PIF, Site, Microsoft ink MoU to deploy sovereign cloud services in Saudi Arabia

The PIF-Site-Microsoft collaboration aims to support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to strengthen its digital infrastructure

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Information Technology Co. (SITE), and Microsoft signed, on Nov. 19, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the deployment of Microsoft’s sovereign cloud services in Saudi Arabia.

The step will enhance the security, confidentiality, and sovereignty of national data, and enable access to the latest cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Microsoft has extensive experience in sovereign cloud solutions, enabling governments and critical sectors to use cloud services in accordance with national data security regulations adopted in each country or region.

Under the MoU, Microsoft will work with PIF and Site to explore mechanisms for leveraging sovereign cloud solutions to support compliance, protect, and localize data in the Kingdom, while providing access to advanced cloud and AI technologies.

The memorandum also aims to strengthen cooperation in research, development, joint innovation, and knowledge transfer.

PIF’s strategy in the communications and information technology sector aims to enhance the Kingdom’s global competitiveness by driving innovation, building capabilities, and supporting efforts toward local development and economic diversification.

The non-binding MoU is subject to meeting several requirements, including obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals.