries Development Center has joined the celebrations of Saudi Environment Week.

Riyadh Al-Fageeh, director general of the center, said: “Our participation highlights the importance of preserving the environment, raising awareness, and strengthening quality of life goals. We aim to emphasize the role of institutions and individuals in maintaining ecological balance, aligned with Vision 2030.”

He added: “Saudi Environment Week reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to protecting natural resources and leading regional efforts in sustainability. We encourage all citizens and residents to actively participate and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.”


Calligraphy captivates Arabic speakers, non-speakers alike, say enthusiasts

Updated 20 April 2025
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Calligraphy captivates Arabic speakers, non-speakers alike, say enthusiasts

  • Traditional script is universal language appreciated for artistry, even if not understood
  • New fonts to be used by individuals, organizations in formal settings

RIYADH: Arabic calligraphy occupies a global artistic status that captivates Arabic speakers and non-speakers alike, enthusiasts have told Arab News.

The Ministry of Culture last week introduced two fonts based on Arabic calligraphy that are intended to be used by individuals and organizations in formal settings and for artistic works: Al-Awwal and Saudi.

Abdulrahman Al-Shahed, a founding member of the Saudi Arabic Calligraphy Association, told Arab News that the introduction of the fonts was “a welcome step that contributes to renewing the presence of Arabic calligraphy in digital and contemporary contexts, without separating it from its spiritual and aesthetic roots.”

He described the introduction of the fonts as “a call to rediscover calligraphy as a living identity.”

Arabic calligraphy “amazes viewers with its abstract beauty and contemplative spirit,” Al-Shahed said.

He noted that “many non-Arabs don’t read the letters, but they feel them and their beauty,” adding that Arabic calligraphy was consequently a universal visual language.

It has been evolving for more than 1,400 years, and each generation adds its own influence to the artform, expressing its own spirit and time, he said.

Abdul Adeem Al-Shali, a member of the Fine Arts Group in Qatif, told Arab News that “there is a growing interest among a large segment of non-Arabic speakers in the Arabic language and its letters and words.”

He added: “This interest demonstrates the magic of the Arabic letter and its appeal to the eye of the average recipient, let alone someone with artistic awareness.”

Many foreigners have masterfully drawn calligraphy. The American calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya, who converted to Islam and learned calligraphy in Istanbul, gained widespread fame, for example.

He held numerous calligraphy exhibitions in America and other Western countries, receiving praise from those interested in the art, said Al-Shali.

The arts enthusiast is optimistic about the future of Arabic calligraphy and urged those in charge of art colleges, calligraphy institutes, and Arabic language colleges at universities to “preserve this great heritage and teach it to current generations with great care.”

Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the minister of culture, said that the new typefaces were a tribute to the Kingdom’s rich cultural and artistic heritage, his ministry adding that they were based on historic “inscriptions and Qur’anic manuscripts.”

The design of Al-Awwal highlights the spirit of calligraphy in ancient inscriptions in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Saudi takes into account the artistic principles of the Al-Awwal script and makes it more contemporary.

A group of local and international experts was responsible for their design, with support from the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy Initiative.

Arabic calligraphy originated in the Arabian Peninsula and was influenced by the cultural and political conditions in the region and ancient rock art from pre-Islamic civilizations and languages. It spread with the migration of Arabs during the Islamic expansion.

The new typefaces “reflect the historical depth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered the cradle of ancient human civilizations and the home of various calligraphy and inscriptions, ranging from Musnad, Nabataean, and Thamudic,” the Ministry of Culture said, referencing some of the ancient civilizations from the peninsula.


Saudi project clears 1,050 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 20 April 2025
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Saudi project clears 1,050 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 1,050 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 1,020 unexploded ordnances, 24 anti-tank mines, three anti-personnel mines and three explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 488,656 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


Kingdom launches $293m water projects in Qassim

Updated 20 April 2025
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Kingdom launches $293m water projects in Qassim

  • These projects align with the company’s strategies to expand water and environmental services

RIYADH: The National Water Co. has begun implementing 16 water and wastewater projects in the Qassim region, with a total cost exceeding SR1.1 billion ($293 million).

These projects aim to expand water and sanitation services and meet rising demand,  the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The sanitation component includes 12 projects worth more than SR870 million, involving the installation of more than 645 km of sewage pipes and networks, as well as the construction of lifting stations with a total capacity exceeding 6,000 cubic meters per day.

The water component consists of four projects valued at more than SR247 million, including the laying of more than 579 km of water pipelines and networks.

These projects align with the company’s strategies to expand water and environmental services, meet growing demand, and improve the quality of life and services, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.


Golden heron graces skies of Northern Borders region

Updated 20 April 2025
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Golden heron graces skies of Northern Borders region

  • Wetland bird thrives along seashores, rivers, reed beds

RIYADH: The skies above Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region come alive each year with the graceful flight of migratory birds, from golden herons gliding over wetlands to flocks seeking respite.

Member of the Aman Environmental Association and birdwatching enthusiast Adnan Khalifa told the Saudi Press Agency that he recently observed several species of migratory birds in the region — most notably the golden heron — in various water bodies scattered across the area’s wilderness.

The golden heron, a wetland bird, thrives along seashores, rivers, and reed beds. Its plumage, a vibrant golden or orange hue, transforms in flight as its wings flash white, creating a dazzling spectacle visible from a distance.

Feeding on small fish, amphibians, and insects, golden herons typically nest in small colonies but often roam alone outside the breeding season.

These birds breed in reed marshes, atop trees, or along the shores of lakes and rivers.

The Northern Borders region serves as a vital migratory corridor, its strategic geographical location bridging Europe, Africa, and Asia, and its diverse landscapes — lush with natural vegetation — attracting both migratory and resident bird species.

This steady stream of birds through the region signals a thriving ecosystem, reflecting the region’s ecological health and balance.

These natural scenes during migration seasons add aesthetic value and cultural richness for local residents and visitors, including nature enthusiasts and environmental observers.

Migratory birds play an important role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds, controlling insect populations, and enhancing biodiversity, making them a vital element in sustaining the environmental life cycle.