Huawei advances Saudi cloud operation with new licence

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Huawei Cloud has secured a Class C Licence from the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) in Saudi Arabia, marking the commission’s highest certification for cloud service providers.

The licencing allows Huawei Cloud to deliver cutting-edge Cloud Services to both public and private sectors across the kingdom and the wider region.

Huawei said the ‘rigorous’ process to obtain a Class C Licence includes adherence to the Cloud Cybersecurity Controls for the government sector, aligning with Class A and Class B standards and requirements.

It also includes obtaining necessary approvals in compliance with prevailing laws, regulations, policies, and governance models.

The licence authorises Huawei Cloud to handle government data classifications, encompassing public data, restricted data, secret data, and top-secret data.

“Huawei Cloud is honoured to receive the prestigious Class C License from the CST, signifying a major milestone in our commitment to advancing cloud services in Saudi Arabia. This certification underscores our unwavering dedication to upholding the highest cybersecurity standards and facilitating the nation’s digital transformation journey,” said Alan Qi, the CEO of Sparkoo Saudi Arabia (Huawei Cloud).

Huawei Cloud fosters digital economy

Meanwhile, the licencing follows the recent launch of the Huawei Cloud Riyadh region. The cloud region offers full-stack cloud services, including infrastructure, databases, containers, big data and AI services to meet the requirements of various industries.

Huawei Cloud said the Riyadh cloud region allows the cloud computing firm to provide its products and services across the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, delivering innovative, reliable, secure, and sustainable services.

The Chinese tech firm aims to catalyse the digital transformation and intelligent upgrade of Saudi enterprises through cutting-edge technologies, enhanced user experiences, and a collaborative ecosystem.

It plans to employ cutting-edge technologies such as Cloud Native 2.0, GaussDB, Digital Human, and Pangu Model 3.0 for government, electricity and meteorology services, to boost intelligence in Saudi Arabia.

The Pangu 3.0 AI model specifically tackles challenges in AI adoption, using industry knowledge to improve AI capabilities in areas like finance, government, manufacturing, and beyond.

The introduction of this model is expected to drive innovation in the Kingdom and expedite economic diversification.

Over the next five years, Huawei aspires to empower 200,000 developers in Saudi Arabia, forge joint solutions with 1,000 local partners, and launch the Huawei Cloud Startup Program, providing support for 2,000 startups.

Read: Google switches on cloud region in Saudi Arabia