Accenture and Google Cloud Collaborate to Boost AI and Cloud Adoption in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Accenture and Google Cloud have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating the adoption of cloud solutions and generative artificial intelligence (AI) in Saudi Arabia. This partnership seeks to address local data, operational, and software sovereignty requirements, enabling organizations to explore new business opportunities and enhance customer experiences.
A recent report by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with Accenture, indicates that embracing generative AI could boost Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 4%. To capitalize on this potential, Accenture and Google Cloud are extending their global partnership to advance AI initiatives within the Kingdom.
Establishing a Generative AI Center of Excellence
Building upon their existing global collaboration, Accenture and Google Cloud plan to expand their joint Generative AI Center of Excellence (CoE) to Saudi Arabia. This center will offer organizations access to advanced industry solutions, products, and assets, including generative AI agents. By combining Google Cloud’s cutting-edge technologies with Accenture’s proven industry solutions, the CoE aims to transform innovative ideas into tangible value.
Experts from both companies will collaborate closely with clients to identify transformative use cases and rapidly develop and scale them in production. This approach ensures that organizations can leverage generative AI while maintaining data security and compliance through Google Cloud’s Dammam region.
Dr. Majid Altuwaijri, Accenture’s Chair and Country Managing Director for Saudi Arabia, emphasized the importance of a modern digital foundation for continuous innovation. He stated, “Our partnership with Google Cloud aims to help clients in Saudi Arabia accelerate business outcomes in new ways. We are unique because our strategy brings together key stakeholders to pioneer digital sovereignty and to develop systems that are not only secure and compliant but also resilient and future-ready.”
Bader Almadi, General Manager of Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia, highlighted the necessity of combining leading technology with service expertise for successful AI deployment. He noted, “With Google Cloud’s advanced capabilities and Accenture’s industry expertise, customers will have access to the resources needed to plan, deploy, and optimize generative AI projects.”
Empowering Local Organizations
This collaboration comes at a pivotal time for various industries in Saudi Arabia seeking to accelerate their digital transformation and harness the benefits of sovereign cloud and generative AI. For instance, the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) has recently utilized generative AI to design and prototype a scalable, secure AI environment built on cloud technology. This initiative has empowered GOSI’s developers, data scientists, and researchers to engage directly with the latest AI models and tools, leading to practical outcomes that enhance AI and sovereign cloud value.
Fostering Talent and Innovation
Beyond scaling generative AI, Accenture and Google Cloud are committed to nurturing local talent and skills. Their collaboration will encompass training programs, hackathons, and hands-on labs designed to equip professionals with the necessary expertise to effectively leverage cloud and AI technologies. This emphasis on skill development is vital for promoting sustainable growth and innovation within the Kingdom.
For example, local clients and citizens can now access Accenture’s technology training services through Accenture LearnVantage. This platform offers tailored upskilling programs, specialized technology academies, ecosystem certification services, and managed services to enhance clients’ learning capabilities.
Strategic Investments in AI Infrastructure
This partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for AI and technology. In October 2024, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Google Cloud announced plans to establish an advanced AI hub near Dammam. This initiative aims to generate thousands of jobs and contribute approximately $71 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP over the next eight years. The AI hub will focus on developing Arabic-language models and providing AI and digital upskilling programs to revolutionize the AI experience in the region.
Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, remarked, “This strategic partnership will accelerate adoption of AI in the local language and across industries—including healthcare, retail, financial services, and more—for enterprises and startups in Saudi Arabia, across the Middle East, Africa, and around the world.”
Enhancing Data Sovereignty and Security
In August 2024, Google Cloud expanded its services in Saudi Arabia by introducing new data sovereignty, security, and AI capabilities in the Dammam region. These offerings aim to support the digital transformation of organizations operating within the Kingdom, ensuring compliance with local regulations and industry standards. Collaborating with local partners
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