UAE
Oracle and e& Launch UAE-Based Sovereign Cloud Platform
Oracle Cloud has partnered with e& enterprise (formerly Etisalat) to deliver the next generation of OneCloud, a sovereign hyperscale cloud platform hosted entirely in the UAE and powered by Oracle Alloy. Launching early next year, the platform will offer 200+ Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) AI and cloud services, enabling full data residency and compliance with UAE regulations. OneCloud will feature transparent SLAs, usage-based pricing, and 24/7 managed services, supported by e& enterprise’s local expertise. The platform is aimed at government bodies, regulated industries, and large enterprises looking to scale AI and modern applications securely within UAE borders. …Read more
Saudi Arabia
STC Taps Solutions for $83.5M Network Expansion Project
Saudi telecom giant STC has signed a SAR313.3 million ($83.5M) contract with its IT services arm, Solutions by STC, to expand and upgrade its internet and communications networks. The 36-month project will include upgrading legacy hardware, expanding internal and international network capacity, and building internet infrastructure in new data centers across Khamis Mushait, Dammam, Qassim, and North Riyadh — supporting the growth of 5G and virtual broadband services. Solutions, 79% owned by STC, is a major ICT provider with clients including Saudi Aramco. The deal follows recent agreements between the two firms, including a private cloud project and a RAN capacity upgrade, alongside two SAR500M ($133M) banking facilities signed with SAB and SNB.…Read more
ByteBridge and Naizak Partner to Launch Data Center Venture in Saudi Arabia ByteBridge has signed an MoU with Saudi tech firm Naizak to establish a data center joint venture in Saudi Arabia, aimed at supporting hyperscale and AI-driven infrastructure across the Middle East. Announced on September 30, the partnership will help international operators enter the regional market, and vice versa for Saudi firms, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. ByteBridge also signed an MoU with South Korea’s FuriosaAI to explore collaboration in AI-related areas. Naizak strategy chief said the venture combines local expertise and global reach to deliver next-gen digital infrastructure and attract foreign investment into Saudi Arabia’s growing tech ecosystem..…Read more
Oman
Oracle Launches Second Dedicated Cloud Region in Oman
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) has launched a new Dedicated Region in Ibri City, Oman, marking the second OCI region in the country and the completion of Oman’s first hyperscale cloud footprint. Announced by Oracle’s SVP Nick Redshaw, the new region—hosted by ITHCA Group—will deliver 200+ AI and cloud services, including Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications, specifically for Omani government entities. The setup supports data sovereignty, boosts public sector innovation, and enables cost-effective cloud migration of critical workloads. Oracle’s first Omani region is located in Muscat, also hosted by ITHCA. The move is part of a broader strategy, with Oracle also expanding in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to meet regional cloud and compliance needs.…Read more
Middle East
At its 2025 Apsara Conference, Alibaba Cloud announced plans to open new data centers in Brazil, France, and the Netherlands, with additional locations coming to Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Dubai over the next year. While details are limited, the expansion supports growing global demand for AI and cloud services. Dr. Feifei Li, President of International Business, said the move positions Alibaba Cloud to help businesses scale next-gen AI applications worldwide. Backed by a $52.7B investment, Alibaba Cloud currently operates 91 availability zones in 29 regions. In Q1 2026, it reported $4.66B in revenue, up 26% YoY, with AI-related revenue continuing triple-digit growth for the eighth straight quarter.…Read more