RIYADH — Databricks, a global leader in data and AI solutions, has launched operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to advancing data-driven innovation in the region. The company’s expansion includes a new office in Riyadh, strategic local partnerships, and initiatives aimed at upskilling the workforce in data engineering, all of which align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 framework to foster technological excellence and economic diversification.

Empowering Innovation Through Data Intelligence
Databricks’ Data Intelligence Platform is already fueling innovation for forward-thinking organizations in KSA, including Abdul Latif Jameel and Panda Retail. With this platform, businesses can seamlessly combine data, analytics, and AI to generate actionable insights and accelerate the deployment of generative AI solutions.

“Democratizing data and AI is critical for organizations aiming to stay competitive,” said Andy Kofoid, President and Head of Worldwide Operations at Databricks. “With unparalleled technological growth in Saudi Arabia, we’re thrilled to establish a presence here and support the region’s most innovative enterprises in leveraging the full potential of their data.”

Strategic Partnerships and Local Leadership
The launch of Databricks in KSA is supported by collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). “Databricks’ presence strengthens our ecosystem of cloud providers and software companies, enabling businesses and government entities to achieve new heights in technical innovation,” stated Mohammed Alrobayan, Deputy Minister for Technology at MCIT.

Databricks has appointed Mohammad Alzaubi as General Manager to oversee its operations in the region. Alzaubi, who brings extensive experience from IBM, SAP, and Microsoft, will spearhead the adoption of the Databricks platform across industries such as financial services, telecommunications, energy, and retail.

Upskilling Initiatives to Foster Local Talent
In partnership with MCIT’s Future Skills Initiative and other key organizations, Databricks is introducing a data engineer training and certification program. Recognized by Saudi authorities, these certifications will empower Saudi citizens to advance their expertise in data engineering and receive financial support upon completion. This initiative reflects Databricks’ dedication to nurturing local talent and building a strong foundation for the Kingdom’s data-driven future.

Alignment with Vision 2030
Databricks’ expansion is closely tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and technological innovation. By democratizing access to data analytics and AI, Databricks aims to support businesses in building intelligent, scalable applications tailored to their unique needs.

This vision is further reinforced by Sanabil Investments, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which participated in Databricks’ $500 million Series I funding round in 2023. “Databricks is driving a transformative shift in global technology,” said a spokesperson from Sanabil Investments. “Their platform simplifies data management and enables enterprises to adopt AI at scale, supporting the Kingdom’s modernization efforts and technological aspirations.”