In a move reflecting the accelerating pace of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, Center3 , the digital infrastructure arm of stc , announced a strategic partnership agreement with Humane. This ambitious partnership aims to build and develop AI-focused data centers with a massive operational capacity of up to 1 gigawatt , representing a significant leap forward in the region's technological infrastructure.
Details of the partnership and its technical significance
This agreement reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global data hub, with the targeted capacity of 1 gigawatt representing a record-breaking figure that reflects the massive investment in computing power required to operate and train advanced artificial intelligence models. Through these projects, Center3 aims to provide an incubator environment for emerging technologies, leveraging the Kingdom's strategic geographic location connecting three continents, thus facilitating global data flow and reducing latency.
General context: Saudi Vision 2030 and digital transformation
This event cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader context of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The Vision places the communications and information technology sector at the heart of its efforts to diversify the national economy away from oil. Investment in data centers is a cornerstone of this approach, as data is considered the "new oil" of the digital economy. The past few years have witnessed the launch of numerous initiatives and legislations that encourage both foreign and domestic investment in the cloud computing and artificial intelligence sectors.
The role of Center3 and stc Group in the regional landscape
Center3 was established to foster the growth of the digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa region. It owns and operates a wide range of data centers and submarine cables. This new partnership with Humane underscores stc Group’s commitment to leading innovation in the region, as the group has evolved from a traditional telecom operator into a comprehensive digital enabler driving vital infrastructure projects that underpin the healthcare, education, industrial, and smart city sectors.
Expected economic and strategic impact
This project is expected to have wide-ranging positive impacts, including:
- Enhancing digital sovereignty: Localizing artificial intelligence and data technologies within the Kingdom ensures information security and promotes technological independence.
- Attracting global investments: The availability of a 1-gigawatt infrastructure will attract major global technology companies to host their services and applications in the Kingdom.
- Creating quality job opportunities: Operating and managing these centers requires national expertise in the fields of data engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, this partnership represents a giant step towards an AI-driven future, confirming the Kingdom’s determination to be a major and influential player on the global technology map, and not just a consumer of technology.
