As the world embraces digital transformation, the Middle East is emerging as a vital player in global connectivity and data infrastructure. At the forefront of this shift is center3, a subsidiary of stc Group, dedicated to advancing digital capabilities across the region. Since its launch in October 2022, center3 has rapidly established itself as a powerhouse, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s strategic location to bridge data connectivity between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
With a robust portfolio comprising 25 carrier-neutral data centers, 16 subsea cable systems, and three internet exchanges (IXs), center3 is setting new standards in data center hosting and redefining the region’s digital landscape. The company's ambitious mission is to become a fully integrated digital infrastructure provider with over 300 MW of data center capacity. This robust capacity ensures that hyperscalers, cloud providers, government entities, and businesses across the Middle East have access to reliable, world-class digital infrastructure designed to meet the demands of a data-driven world.
In just over two years, center3 has achieved rapid growth, securing partnerships with major global cloud providers and establishing itself as the leading data center and connectivity provider in Saudi Arabia. With expansion projects underway in Bahrain and strategic initiatives to enhance connectivity across Africa and the Middle East, center3 is well-positioned to fulfill its vision of creating a "Digital Hub" at the heart of the region. This hub, powered by cutting-edge technology, aims to drive economic growth, stimulate innovation, and cement the Middle East's position as a global digital leader.
From Vision to Reality: The Establishment of center3
center3 was founded in direct response to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which envisions the Kingdom as a global hub of digital innovation. This national vision, focused on economic diversification and digital advancement, led stc to establish center3 as a specialized entity dedicated to meeting the advanced infrastructure needs of hyperscalers, enterprises, and content providers. By successfully fulfilling its mandate, center3 has created a powerful digital ecosystem capable of rapid data exchange and accommodating the hosting requirements of a digital-first economy, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global technology stage.
Since its inception, center3’s strategic effort has focused on three pillars:
- Developing New Carrier-Neutral Data Centers: Central to center3’s strategy is the development of advanced, carrier-neutral data centers that offer customers unparalleled flexibility and choice. These data centers serve as hosting hubs, attracting a diverse client base ranging from global cloud providers to local enterprises. Carrier neutrality ensures that clients retain complete control over their connectivity options, empowering them to build resilient, adaptable digital operations across Saudi Arabia. The expansion of center3's data center capacity, including new facilities in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, adds over 100 MW of operational capacity. This expansion showcases center3’s aggressive growth, especially in support of new requirements like high-computing power, artificial intelligence (AI), and large-scale data analytics, underscoring its commitment to supporting the digital needs of the region's evolving economy.
- Innovating in Subsea Connectivity: As digital communication becomes the backbone of global commerce, center3 has invested heavily in subsea cable systems that enable seamless data transmission across continents. These systems are essential to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s connectivity to the global internet, supporting uninterrupted digital interactions and data exchange. Key initiatives include investments in the 2Africa cable and its Pearls extension, as well as the Saudi Vision Cable, which significantly enhance regional and international data flow. Moreover, the acquisition of CMC Networks, a global service provider specializing in networking across Africa and the Middle East, broadens center3's reach into these expanding markets, strengthening connectivity across the Middle East and into the African continent.
- Expanding Partnerships with Global Hyperscalers: Understanding that cloud technology is crucial to the digital transformation of businesses worldwide, center3 has proactively formed partnerships with leading global cloud providers. These alliances position center3 as the preferred regional partner for hyperscale operations, providing tailored hosting solutions that meet the specialized demands of cloud computing and storage in the Middle East. These collaborations expand the footprint of major cloud platforms across the region, empowering local organizations to leverage state-of-the-art cloud capabilities and ensuring that data remains close to where it’s needed most.
In the intense regional competitive landscape, center3 sets itself apart by offering a fully integrated service platform that bundles hosting solutions, extensive connectivity, and access to an established cloud and content ecosystem into a cohesive offering. This integration simplifies deployment and expansion for partners, enabling them to thrive more effectively in the Middle-Eastern market.
Building a Customer-Centric Future in Connectivity
Since its inception, center3 has made customer experience a central pillar of its strategy. By embedding this focus into every aspect of its operations, center3 has achieved customer satisfaction levels that align with best-in-class benchmarks typically seen among established international infrastructure providers. This early success reflects center3’s commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs as a core driver of growth.
With a well-defined, customer-centered strategy, center3 continues to enhance its approach, fostering stronger client relationships and ongoing improvements in satisfaction. By prioritizing customer feedback and addressing evolving needs, center3 is building reliable, future-oriented connections and laying the foundation for sustainable, customer-focused growth.
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Recognition and Certifications
In 2023 and 2024, center3 has been honored with several prestigious awards and certifications, reinforcing its leadership and commitment to excellence in digital infrastructure. Among these achievements is the ‘Advanced’ Data Center Certification from the Commission of Space and Technology, underscoring center3's high operational standards. The company received the ‘Operational Excellence Award’ for its exceptional service reliability, and the ‘Innovation in Connectivity Award’ for the successful launch of the 2Africa submarine cable system, achieving a milestone in regional and global connectivity. Recently, center3 was also recognized as the ‘Best Subsea Operator’ at the Global Connectivity Awards 2024 during Capacity Europe—an accolade that highlights its role as a leader in providing robust and reliable subsea infrastructure. Additionally, center3 was awarded the ‘Sustainability Leadership Award’ for integrating sustainable practices across operations, and achieved the ‘Best Employer Certification,’ reflecting its dedication to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented workplace. These recognitions demonstrate center3’s impact and ongoing commitment to setting benchmarks for quality, innovation, and responsible business practices in the MENA region.
Navigating Tomorrow: The CEO’s Strategic Vision
CEO, Fahad AlHajeri, leads center3 with a vision centered on seizing market opportunities, driving geographic expansion, and establishing a world-class digital infrastructure operator that supports regional and global growth. His extensive expertise in telecommunications and digital infrastructure has propelled center3 to achieve rapid growth and operational excellence.
At the heart of this vision is the concept of a "Digital Hub," a highly interconnected ecosystem of data centers, internet exchanges, and subsea cables that facilitate global data traffic. This model enhances the efficiency of digital services, fostering economic growth through collaboration, innovation, and high-speed connectivity. By positioning Saudi Arabia as a central node in global digital networks, center3 is advancing the region’s digital transformation and cementing its reputation as a key player in the global economy.
Fahad AlHajeri, CEO, center3
center3’s expansion includes not only infrastructure development but also significant investment in Saudi talent. Through specialized training programs, internships, and strategic collaborations, center3 is actively cultivating a skilled workforce in digital infrastructure, network management, and data center operations. This dedication to talent development aligns with Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a hub for digital innovation and leadership in the MENA region.
Building on a Legacy of Excellence
Looking toward the future, center3 remains committed to expanding its Digital Hub by onboarding new partners and broadening its service offerings while extending its geographical footprint through both organic and inorganic growth. This strategy focuses on building an interconnected digital ecosystem to enhance the quality and accessibility of services for center3 and its partners. This commitment is reflected in the development of new connectivity routes and expanded data center capacity, ensuring that center3 maintains its leadership in digital infrastructure for years to come.
center3’s ambitious investments are reshaping the digital infrastructure landscape in the Middle East. Guided by AlHajeri and driven by a comprehensive Digital Hub strategy, center3 is firmly positioning both the company and the region on the global digital map. As it continues its journey, center3 remains committed to advancing digital transformation in alignment with regional goals and international standards. Under its CEO’s leadership, center3 is poised to drive progress, connect continents, and shape the digital future of the Middle East and beyond.
WATCH: center3: Enabling Global Digital Opportunities
