Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Tencent Cloud, the cloud business arm of global technology giant Tencent, has announced the launch of its first Middle East Cloud Region in Saudi Arabia.

The new region, unveiled at the Ministry of Communications and Technology’s (MCIT) flagship LEAP 2025 technology summit, will feature two availability zones with full redundancy, advanced cloud services, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

Tencent Cloud has pledged an investment of over US$150 million in infrastructure, resources, and operations over the next few years, underscoring its commitment to accelerating digital transformation in the region.

The availability zones are expected to be operational by 2025, expanding the company’s suite of cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions to businesses across the Middle East.

The company aims to provide advanced analytics, AI solutions, innovative digital media capabilities, and superapp technologies, enhancing services in key industries such as digital media, gaming, e-commerce, tourism, financial services, and telecommunications.

Driving Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation

Dan Hu, Vice President of Tencent Cloud International – MENA, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, stating, “The new Cloud Region strengthens our ability to support the country’s digital transformation journey across important regional verticals, including digital media and streaming, video gaming, esports, e-commerce, tourism, financial services, telecommunications, and more.”

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Technology at MCIT, Mohammed AlRobayan, welcomed Tencent Cloud’s decision, calling it a significant milestone for the Middle East’s digital transformation.

“This new cloud region will enhance the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies. It also reflects confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for digital solutions and smart technology, fostering an economy driven by innovation and knowledge,” AlRobayan said.

Tencent Cloud’s growing presence in the Middle East aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national strategy that prioritizes technological advancement and digital transformation as core pillars of economic diversification.

Supporting the Gaming and Esports Industry

Beyond digital infrastructure, Tencent Cloud’s expansion comes at a pivotal time as Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global leader in gaming and esports.

The country’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy seeks to develop the sector into a multi-billion-dollar industry, attracting global players and fostering local talent.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), further solidifying its ambitions in the gaming ecosystem.

Tencent Cloud’s involvement in the gaming industry is well-established, as the company is the publisher of several global game titles, including Honor of Kings and PUBG MOBILE.

By launching a cloud region in Saudi Arabia, Tencent Cloud will be able to provide robust infrastructure and expertise to support game developers, esports organizations, and digital entertainment companies in the region.

Global Expansion and Market Integration

With a presence in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, Tencent Cloud serves 10,000 enterprise customers across 30 industries in over 80 markets worldwide.

The company’s entry into Saudi Arabia not only strengthens its footprint in the Middle East but also provides regional businesses with opportunities to expand into the Chinese market by leveraging Tencent’s expertise and cloud infrastructure.

The establishment of Tencent Cloud’s first Middle East Cloud Region in Saudi Arabia signals a new chapter in the country’s digital evolution, reinforcing its status as a regional leader in cloud computing, AI, and gaming technology.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members