OpenText, a global leader in information management, has established its Middle East regional headquarters in Riyadh, signaling a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving digital economy. The new facility, located within the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), will serve as a central hub for the company’s operations across the region, facilitating closer collaboration with both public and private sector organizations.
Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030
This move reflects OpenText’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which prioritizes economic diversification and technology-driven growth. The company will focus on supporting organizations as they transition from experimental AI deployments to secure, enterprise-scale solutions.
Key Benefits of Local Presence
The Riyadh headquarters will deliver several key advantages:
- Localized Expertise: Faster, more responsive support for customers navigating evolving data sovereignty, security, and compliance regulations.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Closer partnerships with government and private entities to accelerate digital transformation.
- Workforce Expansion: OpenText plans to grow its local team and forge strategic alliances to cater to Saudi Arabia’s specific needs.
The opening was marked by the visit of Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Economic Development, Maninder Sidhu, and Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Jean-Philippe Linteau, reinforcing the international support for this initiative.
The Rise of Saudi Arabia’s Digital Governance
OpenText’s expansion comes at a pivotal moment. Just years ago, Saudi Arabia’s digital efforts were fragmented. Now, with the establishment of institutions like the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in 2019 and the Digital Government Authority in 2021, the Kingdom has laid a strong foundation for data-driven governance.
Accelerating Digital Transformation Metrics
The country’s progress is measurable:
- Digital Transformation Index: Government entities have seen their Digital Transformation Measurement index rise from approximately 69% in 2021 to over 87% in 2024.
- Open Data Initiatives: Saudi Arabia’s Open Data Inventory score has increased by roughly 143% since 2017, placing it among the top ten G20 nations in open data practices.
These advancements demonstrate a clear shift toward centralized, data-driven governance, creating a more attractive environment for companies like OpenText to invest and expand.
Looking Ahead
OpenText’s presence in Riyadh not only strengthens its ability to serve Middle Eastern clients but also positions the company to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s growing knowledge-based economy. The move underscores the region’s growing importance as a hub for enterprise AI, security, and data-driven growth, all while emphasizing the Kingdom’s commitment to sovereignty, trust, and regulatory compliance.
