Overview
- Tencent Cloud CEO Dowson Tong said the company will add availability zones across Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East over the next 12 to 18 months.
- The company is exploring building data centers in the Middle East and plans increased investment plus a stronger local partner network.
- Tencent already operates in Saudi Arabia with at least one availability zone serving clients such as Meituan’s Keeta and regional gaming firms.
- CNBC reports the push will intensify competition with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, as Tencent leans on China-based customers to drive overseas adoption.
- CoinCentral reported a stock uptick following the announcement and noted pending Saudi licensing and compliance, while Gartner sees MENA IT spending reaching $155 billion in 2025.