Cisco announces cloud security services including SSE, Umbrella DNS, Webex, local manufacturing – Intelligent CIO

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At LEAP 2025, Cisco, the global provider in networking and security, unveiled a series of strategic initiatives to advance AI in partnership with the Saudi Arabia.
Cisco is deepening its commitment in Saudi Arabia by establishing cloud services data centres, promoting AI talent development, and launching a phased plan for a local manufacturing base. With data centres, now fully operational for cloud-delivered security services and the Webex collaboration platform, Cisco is advancing its commitment to further drive the Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.
The security data centre underpins Cisco’s cloud-based security services including its new Secure Service Edge, SSE solution, Cisco Secure Access and Umbrella DNS. The centre helps customers protect their users, infrastructure, and investments against threat actors and empowers them with flexible security services and data protection for devices, remote users, and distributed locations.
The collaboration data centres bring extensive services from the Webex Suite such as Meetings and Calling closer to customers in Saudi Arabia and the region. Customers experience the benefits of AI-powered collaboration tools, holistic built-in security, data protection, and privacy by design and by default when processing customers’ data. The centres provide a rich collaboration experience, real-time media performance, underpinned with industry-security and privacy principles with end-to-end encryption and strong identity verification.
Cisco will continue to advance AI and digital skills across the region as part of its Country Digital Acceleration, CDA program, aligning to the goals of the Saudi Research and Development National Strategy. According to Cisco’s AI Readiness Index, 72% of organisations in Saudi Arabia have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions but only 46% of companies report that their talent is highly prepared. This highlights a need to cultivate AI-ready local talent.
In collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, KACST, Cisco will invest in additional Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, CCIE certifications, one of the industry’s most widely recognised and respected certifications, to enhance the Saudi Arabia’s talent pool of highly skilled local IT professionals that can support complex networking infrastructures in the AI era.
Initially launched in the Saudi Arabia in 2016, Cisco’s CDA program supports digitisation efforts across key industries, fostering digital skills and developing the innovation ecosystem in the country. To date, the program has implemented more than 20 projects of national impact across vital sectors, including healthcare, education, smart cities and government digitisation. The program focuses on digital economy, industry 4.0 and sustainability, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the national digital transformation agenda.
With a regional head office in Riyadh, Cisco intends to build on its long-standing partnerships in the Saudi Arabia by initiating a manufacturing base, with groundwork beginning in 2025. The initial phase will focus on fulfilment operations for wireless technologies to meet local demand, with the intent to scale up in response to evolving market needs. Saudi Arabia joins key regions including North America, Asia and Europe within Cisco’s extensive global supply chain network.
This leverages Cisco’s innovation and technology leadership to deliver solutions that address the needs of the Saudi market and contribute to the development of a sustainable and diverse economy.
“By aligning with key initiatives of Vision 2030, Cisco is committed to being a catalyst for digital transformation across various sectors in the Saudi Arabia. As these projects advance, they will help strengthen digital infrastructure and drive economic growth to positively shape Saudi Arabia’s future,” said Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director, Cisco Saudi Arabia.
“Cisco is proud to partner with the Saudi Arabia to accelerate its Vision 2030,” said Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins. “Through our investments and innovation, we are protecting organisations, preparing the Saudi workforce for the AI era, and contributing to the local economy and manufacturing ecosystem. Together, we will pave the way for a more connected and secure future.”
Delivering on its commitment, Cisco announces its data centres for cloud security services as well as the Webex Collaboration Platform are now operational.
These initiatives are designed to enhance Cisco’s regional presence and support the Saudi Arabia’s ambitious digitisation goals under Vision 2030, accelerating its evolution into a technology-driven economy that leads in innovation and advanced digital infrastructure.
“Our partnership with Cisco highlights the Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accelerating its digital economy through innovation. These initiatives will enhance Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness both regionally and internationally by promoting innovation and the adoption of AI and cloud computing technologies.” said Vice Minister at the Saudi Ministry of Communications and IT, Haytham Alohali.

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