The planned investment will expand local operations, establish Riyadh as its META regional headquarters, strengthen AI skills and add two cloud regions to support data sovereignty.
Snowflake has announced a projected investment of $300 million (approximately SAR 1.125 billion) in Saudi Arabia through 2030, reinforcing its commitment to the Kingdom’s digital transformation and Vision 2030. The plan combines expanded local operations, workforce development and additional cloud infrastructure to support growing demand for enterprise data and artificial intelligence.
The announcement coincides with the formal inauguration of Snowflake’s Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) regional headquarters in Riyadh. Established in 2024, the headquarters will support the company’s growing local team, regional partner ecosystem and broader operations, strengthening its engagement with customers and government stakeholders.
A key element of the investment is a collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to develop local data and AI capabilities. Through the One Million Minds programme, the two organisations aim to equip up to 25,000 Saudi learners with relevant skills by 2030.
“Our projected $300 million investment reflects Snowflake’s confidence in Saudi Arabia and its digital future.” — Michel Nader, Regional Vice President, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Snowflake
The career-focused initiative will combine virtual and in-person training on the Snowflake platform, with participants gaining practical experience through Snowflake University, earning certificates and developing real-world data and AI projects. Mentorship and networking opportunities will be available through the Saudi Arabia Data and AI Community. The initiative will also introduce Snowflake Academia to the Middle East, helping universities incorporate contemporary data and AI technologies into their curricula.
Cloud infrastructure is the third investment priority. In addition to its existing Google Cloud region in Dammam, Snowflake plans to launch two more cloud regions in Saudi Arabia in the second half of 2026. The expansion is intended to give customers greater flexibility in selecting cloud environments while addressing data residency, sovereignty and business requirements.
The investment comes as Saudi organisations increase their adoption of AI. According to the General Authority for Statistics, AI use among Saudi businesses rose 20% year on year in 2025, intensifying the need for secure and governed access to enterprise data.
“Saudi Arabia has made data, AI and human capital development central to its economic transformation, creating a strong environment for long-term technology investment,” said Michel Nader, Regional Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Snowflake.
Snowflake already serves Saudi organisations including Red Sea Global, O3sigma, Zahid Group, Almarai, Foodics, Rime and Jeeny. Its expanded presence is intended to deepen these relationships while supporting the Kingdom’s broader data and AI ecosystem.
The $300 million figure remains a projection, with actual outcomes subject to market conditions, regulatory developments and changes in investment priorities, according to the company’s forward-looking statement.
