Cloud Services in the Kingdom

Cloud Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are one of the enablers of digital transformation, aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. They are overseen and regulated by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission to build a digital economy that enhances innovative investments. Cloud computing serves as an important alternative to information technology (IT) resources for institutions and companies worldwide, offering solutions that meet global standards and contributing to making the Kingdom a hub for data exchange.

Storing data in the cloud offers security and protection benefits, ensuring that data is always available without being affected by factors that may impact computers, mobile phones, and servers, such as power loss or software malfunctions. Cloud computing services provide high levels of data preservation, ensuring speed and accessibility to programs and applications from any location and at any time. They offer high flexibility in response, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Cloud computing benefits from various characteristics and elements, which are integrated into the definition by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) into five main characteristics: on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured service.

The Kingdom has adopted regulations and procedures for cloud service providers aimed at encouraging both the public and private sectors to use cloud computing services as an alternative to traditional IT solutions. These regulations are designed to organize cloud services and IT in the Kingdom by implementing policies and programs, proposing laws for IT and emerging technologies development, and providing a fair competitive environment in the market. The measures include issuing necessary licenses according to the rules, ensuring an environment conducive to attracting local and international investors, localizing cloud computing services, and fostering the innovation of solutions and technologies within the Kingdom, thereby ensuring productivity, flexibility, and quality of services.

In October 2020, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued a document entitled "KSA Cloud First Policy." This policy regulates cloud services and information technology in the Kingdom, aiming to accelerate the deployment of cloud services when making new investment decisions in IT. It aligns with governance standards, data classification laws, and relevant regulations and policies. The policy seeks to improve efficiency and effectiveness, reduce overall costs, and enhance cybersecurity by adopting the appropriate cloud computing model for each objective.

The number of entities registered with the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission to provide cloud services reached thirty companies by May 2024. These companies are classified into four categories, including Saudi Telecom Company (stc), Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), Mobile Telecommunication Company Saudi Arabia (Zain), Oracle Corporation, Integrated Telecom Company (Salam), Arab Internet and Communications Services Company, Sahara Net, and Etihad Atheeb Telecom Company (GO).

The Cloud Computing Association was established on October 29, 2019. It is a non-profit civil association licensed by the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development with license number 1543. The association operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

The association provides consultations, studies, and research, and organizes courses, forums, lectures, and workshops on cloud technologies. As of the end of 2022, the association had eighty-six volunteers contributing a total of 786 volunteer hours, and seventy-four members. The initiatives of the association benefited 25,000 individuals.