Google Cloud Expects to Contribute $110 Billion to Saudi Economy

Startups and large enterprises can exploit Google Cloud's capabilities to develop innovative solutions and keep up with the latest technologies. (Shutterstock)
Startups and large enterprises can exploit Google Cloud's capabilities to develop innovative solutions and keep up with the latest technologies. (Shutterstock)
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Google Cloud Expects to Contribute $110 Billion to Saudi Economy

Startups and large enterprises can exploit Google Cloud's capabilities to develop innovative solutions and keep up with the latest technologies. (Shutterstock)
Startups and large enterprises can exploit Google Cloud's capabilities to develop innovative solutions and keep up with the latest technologies. (Shutterstock)

Google Cloud, the cloud computing arm of the technology giant Google, expects to contribute about $110 billion to the Saudi economy over the next seven years.

Abdul Rahman Al-Thehaiban, General Manager of Google Cloud in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, said the recent establishment of three cloud zones in Dammam, Doha and South Africa embodies Google Cloud’s dedication to strengthening its infrastructure to better serve the diverse needs of the region.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of LEAP, the international tech event, which was held in Riyadh on March 4-7, Al-Thehaiban noted that the establishment of the three cloud zones “not only indicates a major investment in the future of the digital landscape in the region, but also makes us a pivotal player” in the technological revolution sweeping these markets.

He added that Google Cloud’s approach was based on three basic pillars: infrastructure development, ecosystem partnership, and capacity building.

Badr Al-Madi, General Manager of Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the launch of the cloud zones in November meets the needs of 1.2 million small and medium enterprises in the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of this achievement for the technology giant.

Regarding the broader economic impact of Google Cloud’s operations in Saudi Arabia, Al-Madi expects a contribution of about $110 billion to the local economy over the next seven years.

This contribution is likely to be driven by changes in business models and the creation of about 150,000 job opportunities, “which confirms the role of Google Cloud in supporting not only the digital landscape but also the general economy in the region,” he underlined.

Google Cloud is working to expand its internal team and launch centers of excellence that are designed to “raise the level of skills and ensure that the local workforce is equipped to benefit from Google Cloud technologies effectively,” according to Al-Thehabian, who emphasized the importance of these initiatives in supporting the digital transformation journey in the region.

Al-Madi believes that launching the cloud zone in November 2023 is consistent with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the contribution of small and medium-sized companies to the GDP and stimulate economic growth.



Gold Extends Fall to Sixth Day ahead of Fed, US Inflation Data

A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
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Gold Extends Fall to Sixth Day ahead of Fed, US Inflation Data

A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)
A participant shows gold bars during the 21st edition of the international gold and jewelry exhibition at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Kuwait City on May 23, 2024. (Photo by Yasser AL ZAYYAT / AFP)

Gold extended losses for a sixth straight session on Wednesday to hover near the two-week lows hit the day before on lowered expectations of deeper rate cuts, as traders turned their focus to the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes and inflation data.

Spot gold fell about 0.2% to $2,617.79 per ounce by 1145 GMT, having touched its lowest level since Sept. 20 on Tuesday. US gold futures for December delivery was steady at $2,636.20.

"The precious metals sector seems somewhat disappointed after yesterday's meeting by China's National Development and Reform Commission, which reignited concerns about growth and demand from China in Q4. Also, gold is confronting the possibility of less aggressive rate cuts," Zain Vawda, market analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA, said, Reuters reported.

Non-yielding bullion is considered a safe investment and thrives in a low interest rate environment.

China is the world's largest consumer of gold, although record high prices and worries about economy have dampened consumer sentiment. A rebound in gold prices to a record peak also dashed the Indian bullion industry's expectations of a lucrative festival season.

Even after the losses, gold prices are set for an over 25% rise this year after prices hit a record peak of $2,685.42 on Sept. 26.

"The market is currently awaiting the upcoming inflation data for US. Since last week's payroll data, the market is discussing if we are in soft landing or no landing scenario," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

The minutes from Fed's September policy meeting are due at 1800 GMT, while the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) data is due on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

"A significant rise in inflation could alter the scenario. However, considering the geopolitical situation and market uncertainties, we might continue to see range-bound trading with limited downside rallies," said Vawda.

In other metals, spot silver steadied at $30.69 per ounce. Platinum held steady at $949.70 and palladium fell 1% to $1,011.51.