Salesforce Expands to Saudi Arabia with Regional HQ, IBM Partnership, and AI Upskilling Initiative
Salesforce, the global leader in AI-powered Customer Relationship Management (CRM), has announced its strategic expansion in Saudi Arabia with the establishment of a regional headquarters in Riyadh. The company also revealed plans to partner with IBM to launch an AI Innovation Center of Excellence and pledged to upskill 30,000 Saudi citizens in artificial intelligence by 2030.
The announcement was made at Saudi House at the World Economic Forum, attended by prominent Saudi ministers including HE Khalid A. Alfalih, Minister of Investment; HE Abdullah A. Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; and HE Ahmed A. Alkhateeb, Minister of Tourism.
Redefining Productivity with Agentforce
At the heart of Salesforce’s expansion lies Agentforce, its groundbreaking digital labor platform that integrates AI agents into enterprise operations to drive innovation and efficiency. This technology enables businesses and the public sector to achieve unprecedented productivity while contributing to the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, highlighted the potential of this transformation:
"This marks a new era where productivity transcends workforce growth, driven by scalable AI technology. We are excited to partner with IBM and empower businesses in Saudi Arabia with Agentforce to accelerate customer success and digital transformation."
Strengthening Saudi Arabia's Digital Economy
Salesforce’s regional headquarters in Riyadh will serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration. Mohammed Alkhotani, the newly appointed Senior Vice President for the Middle East, will lead the initiative, focusing on empowering customers to leverage AI-driven solutions for transformation.
HE Khalid A. Alfalih lauded Salesforce’s decision, stating:
"Salesforce’s investment underscores Saudi Arabia’s competitive edge as a global hub for technology and innovation. With over 500 companies participating in our Regional Headquarters Program, we continue to attract global firms that align with our Vision 2030 agenda."
AI Innovation Center of Excellence
Salesforce’s collaboration with IBM to establish an AI Innovation Center of Excellence aims to combine Salesforce’s cutting-edge AI capabilities with IBM’s consulting expertise and watsonx AI technology. This partnership will foster tailored solutions across industries, driving unparalleled productivity and value.
Dave McCann, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting EMEA, emphasized:
"This initiative is a testament to IBM’s commitment to empowering businesses in Saudi Arabia with seamless digital transformations, in alignment with Vision 2030."
Upskilling Saudi Talent
Salesforce is investing in AI upskilling to prepare Saudi citizens for careers in technology. By 2026, 2,500 individuals will be trained, expanding to 15,000 by 2030, with a focus on women’s participation in the workforce. The initiative includes collaborations with key educational and governmental partners, including the National Information Technology Academy and Saudi Digital Academy, as well as the Trailhead platform for accessible training.
Conclusion
Salesforce’s expansion in Saudi Arabia, marked by its regional HQ, IBM partnership, and AI upskilling program, represents a transformative step in supporting Vision 2030. By fostering innovation, empowering local talent, and enhancing digital infrastructure, Salesforce is set to redefine the Kingdom’s role as a global technology leader.
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