Saudi Aramco, Cognite Join Forces in New Data Venture

Saudi Aramco, Cognite Join Forces in New Data Venture
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Saudi Aramco, Cognite Join Forces in New Data Venture

Saudi Aramco, Cognite Join Forces in New Data Venture

Saudi Aramco and Cognite have launched CNTXT, a joint venture based in Riyadh to support industrial digitalization of the Kingdom and the wider MENA region.

CNTXT will provide digital transformation services enabled by advanced cloud solutions and leading industrial software. These solutions and services aim to help public and private sector companies to future-proof their data infrastructure, increase revenue, cut costs and reduce risks while enhancing operational sustainability and security.

CNTXT is Google Cloud’s reseller for cloud solutions in the Kingdom and the exclusive reseller of Cognite Data Fusion in MENA region.

Additionally, Google Cloud is expected to launch a “Center of Excellence” later this year to provide training to developers and business leaders in how to use cloud technologies.

Led by Abdullah Jarwan, appointed CEO of CNTXT, and a management team of local and international talent, CNTXT plans to significantly grow the team this year in hopes to become the top tech employer in the Kingdom.

The launch of CNTXT is a major milestone in the collaboration between Aramco and Aker ASA, the majority owner of Cognite. The partnership began in 2019, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop synergies and share knowledge on industrial digitalization and sustainability initiatives.

“CNTXT brings together industrial legacy, advanced technology, and a truly talented team that will aid in the digitalization of public and private sectors in the Kingdom. CNTXT aims to be an important catalyst of digitalization of the Kingdom,” said Ahmad A. Al-Sa'adi, Aramco Senior Vice President, Technical Services.

President of Aker ASA and Chair of the Cognite Board of Directors Oyvind Eriksen said: “CNTXT will be an important vehicle for driving profitability and sustainability of the Kingdom’s industries through innovative use of technology. I look forward to seeing the company accelerate the digital transformation of the most important sectors in the region.”

“The untapped potential in the digital transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the greater Middle East is enormous. With Google Cloud and Cognite offerings in our portfolio, we can help the public and private sectors innovate faster, scale AI-driven solutions, and turn data into value,” said Abdullah Jarwan, CEO of CNTXT.

“Businesses all around the world turn to Google Cloud to enable growth and help them solve their most business-critical challenges. With CNTXT as Google Cloud’s reseller in the Kingdom, we will be leveraging the latest technologies and decades of expertise to help businesses grow and develop safely and securely,” said AbdulRahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Google Cloud.



Escalating Hormuz Tensions Drive Up Middle East War Risk Insurance Costs

A container ship sails on the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, 23 June 2025. EPA/ALI HAIDER
A container ship sails on the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, 23 June 2025. EPA/ALI HAIDER
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Escalating Hormuz Tensions Drive Up Middle East War Risk Insurance Costs

A container ship sails on the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, 23 June 2025. EPA/ALI HAIDER
A container ship sails on the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, 23 June 2025. EPA/ALI HAIDER

War risk insurance premiums for shipments to the Middle East Gulf have jumped to 0.5% from around 0.2-0.3% a week ago after US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and growing risks to the critical Strait of Hormuz, insurance sources said on Monday.

The cost of a seven-day voyage is based on the value of the ship and the increase will add tens of thousands of dollars each day in additional costs.

While underwriters typically price risk and rates individually, the current 0.5% level reflected rates on Monday, the sources told Reuters and The Insurer, which is part of the Thomson Reuters group.