At the Google Cloud Summit in Saudi Arabia, Google Cloud reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital transformation across the kingdom, showcasing the remarkable growth and potential of Saudi Arabia’s tech sector.
Commemorating the first anniversary of the launch of the Dammam Cloud Region, the summit gathered over 1,500 participants, including partners, customers, government officials, and industry leaders, to reflect on past achievements and discuss the future of cloud computing and AI in the kingdom.
Empowering Saudi Vision 2030
In his keynote address, Bader Almadi, Google Cloud’s Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, emphasized Google Cloud’s dedication to advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. “This summit marks a significant milestone in Google Cloud’s journey in Saudi Arabia,” he noted. “By equipping businesses, government agencies, and individuals with cutting-edge cloud and AI technology, we aim to fuel sustainable economic growth, foster new opportunities, and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in global digital innovation.”
Abdul Rahman Al-Thehaiban, Managing Director for Turkey, Middle East & Africa at Google Cloud, reinforced this vision, pointing to Google Cloud’s partnership with the Public Investment Fund to establish a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia. “Google Cloud is committed to transforming the kingdom into a leader in technological innovation,” he stated. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure, launch advanced services, and cultivate a thriving ecosystem of partners and developers to harness Saudi Arabia’s vibrant digital potential.”
Showcasing Innovation in AI and Cloud
The summit offered a robust lineup of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and interactive demos that featured Google Cloud’s latest advancements in AI and data analytics. Leading Saudi companies, including Saudi Airlines, ROSHN, and Almarai, presented on how they are harnessing cloud technology and AI to innovate and drive growth.
Supporting Startups and Developers
Recognizing the pivotal role of startups and developers, the summit included special programming to support these groups. The Founders Lunch gathered early-stage startup operators and included discussions led by entrepreneurs, investors, and Google Cloud experts on key topics like fundraising, product development, and scaling. This event also allowed attendees to network and explore how Google Cloud can empower their startups. Key speakers included Omar Shabaan, CEO & Founder of The Space; Baraa Koshak, CEO & Founder of Abwab.ai; and Naif Al-Obaidallah, Co-Founder & Managing Director of SDM.sa.
For developers, the Innovators Hive provided a hands-on learning experience with over 630 participants joining six interactive sessions, spotlight labs, mini-courses, and a competitive two-hour lab focusing on “AI with BigQuery” and “MultiModality with Gemini.”
Championing Women in Technology
Highlighting Google Cloud’s commitment to diversity, the summit featured sessions aimed at supporting women in tech. The session She Leads: Navigating the Path to Leadership for Women in Tech offered strategies to overcome industry barriers, with inspiring talks from Reem Al Adeeb, Saudi Arabia’s first female Formula E racer; Rasha al-Khamis, the kingdom’s first certified female boxer and mountaineer; and Lisa Martinez Gomis, Sales Manager at Google Cloud.
A special breakfast session titled Discover the Future of Data: Empowering Women to Lead celebrated the contributions of women in data and analytics, providing a forum for networking and insights, and emphasizing the importance of women’s roles in shaping the field’s future.
The Google Cloud Summit in Saudi Arabia not only marked a milestone for Google Cloud but also underscored the vast potential and transformative impact of technology in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 journey.
