KACST and NourNet Sign Cooperation Agreement to Localize Internet Content and Data Centers
We have signed a cooperation agreement with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) represented by Eng. Ibrahim bin Salem Al-Sadoukhi and NourNet’s CEO Eng. Amjad Abdulhafez during the second edition of LEAP. This partnership aims to encourage the localization of Internet content and services in data centers through the Saudi Internet Exchange initiative, in addition to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a digital center in the region by supporting and developing the use of digital infrastructure and data centers in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Internet Exchange (SAIX) is a joint national initiative between KACST and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, which aims to strengthen the technical infrastructure for communications and information technology in the Kingdom by providing services that improve the performance of the Internet and increase the number of users.
Enhancing Performance through the Saudi Internet Exchange (SAIX)
The collaboration between NourNet and KACST is a pivotal step toward optimizing the Kingdom’s digital landscape. By integrating with the Saudi Internet Exchange (SAIX), NourNet enables local traffic to remain within the country, significantly reducing latency and improving the speed of data transfer. This “peering” process ensures that Internet users experience faster access to local content, which is crucial for high-performance applications such as fintech, gaming, and real-time enterprise services.
Strengthening Data Sovereignty and Infrastructure Localization
Content localization is not just about speed; it is about Data Sovereignty and security. This agreement supports the national goal of hosting data and services within domestic Tier III data centers, ensuring that critical information is managed according to Saudi Arabian regulatory standards.
- Optimized Routing: Reducing the dependence on international gateways for local data exchange.
- Economic Impact: Lowering the costs of international bandwidth for service providers.
- Digital Resilience: Strengthening the Kingdom’s IT backbone against global connectivity disruptions.
A Cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030’s Digital Hub Strategy
This partnership, announced at LEAP, directly aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 to transform the Kingdom into a leading global Digital Hub. By leveraging the technical expertise of KACST and the robust infrastructure of NourNet, the SAIX initiative fosters a vibrant digital ecosystem that attracts international tech giants and hyperscalers. NourNet continues to lead the way in providing the necessary infrastructure to support a knowledge-based economy, driving innovation across both public and private sectors.