AWS to launch a mega cloud region in KSA as part of its USD 5.3 bn investment ticket

Amazon subsidiary Amazon Web Services (AWS) will launch a “hyper-scale” cloud region in Saudi Arabia by 2026 as part of a USD 5.3 bn investment ticket, according to a press release. The AWS Infrastructure Region looks to meet demand for cloud services in the region, enabling clients to safely store customer content while cutting back latency, the statement notes.

What does this mean? The new AWS region will cater to developers, startups, entrepreneurs, and companies, healthcare, education, gaming, and nonprofit organizations who wish to provide end users from data centers in KSA greater flexibility in storing their content inside the country, the statement notes.

What they said: “The new AWS Region will enable organizations to unlock the full potential of the cloud and build with AWS technologies like compute, storage, databases, analytics, and artificial intelligence, transforming the way businesses and institutions serve their customers,” Vice president of Infrastructure Services at AWSPrasad Kalyanaraman said in the statement.

There’s more: AWS will also establish two innovation centers in the kingdom to provide regional startups with technical mentorship and training on AWS technologies including AI and Machine Learning. The outfit will also fund graduate research student grants and offer free courses among other initiatives that look to upskill KSA’s workforce and promote digital literacy, the statement notes.

IN OTHER DATA CENTER NEWS- Riyadh-based DataVolt is also pledging USD 5 bn to develop local sustainable data centers, with a planned capacity that is upwards of 300 megawatts, according to a statement. Multinational technology player IBM Corp also plans to invest USD 250 mn into a software development center in KSA, with Dell outlining plans for a fulfillment center, among other initiatives unveiled at LEAP24, Bloomberg reported citing SPA.