Expanding AWS Cloud Infrastructure in the Middle East
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the launch of a new CloudFront Edge location in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This marks a significant milestone in AWS’s efforts to expand its presence in the Middle East. The Edge location became operational on January 24, 2025, enhancing AWS’s already extensive global network.
What Is Amazon CloudFront?
Amazon CloudFront is AWS’s highly scalable and distributed content delivery network (CDN). It is designed to deliver static and dynamic web content, APIs, and live or on-demand video with low latency and high performance. With over 700 CloudFront Points of Presence (POPs) worldwide and 13 Regional Edge caches, AWS continues to improve content delivery for its customers.
Features of the Jeddah Edge Location
The new Edge location in Jeddah provides advanced security and performance features, including:
- DDoS Protection: AWS Shield Standard safeguards against infrastructure-level DDoS threats.
- Optimized Performance: The Edge location enables rapid delivery of content and applications, ensuring low latency.
- Scalability: The infrastructure is built to handle growing demand for content delivery in the region.
Plans for a Full Saudi Cloud Region by 2026
AWS is also planning to launch a full cloud region in Saudi Arabia by 2026. This initiative is part of a broader investment strategy, which was announced in March 2024. AWS aims to invest over $5.3 billion in Saudi Arabia’s cloud infrastructure over the long term, further solidifying its commitment to the region.
Middle East Cloud Infrastructure Landscape
AWS’s expansion in Saudi Arabia adds to its existing cloud regions in Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Other tech giants are also making moves in the region:
- Microsoft: Completed the construction of data centers in Saudi Arabia in December 2024, with plans to launch a cloud region.
- Google and Oracle: Both companies already operate cloud regions in Saudi Arabia.
Why This Matters for Businesses in Saudi Arabia
The introduction of a CloudFront Edge location in Jeddah offers several advantages for local businesses:
- Enhanced User Experience: Improved latency and faster content delivery.
- Robust Security: Protection against DDoS attacks and other threats.
- Support for Digital Transformation: Scalable infrastructure to meet growing digital demands.
FAQ
What is an AWS CloudFront Edge location?
An AWS CloudFront Edge location is a part of AWS’s content delivery network (CDN). It helps deliver web content, APIs, and videos to end users with reduced latency and higher performance.
How does the Jeddah Edge location benefit businesses?
Businesses can experience faster content delivery, lower latency, and enhanced security for their applications and services.
What are AWS’s plans for a full Saudi cloud region?
AWS plans to launch a full cloud region in Saudi Arabia by 2026, with a $5.3 billion investment in the country’s cloud infrastructure.
How does this expansion compare to other cloud providers in the region?
AWS’s expansion complements existing cloud regions by Google and Oracle and upcoming regions by Microsoft, contributing to a competitive and growing cloud infrastructure landscape in the Middle East.
What security features are included with AWS CloudFront?
AWS CloudFront includes AWS Shield Standard for DDoS protection, along with other advanced security features to protect against threats and ensure reliable performance.
