Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, has announced the launch of its first Middle East Cloud Region in Saudi Arabia. The Region will feature two availability zones with full redundancy, advanced cloud services, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. The announcement was made at the Ministry of Communications and Technology’s (MCIT) flagship LEAP 2025 technology summit, and was followed by a business operation commitment of over US$ 150 million in infrastructure, resources, and investment over the next few years.
The new availability zones are expected to be operational by 2025, and aim to enable the delivery of an expanded suite of SaaS and PaaS solutions to the Middle East. These include advanced analytics, AI, innovative digital media capabilities, superapp technologies, and more.
Dan Hu (VP, Tencent Cloud International – MENA), said, “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.”
“Tencent Cloud’s decision to launch its first cloud region in Saudi Arabia represents a significant milestone for digital transformation in the Middle East,” said Mohammed AlRobayan (Dy. Minister of Technology, MCIT). “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.”
Tencent Cloud has established a presence across APAC, Europe, and the Americas, offering its services to 10,000 enterprise customers across 30 industries in over 80 markets and regions. Tencent Cloud aims to provide growth opportunities for Middle Eastern businesses to expand into the Chinese market, offering the infrastructure and expertise to navigate and unlock new opportunities.
Beyond strengthening digital infrastructure within Saudi Arabia, the expansion comes amid the country’s push to become a leading global gaming and e-sports hub, under the auspices of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy. This positions Saudi Arabia to excel on the global stage, particularly as the country prepares to host the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). This aligns well with Tencent that has been global video game operator and publisher of many global leading game titles such as Honor of Kings and PUBG MOBILE.