NEWS
Databricks to invest $ 300M in Saudi Arabia , appoints Tuwaiq Academy as training partner
At LEAP 2025 , Databricks , the data and AI company , announced its plans to invest up to US $ 300 million in Saudi Arabia over the next five years . This investment will be used to enable its growing local customer base to combine data , analytics and AI on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform and will support the formation of strategic partnerships to upskill Saudi citizens with the latest skills in data engineering and AI .
The data and AI company also announced a new training partnership with Tuwaiq Academy . Tuwaiq Academy will be the first Databricks authorised training partner in Saudi Arabia .
Databricks and Tuwaiq Academy are also currently exploring options for how Databricks can support Tuwaiq Academy ’ s Gifted Technical Secondary School with Databricks content and a path to certification .
Facilitated by MCIT , The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation , TVTC has recognised the Databricks ‘ Data Engineer ’ certifications and the Human Resources Development Fund , HRDF will reimburse test-takers who pass these certifications . This fosters the development of national competencies and supports professional excellence in the field of data engineering .
These announcements follow the official opening of Databricks ’ new office in Riyadh in December 2024 and the welcoming of Mohammad Alzaubi as General Manager to lead operations locally .
At LEAP , Naveen Zutshi , Chief Information Officer at Databricks introduced Databricks ’ pioneering Data Intelligence Platform , highlighted recent business growth and discussed key investments in Saudi Arabia .
The Databricks Data Intelligence Platform democratises access to data and AI , making it easier for organisations to harness the power of their data for analytics , machine learning , and AI applications .
“ I was thrilled to discuss on stage why democratising data and AI across an organisation must be a top priority for the C-suite ,” said Naveen Zutshi , Chief Information Officer at Databricks .
King Salman International Airport Development signs MoU with Huawei to build aviation hub
The King Salman International Airport
Development Company , KSIADC and Huawei have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding , MoU during LEAP 2025 to drive innovation and digital transformation in the aviation sector . This strategic partnership is set to revolutionise airport operations and passenger experiences by leveraging Huawei ’ s global expertise in Information and Communication Technology and KSIADC ’ s leadership in transforming King Salman International Airport into a state-of-the-art aviation hub .
Spanning an impressive 57 square kilometers , King Salman International Airport is envisioned as one of the world ’ s largest and most advanced aviation hubs . The development will feature six runways , six terminals , and an iconic terminal designed to redefine the passenger experience .
It will also include a private aviation hub , a cargo and logistics centre , and an integrated airport city that combines residential , hospitality , retail , entertainment , office , logistics , and industrial assets . This comprehensive vision positions the airport as a global gateway for business , tourism , and logistics .
The collaboration will focus on integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence , AI , Internet of Things , IoT and Private 5G-Advanced , 5G-A to enhance operational efficiency and elevate passenger services . It also includes the development of an AI-powered digital guest platform to streamline interactions , improve wayfinding , and offer personalised services .
Additionally , the partnership aims to incorporate smart infrastructure solutions Private and IoT into airport operations , while exploring future innovations such as predictive analytics and advanced biometrics to ensure scalability and adaptability for evolving needs .
Linda Schucroft , VP of Digital Innovation of KSIADC , said : “ This partnership with Huawei represents a significant milestone in our journey to transform King Salman International Airport into a global provider in smart aviation . By integrating cutting-edge technologies , we aim to redefine operational efficiency , elevate passenger experiences , and set new benchmarks for innovation in the aviation sector .”
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