Hewlett Packard Enterprise discusses the evolving AI landscape in Saudi Arabia

AI is disrupting nearly every sector in the world, particularly the networking industry. In February, more than 1,500 tech leaders gathered at LEAP 2025, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center in Malham, Saudi Arabia, to unveil their last innovations. 

Country Manager at HPE Aruba Networking, Jamil Ahmad and HPE’s Middle East Managing director Mohammed Alrehaili, were both at LEAP 2025 and acknowledge that AI is transforming industries. 

Ahmad says HPE Aruba’s priority is secure networking in the face of an evolving landscape. Alrehaili echoes this and says that HPE’s wider goals include showcasing how these technologies can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s vision of being a hub for cutting edge networking infrastructure. 

Over the past few years, HPE Aruba has expanded its portfolio by acquiring companies that enhance its cybersecurity capabilities. The company says it will continue to focus on security with new innovations, while addressing evolving challenges in AI-driven networking. This supports HPE’s overall ambition to become a leader in AI-driven solutions in the region, at a time of immense technological change in the Kingdom. 

On leveraging AI within HPE’s networking solutions, Ahmad says the company has already been utilizing the technology for nearly a decade. As its subsidiary, Aruba has developed a bundle which includes computing, storage, networking and application layers. Ahmed adds that an integrated approach, allows HPE Aruba to deliver a robust AI-driven network infrastructure, while ensuring proactive security measures.  

Ahmad describes how this is a significant milestone for Aruba and that by the end of the year the company will have a complete lineup of networking products manufactured in the Kingdom. The integrated bundle will also be in line with Saudi Arabia's localization goals and supports the expansion of advanced networking technologies within the region. 

On a wider scale, HPE group has been investing heavily in Saudi Arabia by producing Saudi-made servers and fostering local talent. 

Alrehaili says The Kingdom has also seen an increase in exports to the broader Middle East and Africa, positioning the country as a key player in regional ICT manufacturing. 

HPE’s Middle East Managing director Mohammed Alrehaili

However, with rapid developments and new technology advancing daily, the market is increasingly becoming more competitive. HPE ensures it stands out, by investing in integrated AI, automation and next-gen networking advancements throughout the manufacturing process. 

Addressing some of the key challenges Aruba foresees in the Saudia Arabian market, Ahmad says the country’s immense opportunities, coupled with its Vision 2030 goals help to support the company in producing giga-projects, sports, education and government sectors. He further reiterates that Aruba doesn’t see any major obstacles because the market is growing. 

This may be why HPE selected Saudi Arabia as a base for its manufacturing facility. Alrehaili emphasizes the Kingdom’s market size and growth potential as a key driver behind the decision. The Middle East and Africa’s ICT spending is approximately $145 billion, with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for $45 billion.

When asked about how the company is performing in Saudi Arabia, Ahmad refused to disclose financial figures but says the company’s growth trajectory remains strong.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative also sets the stage for several expansion plans such as the development of smart cities, digital transformation and infrastructure projects, making it a natural fit for HPE’s investment. HPE Aruba is already actively involved in enabling giga-projects and large-scale initiatives to ensure secure and high-performance connectivity for businesses and government sectors. 

Ahmad says the company’s latest productions allow for seamless connectivity between its products and other smart devices, which make them ideal for public sector digital initiatives and next-generation urban developments. 

At LEAP 2025, HPE showcased its latest AI innovations in smart city technology, laying out its open networking architecture. Similarly, Aruba also unveiled its four focus areas which include Smart Cities and Smart Transportation. It showcased a plan for waste and water management, large-scale sporting events and plans to further leverage AI for enhanced security. 

Ahmad celebrates LEAP as the perfect opportunity to highlight Aruba’s work in cloud-based management, AI driven networking and security solutions to visitors, who got a firsthand look at how these areas are shaping the future of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. 

However, ensuring facilities are future-ready and aligned with emerging networking demands is something Alrehaili says is essential. 

Green Initiative’s have been high on Saudi Arabia’s agenda in recent years, aligning with HPE’s sustainability goals, due to the company adhering to strict energy efficiency and cardon reduction measures.

Alrehaili stresses that HPE is dedicated to evolving its sustainability strategy to contribute to long-term environmental and economic goals in the Kingdom.

Looking ahead, he adds that fostering homegrown talent, will ensure the long-term sustainability in the technology ecosystem for years to come.