Cisco expands in Saudi Arabia with cloud data centers, AI talent development, and manufacturing plans
Riyadh — Cisco, the global leader in networking and security, unveiled a series of strategic initiatives to advance AI in partnership with the Kingdom at LEAP 2025. By introducing advanced cloud data centers, AI talent development, and phased plans for local manufacturing, Cisco is deepening its commitment and strengthening its partnership with Saudi Arabia. The initiatives are designed to enhance Cisco's regional presence and support the Kingdom's ambitious digitization goals under Vision 2030, accelerating its evolution into a technology-driven economy that leads in innovation and advanced digital infrastructure.
'Our partnership with Cisco highlights the Kingdom's commitment to accelerating its digital economy through innovation. These initiatives will enhance Saudi Arabia's competitiveness both regionally and internationally by promoting innovation and the adoption of AI and cloud computing technologies.' said Vice Minister at the Saudi Ministry of Communications and IT, Haytham Alohali.
'Cisco is proud to partner with the Kingdom to accelerate its Vision 2030,' said Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins. 'Through our investments and innovation, we are protecting organizations, preparing the Saudi workforce for the AI era, and contributing to the local economy and manufacturing ecosystem. Together, we will pave the way for a more connected and secure future.'
Cisco is deepening its commitment in Saudi Arabia by establishing cloud services data centres, promoting AI talent development, and launching a phased plan for a local manufacturing base.
With data centres, now fully operational for cloud-delivered security services and the Webex collaboration platform, Cisco is advancing its commitment to further drive the Kingdom's digital transformation.
These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, supporting its goals to evolve into a technology-driven economy.
Cloud Services Data Centers
Delivering on its commitment, Cisco announces its data centers for cloud security services as well as the Webex Collaboration Platform are now operational.
The security data center underpins Cisco's cloud-based security services including its new Secure Service Edge (SSE) solution, Cisco Secure Access and Umbrella DNS. The center helps customers protect their users, infrastructure, and investments against threat actors and empowers them with flexible security services and data protection for devices, remote users, and distributed locations.
The collaboration data centers bring extensive services from the Webex Suite such as Meetings and Calling closer to customers in KSA and the region. Customers experience the benefits of AI-powered collaboration tools, holistic built-in security, data protection, and privacy by design and by default when processing customers' data. The centers provide a rich collaboration experience, real-time media performance, underpinned with industry-leading security and privacy principles with end-to-end encryption and strong identity verification.
AI Talent Development
Cisco will continue to advance AI and digital skills across the region as part of its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, aligning to the goals of the Saudi Research and Development National Strategy. According to Cisco's AI Readiness Index, 72% of organizations in KSA have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions but only 46% of companies report that their talent is highly prepared. This highlights a need to cultivate AI-ready local talent.
In collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Cisco will invest in additional Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certifications, one of the industry's most widely recognized and respected certifications, to enhance the Kingdom's talent pool of highly skilled local IT professionals that can support complex networking infrastructures in the AI era.
Initially launched in the Kingdom in 2016, Cisco's CDA program supports digitization efforts across key industries, fostering digital skills and developing the innovation ecosystem in the country. To date, the program has implemented more than 20 projects of national impact across vital sectors, including healthcare, education, smart cities and government digitization. The program focuses on digital economy, industry 4.0 and sustainability, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the national digital transformation agenda.
Manufacturing Plans
With a regional head office in Riyadh, Cisco intends to build on its long-standing partnerships in the Kingdom by initiating a manufacturing base, with groundwork beginning in 2025. The initial phase will focus on fulfillment operations for wireless technologies to meet local demand, with the intent to scale up in response to evolving market needs. Saudi Arabia joins key regions including North America, Asia and Europe within Cisco's extensive global supply chain network.
This leverages Cisco's innovation and technology leadership to deliver solutions that address the needs of the Saudi market and contribute to the development of a sustainable and diverse economy.
