Latest news with #SaudiMinistryofCommunicationsandIT
Tahawul Tech
12-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
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.
Arab News
11-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Cisco advances AI to support Saudi Arabia's digitization goals
At LEAP 2025, Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, unveiled a series of strategic initiatives to advance AI in partnership with the Kingdom. 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. These 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. '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.' '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. Delivering on its commitment, Cisco announced that 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 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 the Kingdom and region. Cisco will continue to advance AI and digital skills across the region as part of its Country Digital Acceleration program, aligning with the goals of the Saudi Research and Development National Strategy. In collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the company will invest in additional Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert 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. 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.
TECHx
10-02-2025
- Business
- TECHx
TECHx Media Cisco Unveils AI Initiatives at LEAP 2025
At LEAP 2025, Cisco, a global networking and security company, announced a series of strategic initiatives to accelerate AI adoption in Saudi Arabia. These initiatives include launching cloud data centers, investing in AI talent development, and establishing local manufacturing operations, reinforcing Cisco's commitment to Saudi Arabia's digital transformation under Vision 2030. By strengthening its presence, Cisco aims to support the Kingdom's ambition of becoming a global technology hub. Vice Minister at the Saudi Ministry of Communications and IT, Haytham Alohali, highlighted the significance of these initiatives, stating that Cisco's partnership will help accelerate Saudi Arabia's digital economy by driving innovation and advancing AI and cloud computing adoption. Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins emphasized the company's role in securing organizations, preparing the Saudi workforce for AI, and contributing to the local economy and manufacturing ecosystem. As part of its expansion, Cisco has launched cloud security data centers and the Webex Collaboration Platform in Saudi Arabia. These facilities enhance cybersecurity through Secure Service Edge (SSE), Secure Access, and Umbrella DNS, protecting infrastructure, users, and investments. Cisco's Webex Suite now offers AI-powered meetings and calling with end-to-end encryption and advanced security, improving digital collaboration across the region. To support AI talent development, Cisco is strengthening its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, aligning with the Saudi Research and Development National Strategy. Cisco's AI Readiness Index reports that while 72% of organizations in Saudi Arabia have an AI deployment strategy, only 46% have highly prepared talent. In partnership with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Cisco will invest in Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certifications to enhance the local workforce's AI and networking capabilities. Since its launch in Saudi Arabia in 2016, Cisco's CDA program has delivered over 20 projects in healthcare, education, smart cities, and government digitization, fostering digital transformation in line with Vision 2030. Cisco is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in Saudi Arabia with plans to establish local operations in 2025. The initial phase will focus on wireless technology fulfillment, with plans to scale based on market demand. This move positions Saudi Arabia within Cisco's global supply chain network, alongside North America, Asia, and Europe, and supports the Kingdom's economic diversification goals. Cisco Saudi Arabia's Managing Director, Salman Faqeeh, emphasized that these initiatives will enhance Saudi Arabia's digital infrastructure, drive AI adoption, and contribute to economic growth. By deepening its commitment to Saudi Arabia, Cisco is playing a crucial role in advancing AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leader in technology and innovation.
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cisco plans cloud services data centers, manufacturing in Saudi
Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, unveiled a series of strategic initiatives to advance AI in partnership with Saudi Arabia, 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 company said. These 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, it said. "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.' Cloud Services Data Centers Delivering on its commitment, Cisco announced that 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. – TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
09-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Cisco plans cloud services data centers, manufacturing in KSA
Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, unveiled a series of strategic initiatives to advance AI in partnership with Saudi Arabia, 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 company said. These 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, it said. "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.' Cloud Services Data Centers Delivering on its commitment, Cisco announced that 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.
