The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) and Microsoft have signed a MoU to explore the provision of Microsoft’s sovereign-cloud services in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement seeks to enhance the security, confidentiality and sovereignty of data within the country, while providing access to advanced cloud and artificial intelligence technologies.

Microsoft brings experience in delivering sovereign-cloud solutions that allow governments and regulated industries worldwide to adopt cloud services while maintaining national data controls in line with local laws.

Under the MoU, Microsoft will work with PIF and SITE to assess how its sovereign-cloud model can support Saudi Arabia’s priorities for security, compliance and data residency.

The agreement also aims to strengthen collaboration in areas such as joint research, development, innovation and knowledge transfer.

PIF’s strategy for the information and communication technology sector is intended to position Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive hub by fostering innovation and building domestic capacity, contributing to the development and diversification of the economy.

Featured image credit: Microsoft