A deep dive with center3’s CEO, Fahad AlHajeri
In an era where digital transformation is a cornerstone of global commerce, center3 has emerged as a driving force in shaping the digital landscape of the Middle East. At the helm of this innovative venture stands the visionary CEO of center3, Mr. Fahad AlHajeri whose leadership has been instrumental in establishing the company as a premier Digital Hub in the region.
Created under the foresight of the government’s “Vision 2030” to accelerate the development of digital infrastructure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, center3 has rapidly grown into a leading player for data center hosting and connectivity. The company’s comprehensive suite of services, including state-of-the-art data centers, expansive submarine cable networks, and strategically located internet exchange points, have been integrated into a comprehensive service platform supporting the digital revolution in the Middle East. center3 effectively leverages the geographical advantage of Saudi Arabia to position itself as the Digital Hub at the heart of the data exchanged between three continents.
In this exclusive feature, we delve into the origins of center3, exploring how the vision of a connected future is being turned into reality under the stewardship of its CEO. Join us as we uncover the story behind center3’s rise as a digital powerhouse and its pivotal role in connecting the Middle East and the world.
From Vision to Reality: The Establishment of center3
The inception of center3 is a story of decisive action in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Recognizing the increasing demands of the digital era, the management at the telecom operator stc (Saudi Telecom) identified the need for focused attention on hosting and data services. This was particularly important to meet the evolving requirements of hyperscalers, content providers, and enterprises transitioning to the cloud in the region. Consequently, stc spun off part of its organization and assets into a new entity dedicated to addressing these specific digital requirements. Launched in October 2022, the entity was aptly named ‘center3’, reflecting its strategic role as a connector of three continents— Asia, Africa, and Europe.
center3 was thus born out of a mission to offer robust and scalable digital infrastructure solutions. Its first year has been an intense period for the entire organization, but particularly for Mr. AlHajeri, who has steered the company with a clear vision: to create a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure provider that would not only serve the immediate needs of the market but also lay the foundation for future growth and innovation.
center3’s Portfolio: Empowering the Digital Revolution
At the heart of center3’s operations is a suite of advanced digital services, meticulously engineered to meet the diverse needs of the modern digital era. center3 boasts a network of 25 carrier-neutral Tier 3+ and Tier 4 data centers both operational and under construction, strategically located across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Catering to the needs of diverse types of customers, these data centers provide the robust foundation necessary for hosting critical digital operations, ensuring reliability and continuous service.
Recognizing the importance of international connectivity as a complementary value proposition for center3’s future customer base, stc ensured during the company’s inception that center3 would inherit its extensive network of submarine cables, spanning from Singapore to Europe and South Africa. While eleven of these cables are currently operational, center3 has invested in five new ones, such as 2Africa, IEX, and the Saudi Vision Cable, to address the ever-growing demand for data.
To complete center3’s assets line-up, its Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) serve as vital nodes for internet traffic exchange. Managed by renowned international experts, these IXPs provide a neutral, efficient platform for local and international ISPs, content providers, and digital enterprises to interconnect directly and exchange traffic. This setup significantly reduces latency, improves internet speed, and optimizes the overall quality of internet services in the region and beyond. JEDIX, was the first center3 IX to be created in Jeddah, has already become the second largest IX in the region in terms of exchanged traffic.
center3’s diverse range of digital infrastructure services merges into an integrated platform that stands unparalleled in the industry. This synergy not only enhances the value of each individual service but also meets the complex needs of customers, offering a seamless and comprehensive experience that is both robust and adaptable. This approach elevates the overall customer experience and positions center3 as a leader in digital infrastructure.
It is on this platform that center3 has anchored its ambition to create a ‘Digital Hub’ in the region.
center3: Building the Regional Digital Hub
A “Digital Hub” is essentially a digital infrastructure ecosystem that encompasses the array of critical components such as data centers, internet exchange points, terrestrial and submarine cables, all working in unison to bring together various digital service providers, cloud providers, content creators, and telecommunication networks, thereby fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and high-speed connectivity. This convergence enhances the efficiency and reach of digital services but also propels economic growth by supporting a wide range of industries that rely on robust digital infrastructure.
Capitalizing on its robust Digital Hub, center3 has already successfully on-boarded a number of partners, including major hyperscalers and content providers These partnerships, widely publicized, underscore the compelling value proposition that center3’s Digital Hub offers to its customers. By choosing center3, these industry-leading partners have acknowledged the hub’s superior infrastructure, strategic location, and integrated service offerings as critical to their operational success.
As a result, center3’s Digital Hub is rapidly evolving into a dynamic and versatile platform, catering to a wide spectrum of digital needs and driving innovation across the region. This synergy between center3 and its cloud and content partners reflects a shared vision for advancing digital connectivity and services, further enhancing the digital ecosystem of the Middle East.
Navigating Tomorrow: The CEO’s Strategic Vision for center3
At the helm of center3, Mr. AlHajeri’s strategic vision serves as a blueprint for the company’s future, focusing on market opportunities, organizational growth, global leadership, and the establishment of a comprehensive Digital Hub.
First, the future strategy of center3 involves geographical expansion. Building on its success in Saudi Arabia, the company plans to extend its reach to new markets in the Middle East and beyond. The recently announced acquisition of CMC Networks is a landmark move, opening doors to the African continent and synergizing with center3’s investment in the 2Africa cable system. This expansion diversifies center3’s geographical footprint and enhances its global connectivity capabilities. Additionally, explorations into other potential markets for data centers and connectivity are underway, underscoring a strategic and calculated approach to global expansion.
Second, in Saudi Arabia, center3 is reinforcing its commitment to growth by developing new data centers. These facilities are tailored to offer scalability and state-of-the-art services to both existing and new customers, thereby strengthening center3’s dedication to supporting the Kingdom’s digital transformation initiatives, including the expanding sector of digital government. This expansion is crucial in upholding center3’s position as a leading player in the region’s digital economy.
Third, the vision for center3’s Digital Hub is an ever-evolving one. The continued on-boarding of new hyperscalers, content providers, and carriers is central to this vision. By continuously enriching its Digital Hub, center3 aims to create a dynamic, resource-rich, and interconnected digital ecosystem. This strategy focuses on expanding such ecosystem and enhancing the quality and reach of digital services offered to clients.
Finally, a critical aspect of center3’s future strategy involves bolstering its subsea cables network. New routes are in development to ensure seamless access to the Digital Hub from various regions, including East Africa. These new routes are anticipated to play a vital role in reducing latency, improving data transfer speeds, and offering more direct connectivity options. This development is crucial in solidifying center3’s and Saudi Arabia’s role as a central node in the global digital infrastructure network.
center3’s strategy is a blend of ambitious geographic expansion and meticulous enhancement of its capabilities. The company is poised not only to strengthen its position in the Middle East but also to establish a significant presence in new international markets, thereby becoming a global leader of digital connectivity and innovation.
