Center3 Company Profile

Background

Overview

Center3 is a leading data center and digital infrastructure provider headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Established as a subsidiary of the stc Group, Center3 aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global digital hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including carrier-neutral data centers, subsea cable systems, and internet exchange points, catering to the growing demand for digital services across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Mission and Vision

Center3's mission is to develop and operate world-class digital infrastructure that supports the digital transformation of the MENA region. Its vision is to establish Saudi Arabia as a central node in global connectivity, facilitating seamless data exchange and fostering innovation across continents.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on providing scalable, secure, and reliable digital infrastructure solutions, including data center services, high-capacity network connectivity, and subsea cable systems. These offerings are designed to meet the needs of hyperscalers, cloud providers, content delivery networks, and enterprise customers.

Industry Significance

Center3 plays a pivotal role in enhancing the digital ecosystem of the MENA region. By investing in state-of-the-art data centers and subsea cables, the company contributes to the region's economic growth, supports the localization of digital content, and strengthens its position as a global digital hub.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Expansion of Data Center Capacity: Center3 aims to quadruple its data center capacity, targeting 1 gigawatt (GW) by 2030, with an interim goal of 300 megawatts (MW) by 2027.

• Enhancement of Connectivity Infrastructure: The company is committed to developing and operating subsea cable systems and internet exchange points to improve regional and global connectivity.

• Support for Digital Transformation: Center3 focuses on providing infrastructure that supports the digital transformation of businesses and governments in the region.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Carrier-Neutral Data Centers: Offering flexible and scalable hosting solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

• Subsea Cable Systems: Developing high-capacity subsea cables to enhance international connectivity.

• Internet Exchange Points: Establishing IXPs to improve network performance and reduce latency.

Key Technologies Utilized

• High-Density Computing: Deploying advanced computing resources to support AI, cloud, and hyperscale workloads.

• Energy-Efficient Cooling: Implementing sustainable cooling technologies to reduce environmental impact.

• Advanced Security Protocols: Ensuring robust security measures to protect data and infrastructure.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Hyperscalers and Cloud Providers: Offering infrastructure to support large-scale cloud services.

• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Providing low-latency hosting solutions for content distribution.

• Enterprise Customers: Delivering secure and reliable data center services for various industries.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Center3 has secured significant investments from its parent company, stc Group, to develop and expand its digital infrastructure. In August 2025, the company announced a $10 billion investment plan to enhance its data center capacity and connectivity infrastructure.

Total Funds Raised

The company has raised approximately $13 billion, combining the initial $3 billion investment and the subsequent $10 billion funding.

Notable Investors

• stc Group: The primary investor and parent company.

Intended Utilization of Capital

• Data Center Expansion: Developing new facilities and expanding existing ones to meet growing demand.

• Connectivity Infrastructure: Building and operating subsea cables and internet exchange points.

• Technological Advancements: Implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance service offerings.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Khurais Riyadh Facility Expansion: An additional 9.6 MW of capacity added to the existing data center.

• Dammam and AlKhobar Data Centers: New facilities launched to strengthen regional presence.

Stages of Development

• Planning and Design: Identifying strategic locations and designing facilities.

• Construction: Building data centers and related infrastructure.

• Operationalization: Commissioning facilities and integrating them into the network.

Target Conditions

• High-Density Computing: Supporting AI and hyperscale workloads.

• Low-Latency Connectivity: Ensuring rapid data transmission for various applications.

Relevant Timelines

• 2025: Expansion of Khurais Riyadh Facility.

• 2025-2027: Development of Dammam and AlKhobar Data Centers.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Integrated Digital Hub Platform: Combining data centers, high-capacity networks, and global connectivity to offer a unified service platform.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Energy-Efficient Cooling Technologies: Utilizing sustainable methods to reduce environmental impact.

• Advanced Security Protocols: Implementing robust measures to protect data and infrastructure.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Fahad AlHajeri: CEO of Center3, leading the company's strategic vision and operations.

Professional Backgrounds

• Fahad AlHajeri: Extensive experience in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, previously holding senior positions within stc Group.

Key Contributions

• Fahad AlHajeri: Instrumental in establishing Center3 and driving its rapid expansion and strategic partnerships.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

• Market Size and Growth Potential: The Middle East and Africa data center colocation market was valued at $2.98 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $5.74 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 11.54%.

Competitor Analysis

• Khazna Data Centers: A leading data center operator in the MENA region.

• Ooredoo: Provides data center services in the region.

• Africa Data Centres: Operates multiple data centers across Africa.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• Oracle: Collaborated to expand cloud services in Saudi Arabia.

• Zoom: Partnered for node deployment in Saudi Arabia to enhance conferencing services.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

• Major Competitors: Khazna Data Centers, Ooredoo, and Africa Data Centres.

• Market Position: Center3 is a leading provider in the MENA region, offering integrated digital infrastructure solutions.

• Competitive Advantages: Strategic location in Saudi Arabia, extensive data center portfolio, and strong partnerships with global tech companies.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

• Expansion of Data Center Capacity: Achieving 1 GW by 2030.

• Enhancement of Connectivity Infrastructure: Developing subsea cables and internet exchange points.

• Support for Digital Transformation: Providing infrastructure for AI, cloud, and hyperscale workloads.

Future Business Directions

• Geographic Expansion: Entering new markets within the MENA region and internationally.

• Service Diversification: Offering additional services such as managed IT solutions and cybersecurity.

Opportunities for Expansion

• Partnerships with Global Tech Companies: Leveraging collaborations to enhance service offerings.

• Investment in Sustainable Technologies: Implementing green technologies to attract environmentally conscious clients.

Contact Information

• Official Website: Center3

• LinkedIn: Center3