'By aligning with key initiatives of Vision 2030, Cisco is committed to being a catalyst for digital transformation across various sectors in the Kingdom. As these projects advance, they will help strengthen digital infrastructure and drive economic growth to positively shape Saudi Arabia's future,' said Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director, Cisco Saudi Arabia.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University forge strategic alliance to advance AI research, leadership & innovation in healthcare
IntelliDent AI, a Dubai-based healthtech company at the forefront of artificial intelligence solutions in dentistry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Woxsen University's AI Research Centre, Hyderabad, India. The five-year strategic partnership aims to drive collaborative innovation through joint research, live project exposure, and advanced technical training. This collaboration is designed to fuel co-innovation, AI-driven entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge research in digital healthcare. Under this agreement, IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University will engage in joint academic-industry initiatives focused on AI-driven healthcare solutions, consultancy-based projects, and the commercialization of technology innovations. The MoU outlines cooperation in the following key areas: Real-World AI Projects: IntelliDent will provide students from Woxsen's AI Research Centre hands-on exposure to live, real-time projects from the healthcare domain—preparing them to address real-world challenges with AI-driven solutions. Joint Research & Publications: Both institutions will collaborate on research grants, white papers, product prototypes, and academic publications that shape the future of medical technology. Entrepreneurship & Product Commercialization: Special focus will be placed on developing products from ideation to market readiness, with guidance on building startups and commercializing AI health tech solutions. Cross-Training & Knowledge Exchange: Faculty and industry professionals will exchange expertise in best practices, fostering a culture of mutual growth and continuous innovation. Strategic Awareness Initiatives: Co-hosted awareness programs, leadership bootcamps, and innovation challenges will promote ethical AI, responsible leadership, and entrepreneurship across emerging markets. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Affaan Shaikh, Founder and CEO of IntelliDent AI, stated: 'This MoU with Woxsen isn't just about technology, it's about inspiring a generation of AI leaders who blend deep tech knowledge with entrepreneurial thinking and purpose-driven leadership. By embedding awareness, education, and innovation into every layer of this partnership, we are not only building smarter healthcare systems, but also empowering future changemakers.' The MoU was signed by Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, and Mr. Affaan Shaikh, with oversight by Dr. Hemachandran K, Director of the AI Research Centre, and Mr. Khalid Shaikh, Advisor to IntelliDent AI. This milestone underscores IntelliDent AI's commitment to shaping global talent in healthcare AI and highlights Woxsen's ongoing mission to blend business, technology, and innovation through meaningful industry collaborations. Together, IntelliDent AI and Woxsen University are setting the foundation for impactful, future-forward education —where research, leadership, and real-world problem-solving converge.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia pavilion commemorates 70th anniversary of Saudi Japanese diplomatic relations
Osaka, Japan — The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan. On June 7, 1955, the two nations established formal diplomatic ties – a historic milestone that laid the foundation for a long-standing partnership. The relationship has evolved over the decades into a multifaceted alliance that promotes cultural exchange and diplomatic cooperation, with a significant economic impact for both countries. Most recently, in February 2025, the two nations signed a Memorandum for Establishing a Strategic Partnership Council, which would be chaired by the leaders of both nations. In the last decade, bilateral trade has grown significantly, from $33.4 billion to $41 billion, with trade volumes now surpassing $41 billion. At Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion is hosting hundreds of business events to foster trade and investment relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, featuring presentations led by the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Commerce, as well as events focused on the opportunities presented by Vision 2030. Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, said, 'The Saudi-Japanese relationship has grown from strength to strength over seven decades. It runs deeper than just economic partners. It is a testament to the depth of diversity in the relationship we have. Together, with the strength of our history behind us, and the momentum of our present, we are poised to define the future.' 'With Expo 2025 underway in Osaka and the next Expo in Riyadh in 2030, our two nations are at the forefront of global exchange, showcasing the latest innovations, sustainable technologies, and helping shape tomorrow's multilateralism,' Dr. Ghazi concluded. As Saudi Arabia and Japan look to the future, the ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka aims to increase Japanese visitation to Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom aims to attract 30,000 Japanese visitors annually in the lead up to Expo 2030 Riyadh. This forms part of the broader Saudi Arabia–Japan Vision 2030 Strategy, which includes over 80 projects involved across nine sectors: food and agricultural security, media and entertainment, medical care, high-quality infrastructure, finance and investment, competitive industries, energy, SMEs, sport, education, and culture. Cultural exchange has also blossomed as Saudi Arabia emerges as the hub in the Middle East for Japanese culture through its home-grown Manga Studios, which are on display in August at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. along with the enthusiastic support of over 700,000 visitors to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion since April 13th2025. