In an exclusive interview, George Kurian, the President of NetApp speaks about the company’s new regional HQ in Riyadh, the key objectives for the regional market, their support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and more

With the recent opening of NetApp’s regional headquarters in Riyadh, what are NetApp’s key objectives for the Middle East market in 2025?
NetApp’s expansion into Riyadh reflects a strategic commitment to the Middle East, aiming to support the region’s rapidly evolving digital transformation. The headquarters is more than a regional hub; it’s a strategic nerve centre designed to drive transformative growth in the Middle East. By 2025, we aim to deepen our integration within critical sectors like energy, public services, and healthcare. We are also spearheading advancements in AI adoption, cloud transformation, and smart government initiatives, leveraging our intelligent data infrastructure.

Furthermore, with the Middle East contributing significantly to global data traffic growth, we envision our role as a linchpin for enabling real-time data-driven decisions that align with the pace of regional ambitions. Our focus also includes driving innovation in intelligent data infrastructure, supporting hybrid and multi-cloud adoption, and enhancing partnerships across key sectors like the public sector, energy, and healthcare. A strong emphasis will be placed on leveraging AI, data analytics, and cloud technologies to empower businesses to harness the full potential of their data and accelerate their digital journeys.

How does NetApp plan to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 through its Intelligent Data Infrastructure?
NetApp’s Intelligent Data Infrastructure strategy perfectly aligns with Vision 2030 by providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance data-driven decision-making, optimize resources, and enable scalable operations. This infrastructure will play a crucial role in supporting industries such as public utilities, energy, and telecommunications by fostering efficiencies and innovation. For example, by enabling predictive analytics in the energy sector, NetApp helps optimize resource allocation and reduce operational downtime.

Collaborations with major entities, such as partnerships with utilities providers and smart city projects demonstrate how NetApp bridges technological innovation with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. Its ability to scale operations ensures businesses are equipped to handle the exponential data growth expected from initiatives like Saudi’s digital government programs. Moreover, NetApp’s commitment to sustainability and AI-driven technologies will help advance the Kingdom’s goals of diversifying the economy and becoming a regional technology hub.

What initiatives does NetApp have in place to foster local talent and innovation in the region?
NetApp recognises that talent is the cornerstone of sustainable progress. We actively support local talent development through collaborations with universities and technical institutions to develop specialized curricula in AI, data analytics, and cloud technologies.

Our Data Explorers program is just one example of how we foster a passion for technology among youth by introducing young students to data science and fostering future-ready skills. NetApp is also exploring partnerships with leading entities in the region to create opportunities for hands-on training and professional growth. By aligning these efforts with national employment goals, NetApp is not just filling the talent gap—it’s creating a foundation for a thriving knowledge-based economy.

How will NetApp’s AI and data analytics solutions be tailored to meet the specific needs of the Middle East market?
NetApp’s AI and data analytics solutions are designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the Middle East, such as managing vast, complex data ecosystems and ensuring compliance with regional regulations. The solutions provide seamless data integration across hybrid cloud environments and empower organizations to derive actionable insights, supporting industries like energy, healthcare, and transportation. By partnering with local stakeholders, NetApp ensures its solutions align with the region’s cultural and regulatory frameworks.

How is NetApp addressing sustainability goals and energy efficiency in its regional operations?
Sustainability is a cornerstone of NetApp’s regional strategy. The company leverages advanced data management technologies to promote energy efficiency and reduce resource consumption. These efforts align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasises sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship. NetApp’s intelligent solutions enable organisations to optimise their operations, minimizing their carbon footprints while driving innovation and efficiency across sectors.

What are some of the most exciting innovations NetApp is working on for 2025, and how will they impact the regional market?
NetApp is at the forefront of data management innovations, and our roadmap for 2025 includes pioneering edge computing solutions tailored for the region’s growing IoT deployments. We are focusing on AI-driven insights, multi-cloud flexibility, and advanced data protection. Key developments include intelligent data infrastructures that enhance decision-making and hybrid cloud capabilities that increase operational agility. These innovations are expected to significantly impact the Middle East by enabling businesses to remain competitive and future-ready, fostering growth in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and public services.