In an era where digital transformation is a cornerstone of global commerce, center3 has emerged as a driving force in shaping the digital landscape of the Middle East. At the helm of this innovative venture stands the visionary CEO of center3, Fahad AlHajeri, whose leadership has been instrumental in establishing the company as a premier ‘Digital Hub’ in the region.
Created under the foresight of the government’s ‘Vision 2030’ to accelerate the development of digital infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, center3 has rapidly grown into a leading player for data center hosting and connectivity. The company's comprehensive suite of services, including state-of-the-art data centers, expansive submarine cable networks, and strategically located internet exchange points (IXPs), have been integrated into a comprehensive service platform supporting the digital revolution in the Middle East. center3 effectively leverages Saudi Arabia’s geographical advantage to position itself as the pinnacle Digital Hub facilitating data exchange between three continents.
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From Vision to Reality: The Establishment of center3
The inception of center3 is a story of decisive action amidst Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Recognizing the increasing demands of the digital era, the management at the telecom operator, stc, identified the need to focus its attention on hosting and data services. This was particularly important to meet the evolving requirements of hyperscalers, content providers, and enterprises transitioning to the cloud in the region. Consequently, stc spun off part of its organization and assets into a new entity dedicated to addressing these specific digital requirements. Launched in October, 2022, the entity was aptly named 'center3,' reflecting its strategic role as a connector of three continents—Asia, Africa, and Europe.
center3 was thus born out of a mission to offer robust and scalable digital infrastructure solutions. Its first year was an intense period for the entire organization, but particularly for Mr. AlHajeri, who has steered the company with a clear vision: to create a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure provider that not only serves the immediate needs of the market but also lays the foundation for future growth and innovation.
center3's Portfolio: Empowering the Digital Revolution
At the heart of center3's operations is a suite of advanced digital services, all of which have been meticulously engineered to meet the diverse needs of the modern digital era. center3 boasts a network of 25 carrier-neutral Tier III and Tier IV data centers, both operational and under construction, strategically located across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Catering to the needs of diverse types of customers, these data centers provide the robust foundation necessary for hosting critical digital operations, ensuring reliability and continuous service.
Recognizing the importance of international connectivity as a complementary value proposition for center3’s future customer base, stc ensured (during the company's inception) that center3 would inherit its extensive network of submarine cables, spanning from Singapore to Europe and South Africa. While eleven of these cables are currently operational, center3 has invested in five new ones, such as 2Africa, IEX, and the Saudi Vision Cable, to address the ever-growing demand for data.
To complete center3’s assets line-up, its internet exchange points (IXPs) serve as vital nodes for internet traffic exchange. Managed by renowned international experts, these IXPs provide a neutral, efficient platform for local and international internet service providers (ISPs), content providers, and digital enterprises to interconnect directly and exchange traffic. This setup significantly reduces latency, improves internet speed, and optimizes the overall quality of internet services in the region and beyond. JEDIX, the first center3 IX to be created in Jeddah, has already become the second largest IX in the region in terms of exchanged traffic.
center3's diverse range of digital infrastructure services merges into an integrated platform offering unparalleled connectivity across the industry. This synergy not only enhances the value of each individual service but also meets the complex needs of customers, offering a seamless and comprehensive experience that is both robust and adaptable. This approach elevates the overall customer experience and positions center3 as a leader in digital infrastructure.
It is on this platform that center3 has anchored its ambition to create a 'Digital Hub' in the region.
center3: Building the Regional Digital Hub
center3’s Digital Hub is essentially a digital infrastructure ecosystem that encompasses an array of critical components such as data centers, internet exchange points, terrestrial and submarine cables, all working in unison to bring together various digital service providers, cloud providers, content creators, and telecommunication networks, thereby fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and high-speed connectivity. This convergence not only enhances the efficiency and reach of digital services but also propels economic growth by supporting a wide range of industries that rely on robust digital infrastructure.
Capitalizing on its robust Digital Hub, center3 has already successfully on-boarded a number of partners, including major hyperscalers and content providers. These partnerships, widely publicized, underscore the compelling value proposition that center3's Digital Hub offers to its customers. By choosing center3, these industry-leading partners have acknowledged the Digital Hub's superior infrastructure, strategic location, and integrated service offerings as critical to their operational success.
As a result, center3's Digital Hub is rapidly evolving into a dynamic and versatile platform, catering to a wide spectrum of digital needs and driving innovation across the region. The synergy between center3, its cloud, and content partners reflects a shared vision for advancing digital connectivity and services, further enhancing the digital ecosystem of the Middle East.
Navigating Tomorrow: The CEO's Strategic Vision for center3
At the helm of center3, Mr. AlHajeri's strategic vision serves as a blueprint for the company's future, focusing on market opportunities, organizational growth, global leadership, and the establishment of a comprehensive Digital Hub.
Firstly, center3’s futuristic strategy involves geographical expansion. Building on its success in Saudi Arabia, the company plans to extend its reach to new markets in the Middle East and beyond. The recently announced acquisition of CMC Networks is a landmark move, and consequently opens the door to the African continent, complimenting center3's investment in the 2Africa cable system. This expansion diversifies center3's geographical footprint and enhances its global connectivity capabilities. Additionally, explorations into other potential markets for data centers and connectivity are underway, underscoring a strategic and calculated approach to global expansion.
Secondly, in Saudi Arabia, center3 is reinforcing its commitment to growth by developing new data centers. These facilities are tailored to offer scalability and state-of-the-art services to both existing and new customers, thereby strengthening center3’s dedication to supporting the Kingdom's digital transformation initiatives, including digital governance. This expansion is crucial in upholding center3’s position as a leading player in the region's digital economy.
Thirdly, the vision for center3's Digital Hub is an ever-evolving one. The continuous on-boarding of new hyperscalers, content providers, and carriers is central to this vision. By enriching its Digital Hub, center3 aims to create a dynamic, resource-rich, and interconnected digital ecosystem. This strategy focuses on expanding ecosystems and enhancing the quality and reach of digital services offered to clients.
Finally, a critical aspect of center3's future strategy involves bolstering its subsea cables network. New routes are in development to ensure seamless access to the Digital Hub from various regions, including Eastern Africa. These new routes are anticipated to play a vital role in reducing latency, improving data transfer speeds, and offering more direct connectivity options. This development plays a crucial role in solidifying center3 and Saudi Arabia’s role as a central node in the global digital infrastructure network.
center3’s strategy blends ambitious geographical expansion with meticulous capability enhancement. The company is poised to not only strengthen its position in the Middle East but also establish a significant presence in new international markets, thereby becoming a global leader in digital connectivity and innovation.
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