Tech giant Microsoft is expanding its strategic partnership with data, analytics, and AI company, Databricks, to make Azure Databricks capabilities more accessible to organisations across Saudi Arabia.
Through the expanded partnership, Microsoft and Databricks will aim to empower local businesses in Saudi Arabia to capitalise on the potential of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), driving innovation, while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Azure Databricks is a unified, open analytics platform for building, deploying, sharing, and maintaining enterprise-grade data, analytics, and AI solutions at scale. By combining Databricks’ data analytics and AI capabilities with the scalability and security of Microsoft Azure, organisations in Saudi Arabia will be equipped to improve operations, create data-driven applications, and derive actionable insights.
The entities say this development underscores their commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation and fostering a data-driven culture across sectors.
Aligned with Vision 2030, this collaboration aims to democratise access to analytics and AI applications, provide training and certification programs to equip Saudi professionals with expertise in AI and data engineering, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global technology hub.
Turki Badhris, president of Microsoft Arabia, commented: “By strengthening our collaboration with Databricks, we are empowering Saudi organizations to achieve greater innovation and foster significant business and community impact. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s data and AI capabilities in alignment with Vision 2030.”
Driving growth in the Kingdom
Mohammad Alzaubi, general manager, Saudi Arabia, at Databricks, also added: “This collaboration enables Saudi organisations to unlock the true value of their data, accelerate AI initiatives, and gain a competitive edge in the global market. We remain committed to supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation with our pioneering Data Intelligence Platform and empowering the next generation of data professionals.”
Microsoft and Databricks also plan to further expand the integration of Azure Databricks within Saudi Arabia. This includes adding Databricks into Microsoft’s Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI) and tailored programs to upskill local talent in data analytics and AI, as well as initiatives to support the Kingdom’s forward-thinking organisations in unlocking the full potential of their data.
A number of leading Saudi organisations are already realising the transformative potential of Azure Databricks. Cenomi Group, the largest retail and mall operator in Saudi Arabia, successfully implemented one of the Middle East’s first Data Lakehouse Architectures. Leveraging Azure Databricks, the group now processes and analyses vast amounts of data in real-time to optimise operations and enhance customer experiences.
“The integration of Azure Databricks into our operations has revolutionised the way we harness data,” Binoo Joseph, chief digital officer at Cenomi Centres, also added. “Through Microsoft’s secure and scalable Azure platform, combined with Databricks’ advanced analytics capabilities, we can now deliver exceptional customer experiences across the Kingdom. Whether that be through, personalised shopping experiences, tailored promotions, or efficient service delivery, this data-driven approach allows us to anticipate customer needs and enhance overall satisfaction across our malls.”
