Riyadh, February 10, 2025 — In a significant move to bolster its presence in the Middle East, Salesforce, a global leader in cloud-based software, has unveiled plans to invest $500 million in artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives within Saudi Arabia. This strategic investment encompasses the introduction of Hyperforce, Salesforce’s advanced platform architecture developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), and partnerships with industry giants such as Capgemini and Deloitte to enhance the deployment of its customer service product, Agentforce. Additionally, Salesforce will integrate Arabic language support across its AI product suite, aiming to cater to the region’s linguistic and cultural nuances.
Hyperforce: Strengthening Cloud Infrastructure
At the heart of this investment is the rollout of Hyperforce in Saudi Arabia. Developed in partnership with AWS, Hyperforce is Salesforce’s next-generation platform architecture designed to deliver enhanced security, scalability, and performance. By deploying Hyperforce locally, Salesforce aims to provide Saudi businesses with robust cloud solutions that adhere to regional data residency requirements and offer improved latency. This move is anticipated to accelerate digital transformation across various sectors in the Kingdom, including finance, healthcare, and retail.
Agentforce Expansion Through Strategic Partnerships
Salesforce’s commitment extends to the expansion of Agentforce, its innovative customer service platform that leverages AI to deliver personalized and efficient customer interactions. To facilitate this, Salesforce is collaborating with leading global firms such as Capgemini, Deloitte, Globant, IBM, and PwC. These partnerships aim to integrate Agentforce into diverse industries, ensuring that businesses can harness AI-driven customer service solutions tailored to their specific needs. The collaborative effort is expected to drive the adoption of advanced AI tools, enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency across the region.
Arabic Language Support: Catering to Regional Needs
Recognizing the importance of linguistic and cultural relevance, Salesforce will introduce Arabic language support across its AI product suite. This initiative ensures that AI applications are accessible and effective for Arabic-speaking users, facilitating broader adoption of Salesforce’s solutions in the Middle East. By incorporating Arabic language capabilities, Salesforce demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and its understanding of the unique requirements of the Saudi market.
Establishing a Regional Headquarters and Workforce Development
Further solidifying its investment, Salesforce plans to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh. This strategic move underscores the company’s dedication to the Saudi market and its intention to foster closer relationships with local clients and partners. In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, Salesforce has also committed to upskilling 30,000 Saudi citizens by 2030. This ambitious goal will be achieved through comprehensive training programs designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving digital economy.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing AI Landscape
Salesforce’s announcement was made during LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia’s premier global tech event, which this year attracted $14.9 billion in new AI investments. The Kingdom is rapidly emerging as a hub for technological innovation, with significant investments from global tech leaders. For instance, Tencent Cloud has pledged $150 million to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching from Saudi Arabia with integrated AI capabilities. These developments align with Saudi Arabia’s strategic objectives to lead in the global AI sector and position itself as a center for digital transformation.
Global Trends in AI Investment
The surge in AI investments is not confined to Saudi Arabia. Globally, there has been a notable increase in funding directed toward AI initiatives. Salesforce Ventures, the company’s global investment arm, recently announced a new $500 million AI fund, bringing its total commitment to AI innovators to $1 billion over the past 18 months. This fund focuses on supporting high-growth companies and visionary founders who are driving market-shifting innovation in the AI space.
Similarly, Deloitte Digital has unveiled Agentforce accelerators, developed in collaboration with Salesforce and Anthropic, to assist enterprises in highly regulated industries, including wealth management, retail banking, life sciences, and healthcare, in meeting compliance needs for the deployment of generative AI. These initiatives reflect a broader trend of integrating AI across various sectors to enhance efficiency, compliance, and customer engagement.
The Road Ahead
Salesforce’s $500 million investment in Saudi Arabia’s AI sector marks a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. By introducing advanced technologies like Hyperforce, expanding the capabilities of Agentforce through strategic partnerships, and incorporating Arabic language support, Salesforce is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in AI and related technologies, collaborations with global leaders like Salesforce are expected to drive innovation, economic growth, and the development of a skilled workforce equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age.
References
Reuters. (2025). Salesforce plans $500 million in AI-related investments in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/salesforce-plans-500-million-ai-related-investments-saudi-arabia-2025-02-10/