Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company, has announced that it plans to open an infrastructure region in the Middle East by early 2019. The new AWS Middle East Region (Bahrain) will consist of three Availability Zones at launch. Currently, AWS provides 44 Availability Zones across 16 infrastructure regions worldwide, with another 14 Availability Zones, across five AWS Regions in China, France, Hong Kong, Sweden, and a second GovCloud Region in the US expected to come online by the end of 2018.
AWS has also announced it will launch an AWS Edge Network Location in the UAE in the first quarter of 2018. This will bring Amazon CloudFront, Amazon Route 53, AWS Shield, and AWS WAF to the region and adds to the 78 points of presence AWS has around the world.
Andy Jassy, CEO, Amazon Web Services, Inc., said: “As countries in the Middle East look to transform their economies for generations to come, technology will play a major role, and the cloud will be in the middle of that transformation.”
He added: “Some of the most gratifying parts of operating AWS over the last 11 years have been helping thousands of new companies get started, empowering large enterprises to reinvent their customer experiences, and allowing governments and academic institutions to innovate for citizens again. We look forward to making this happen across the Middle East.”
The announcement has been welcomed by political leaders in the GCC states. Countries across the Middle East are looking to innovate, grow their economies, and pursue their vision plans, such as Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Vision 2021, and Bahrain Vision 2030, and cloud technology will be key in helping them achieve this.
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, crown prince of Bahrain, first deputy prime minister, and chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: “Today’s announcement is a significant moment for Bahrain and the region. For the Kingdom, the expansion of regional cloud capacity builds upon a business environment that is already driving innovation and entrepreneurship, using technology to accelerate economic diversification in Bahrain. Through improved efficiencies, access to new career opportunities, and helping to enhance the delivery of government services, this marks further realization of the principles of sustainability, fairness, and competitiveness that form the core of Bahrain’s 2030 Vision.”
Amazon to open data centers in Middle East by early 2019
Amazon to open data centers in Middle East by early 2019
Ajdan cements role in major projects by signing MoU with King Salman International Airport in Riyadh
Ajdan cements role in major projects by signing MoU with King Salman International Airport in Riyadh
Ajdan Real Estate Development Company signed an MoU with King Salman International Airport during the Public Investment Fund & Private Sector Forum 2026.
The MoU aims to explore areas of cooperation and identify opportunities for mixed-use real estate and commercial development that will enhance project quality and meet the highest standards of efficiency and excellence. Representing Ajdan at the signing ceremony was its CEO, Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulmohsen Al-Otaibi, while Dr. Mohammed Al-Jarallah, deputy chief executive for real estate development, signed on behalf of King Salman International Airport. The MoU establishes a strategic framework for future cooperation and paves the way for a long-term partnership on a number of flagship projects.
Under this memorandum, Ajdan collaborates with King Salman International Airport on the development of mixed-use spaces and commercial facilities within the airport’s premises, building on its role as a national real estate developer delivering innovative projects that advance sustainable development. The company will leverage its expertise in the planning, design, and management of integrated commercial destinations to ensure project execution meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
King Salman International Airport is one of the Kingdom’s largest strategic development projects in terms of area and operational ambition. The airport spans approximately 57 sq. km, of which about 12 sq. km are allocated for mixed-use real estate development, in addition to fully integrated economic and logistics zones covering more than 3 million square meters.
These developments will enhance the integration of real estate, commercial, and service activities. The airport targets handling 100 million passengers annually by 2030, supported by comprehensive upgrades to facilities, infrastructure, and logistics services, positioning it as an advanced multi-sector investment platform and a driver of economic growth.
Eng. Mohammed bin Abdulmohsen Al-Otaibi, CEO of Ajdan, stated: “We take pride in our collaboration with King Salman International Airport, which reflects Ajdan’s commitment to developing integrated destinations in line with global standards. Through this partnership, we aim to leverage our expertise to deliver innovative solutions that create sustainable value for the airport and enhance the visitor experience.”
KSIA Acting CEO Marco Mejia said: “These seven partnerships reflect our ambitious vision to transform KSIA into a fully integrated urban and economic ecosystem that goes beyond the traditional concept of airports. We are proud to collaborate with a distinguished group of leading national real estate developers whose deep expertise and strong track records will help deliver high-quality projects, create sustainable economic value, and further position the airport as a leading investment hub.”
This step is part of Ajdan’s strategy to expand its strategic partnerships and develop sustainable urban and commercial destinations that help improve the quality of life and support economic growth across the Kingdom.