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion hosts over 700 events across the Expo 2025 Osaka program, including daily performances and live shows. The site offers an exciting visitor journey through seven immersive rooms. Additionally, Saudi Arabia will host its National Day on September 23rd with a full array of events and presentations. Media Contact: Email: Media@ Website & Social Media Handles: Instagram: @ksaexpo2025 X: @KSAExpo2025_ YouTube: @KSAExpo2025 LinkedIn: Saudi Arabia at Expo Facebook: KSA Expo 2025 TikTok: @ksaexpo LINE: KSA 大阪万博2025 Website:
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Asian equities see largest monthly foreign inflow in 15 months
Asian equities attracted strong foreign inflows in May as concerns over an immediate economic hit from higher US tariffs eased, prompting a return by investors who had previously exited large and concentrated positions in the region. The inflows marked a sharp reversal after four consecutive months of net foreign selling. According to data from LSEG, foreign investors bought approximately $10.65 billion worth of equities across India, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, registering their largest monthly net purchase since February 2024. US President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs in early April stoked concerns over the impact on Asian exports, exporter margins, and regional supply chains, but a subsequent 90-day pause for most countries later in the month helped ease investor fears and revive interest in regional assets. Goldman Sachs said it has revised its earnings growth forecast for MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan (MXAPJ) to 9 per cent for both 2025 and 2026, raising estimates by 2 and 1 percentage points, respectively, citing stronger macro growth in China and US-exposed markets. The upgrade was also supported by $600 billion in AI-related investments from Saudi Arabia to US firms, which are expected to benefit Taiwan and Korea, though the impact may be partially offset by a weaker dollar, the brokerage said. Taiwan equities witnessed $7.28 billion worth of foreign inflows, the largest monthly cross-border net purchase since November 2023. Foreigners also acquired a significant $2.34 billion worth of Indian stocks in their largest monthly net purchase since September 2024. South Korean, Indonesian and Philippine stocks also saw foreign inflows worth a net $885 million, $338 million and $290 million, respectively, while Thai stocks suffered $491 million of net selling. Despite heightened market volatility in the first half of the year driven by concerns over President Trump's trade policies, the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index has risen about 8.8 per cent year-to-date, outperforming both the MSCI World Index, which is up 5.4 per cent, and the S&P 500 Index, which has gained 0.98 per cent. Asian currencies were steady on Friday and poised for weekly gains after a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping signalled further trade talks, while most regional equities tracked Wall Street's overnight losses. In India, equities reversed course to rise 0.9 per cent after the Reserve Bank of India delivered a larger-than-expected cut to its key repo rate and lowered the cash reserve ratio to bolster economic growth. 'The RBI may have decided to move quickly to a more appropriate policy rate level. A shift towards neutral stance means more rate cuts may be unlikely in the near-term,' Jeff Ng, Head of Asia Macro Strategy at SMBC, said. The rupee inched up 0.1 per cent to 85.74 per dollar. Other regional currencies moved within a narrow band. The Thai baht and Singapore dollar were largely flat but were on track for weekly gains of 0.5 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively. The Malaysian ringgit was up nearly 0.6 per cent for the week. MSCI's index of emerging market currencies was flat after touching an all-time high on Thursday. The index is up 0.5 per cent for the week. The dollar index was little changed, after hitting a six-week low on Thursday, and was headed for a weekly loss of 0.5 per cent. Trump's erratic tariff moves and a worsening US fiscal outlook have triggered a flight from the dollar, prompting analysts to expect most emerging market currencies will retain or build on their gains over the next six months. In their closely watched hour-long phone call on Thursday, Xi pressed Trump to ease trade tensions that have rattled the global economy and warned against provocative moves on Taiwan, according to a summary released by the Chinese government. But Trump said on social media that the talks, focused primarily on trade, led to 'a very positive conclusion'. 'The talks look positive, and coupled with Federal Reserve rate cut expectations due to weak US data, might lead to further USD softening,' said Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX research at Maybank. Markets are now bracing for the US jobs and non-farm payrolls report due later in the day, with concerns that a downside surprise could stoke stagflation fears and boost pressure on the Federal Reserve to quickly ease policy. Reuters
