By introducing advanced cloud data centers, artificial intelligence (AI) talent development, and phased plans for local manufacturing, Cisco is deepening its commitment and strengthening its partnership with Saudi Arabia (KSA).
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.
“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,” added 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.”
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Cloud Security 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 collaborative data centers bring extensive services from the Webex suite, such as meetings and calling, closer to customers in KSA and the region. Customers will be able to experience the benefits of AI-powered collaboration tools, holistic built-in security, data protection, and default privacy-by-design when processing customers’ data. The centers provide a rich collaboration experience and real-time media performance, bolstered by 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 with the goals of the Saudi Research and Development National Strategy. According to Cisco’s AI Readiness Index, 72% of organizations in KSA have formed strategies to deploy AI-powered solutions, yet 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 and support the complex networking infrastructures of the AI era.
Manufacturing Plans
With a regional head office in Riyadh, Cisco intends to build on its long-standing partnerships in the Kingdom by erecting 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 as the market’s needs evolve. Saudi Arabia joins key regions including North America, Asia, and Europe within Cisco’s extensive global supply chain network.
Through innovative technological leadership, Cisco aims 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.
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