Snowflake expands into Saudi Arabia with new office in Riyadh

AI data company Snowflake has recently expanded its footprint in the Middle East by opening a regional office in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This move coincides with the general availability of Google Cloud in the region, aimed at ensuring that data generated by Saudi organisations remains within national borders.

Mohamed Zouari, General Manager for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey at Snowflake, remarked, “With our local deployment on Google Cloud, organizations in the KSA can use a foundational data strategy to unlock deeper AI-powered data insights, driving business innovation, all while meeting the highest standards of data residency and sovereignty.” This statement underscores Snowflake’s commitment to supporting local enterprises with data-driven strategies that align with legal and regulatory frameworks.

The involvement of companies such as Almarai, which is leveraging Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud to enhance its data access and decision-making capabilities, highlights the practical applications of this technology in Saudi businesses. Almarai has reported that the platform supports secure and governed data utilisation, which is essential for organisations looking to navigate the complexities of data management in today’s digital landscape.

The establishment of the Snowflake office in Riyadh is a strategic move to bolster the company’s presence in the Middle East. Previously, its operations were centred around Dubai, where it has been offering its AI Data Cloud services for secure data sharing and discovery. The addition of the KSA deployment provides customers with more geographic flexibility to meet their operational requirements.

This expansion aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which emphasises data protection and digital transformation as essential components of its economic diversification efforts. The introduction of the Personal Data Protection Law of 2023 serves as a framework that prioritises data security and privacy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to these objectives.

According to projections from Snowflake, the KSA’s data analytics market is anticipated to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is seen as a significant driver for the adoption of AI technologies and data-driven insights across various sectors.

Dr. Faisal Al-Nasser, CIO of Almarai, commented on the implications of Snowflake’s deployment, noting that it “aligns seamlessly with our commitment to having secure and governed data solutions, where data resides within regional boundaries.” He added, “This deployment marks a significant advancement in our ability to manage and analyze data, paving the way for new opportunities in our digital initiatives.”

As organisations in KSA embrace these advanced data solutions, the region is poised to take significant strides towards enhancing AI automation in business practices, leveraging secure and effective tools to drive innovation forward.

Source: Noah Wire Services