IBM to Establish New Software Lab in Riyadh

IBM, a global provider of hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting services, has announced plans to establish a new Software lab in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with an investment of over 200 million dollars. This move reflects IBM’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.

The lab will focus on digital innovation and product development, particularly in areas such as Data & AI, and Sustainability Software. With an emphasis on knowledge exchange and skill development, the facility aims to collaborate with local talent, creating opportunities for young IT professionals and driving technological advancements that can be globally applicable.

The announcement was made during the LEAP 2024 event, where H.E. Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology in Saudi Arabia, and Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, discussed the significance of this initiative.

Minister Abdullah Alswaha expressed his support, stating that IBM’s decision to establish an international software lab in Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s growing stature in the ICT industry. He highlighted the lab’s potential to accelerate innovation and facilitate the development of business models, positioning Saudi Arabia as a technology hub.

Arvind Krishna emphasized IBM’s commitment to the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey, highlighting the lab’s role in delivering value to global clients through collaboration with regional innovators, particularly in critical technologies like AI and hybrid cloud.

The establishment of the IBM Software lab coincides with the company’s recent announcement of inaugurating its regional headquarters in Riyadh. With a presence spanning more than seven decades in the Kingdom and operations in over 170 countries, IBM aims to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s socio-economic development.

The forthcoming IBM Software lab in Riyadh will join a network of similar facilities located across the United States, Canada, India, and Europe, reinforcing IBM’s commitment to innovation and collaboration on a global scale.