Talal AlBakr outlines SCCC’s expansion plans and the impact of the Cloud-First Policy during an interview at the Internet Governance Forum.
Talal AlBakr, the CEO of Saudi Cloud Computing Company (SCCC), recently discussed the burgeoning landscape of cloud computing in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the company’s commitment to the domestic market, which he believes is experiencing rapid growth compared to other regional markets. His comments came during an interview with Argaam on the sidelines of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF).
AlBakr highlighted that SCCC’s investments within the Kingdom are both ongoing and increasing, signalling future expansion plans into other cities beyond the capital, Riyadh. Notably, he referenced the influential “Cloud-First Policy” introduced by the Digital Government Authority, which mandates that government entities transition 80% of their services to the cloud by 2030. This policy has been pivotal in fuelling the demand for cloud services in the nation.
In terms of market potential, AlBakr emphasised that studies project the Saudi cloud computing market to reach an impressive $7 billion by 2030, boasting an annual growth rate of approximately 16.8%. He remarked on how this shift towards digital transformation has contributed significantly to reduced costs and a quicker rollout of services in both the public and private sectors.
In response to this burgeoning demand, SCCC has introduced a variety of new services designed to empower users to develop AI-driven applications and utilise data analytics. AlBakr pointed out that these services are aimed at streamlining access to advanced technologies without necessitating complex infrastructure setups. SCCC operates its cloud services from data centres located within the Kingdom, reinforcing its commitment to localised support.
Further elaborating on SCCC’s foundation, AlBakr explained that the company, which was established two and a half years ago, is a joint venture involving key players such as stc, Alibaba Cloud, ewpartners, and Sky & Site. SCCC focuses on providing comprehensive infrastructure, platform, and software services, alongside generative AI technologies and data analytics solutions, all designed to facilitate informed decision-making and the launch of innovative initiatives.
AlBakr underscored the importance of offering integrated services, including system migration and management tailored for clients. This is supported by specialised local teams that provide technical support and data solutions. With its proactive strategies and commitment to innovation, SCCC aims to solidify its status as a premier cloud service provider in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://theorg.com/org/sccc-alibaba-cloud/org-chart/talal-albakr – Corroborates Talal AlBakr’s role as the CEO of Saudi Cloud Computing Company (SCCC) and his background.
- https://www.alibabacloud.com/blog/alibaba-cloud-and-sccc-establish-saudi-training-center-to-empower-youth-in-cloud-computing_600937 – Supports SCCC’s investments and initiatives in Saudi Arabia, including the establishment of the Alibaba Cloud Academy Training Center.
- https://www.alibabacloud.com/blog/alibaba-cloud-and-sccc-establish-saudi-training-center-to-empower-youth-in-cloud-computing_600937 – Details SCCC’s operation of data centres within the Kingdom and its commitment to localised support.
- https://www.alibabacloud.com/blog/alibaba-cloud-and-sccc-establish-saudi-training-center-to-empower-youth-in-cloud-computing_600937 – Explains SCCC’s foundation as a joint venture involving key players like stc, Alibaba Cloud, and others.
- https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/tencent-to-expand-cloud-business-in-saudi-arabia-and-uae/ – Provides context on the growing demand for cloud services in Saudi Arabia, including investments by other cloud providers.
- https://www.oracle.com/news/announcement/oracle-to-invest-us-1-point-5-billion-to-meet-cloud-computing-demand-in-saudi-arabia-2023-02-06/ – Supports the rapid growth of the cloud computing market in Saudi Arabia with investments from other major cloud providers like Oracle.
- https://www.alibabacloud.com/blog/alibaba-cloud-and-sccc-establish-saudi-training-center-to-empower-youth-in-cloud-computing_600937 – Highlights SCCC’s focus on providing comprehensive infrastructure, platform, and software services, including AI technologies and data analytics solutions.
- https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/tencent-to-expand-cloud-business-in-saudi-arabia-and-uae/ – Mentions the ‘Cloud-First Policy’ and its impact on the demand for cloud services, although it does not directly reference the policy, it supports the context of government-driven cloud adoption.
- https://www.alibabacloud.com/blog/alibaba-cloud-and-sccc-establish-saudi-training-center-to-empower-youth-in-cloud-computing_600937 – Details SCCC’s commitment to innovation and providing integrated services, including system migration and management tailored for clients.
- https://www.oracle.com/news/announcement/oracle-to-invest-us-1-point-5-billion-to-meet-cloud-computing-demand-in-saudi-arabia-2023-02-06/ – Supports the projected growth of the Saudi cloud computing market, though the exact figures are not mentioned in this source.
- https://www.alibabacloud.com/blog/alibaba-cloud-and-sccc-establish-saudi-training-center-to-empower-youth-in-cloud-computing_600937 – Corroborates the importance of local teams providing technical support and data solutions, aligning with SCCC’s proactive strategies.