Saudi Arabia will be the site of Tech Mahindra's first data, AI and cloud centre

Big tech company Tech Mahindra, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to set up a data, artificial intelligence and cloud centre in Riyadh. Tech Mahindra is focused on investing in new technologies and solutions that enable digital transformation and meet the changing needs of customers.

The company said the centre will combine academic and socio-economic goals to build national high-tech knowledge, create quality jobs, promote digital innovation and nurture SMEs. The partnership is in line with Tech Mahindra's philosophy of holistic enterprise transformation.

As part of the NXT.NOW, the framework is to enhance the human-centric experience. The adoption of cloud, data and artificial intelligence will play an important role in the IT and digital growth of Saudi Arabia. This initiative with digital leader Tech Mahindra, which will bring global expertise and assets to Saudi Arabia and enable the creation of talent and intellectual property over the next few years.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ibrahem N Al-Nasser, Deputy Minister of Technology and Ram Ramachandran, Head, Middle East and Africa. The event was also attended by Saudi government officials and top management of Tech Mahindra.

CP Gurnani, MD and CEO of Tech Mahindra was of the opinion that the world of data, AI and cloud is changing rapidly as public and private sector priorities shift globally and locally in Saudi Arabia.

Some of the drivers of this shift in priorities include building new IPs and resources that bring innovation and most importantly train local talent and develop skills. The partnership with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to establish a centre of excellence will help meet Saudi Arabia's rapidly changing need for digital transformation. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, they look forward to working with MCIT and local universities to create a diverse and digital-first ecosystem.

Data and AI and Cloud Center of Excellence enable accelerated and sustainable implementation of data analytics and ethical AI. The company said it will continue to lead cloud-based transformation in various industries to develop local assets, intellectual property (IP) and promote a cognitive approach to smart services to advance the digital transformation goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Tech Mahindra organises workshops on design thinking and hackathons on data, artificial intelligence and cloud to drive innovation and accelerate the Kingdom's transition to a digital economy.

The partnership will provide training and development to 2,500 Saudi nationals, offering project implementation programs that will improve skills and develop careers in data, artificial intelligence and the cloud.