Based in Saudi Arabia, CNTXT looks to bring new cloud and industrial software solutions to the digital transformation space.

Aramco and Cognite Join Forces in New Data Venture

Aramco and Cognite, a global leader in industrial software, have launched CNTXT, a joint venture based in Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Riyadh, CNTXT looks to support the Kingdom’s industrial digitalization, and the wider Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region.

CNTXT will provide digital transformation services enabled by advanced cloud solutions and leading industrial software. These solutions and services help public and private sector companies future-proof their data infrastructure, increase revenue, cut costs, and reduce risks while enhancing operational sustainability and security.

CNTXT is Google Cloud’s reseller for cloud solutions in the Kingdom and the exclusive reseller of Cognite Data Fusion in MENA region. Additionally, Google Cloud is expected to launch a “Center of Excellence” later this year to provide training to developers and business leaders in how to use cloud technologies.

Led by Abdullah Jarwan, appointed CEO of CNTXT, and a management team of local and international talent, CNTXT plans to significantly grow the team this year in hopes to become the top tech employer in the Kingdom.

The launch of CNTXT is a major milestone in the collaboration between Aramco and Aker ASA, the majority owner of Cognite. The partnership began in 2019, with the signing of an agreement to develop synergies and share knowledge on industrial digitalization and sustainability initiatives.

“CNTXT brings together industrial legacy, advanced technology, and a truly talented team that will aid in the digitalization of public and private sectors in the Kingdom. CNTXT aims to be an important catalyst of digitalization of the Kingdom.”

— Ahmad A. Al-Sa'adi, Aramco senior vice president of Technical Services

Øyvind Eriksen, president of Aker ASA and Cchairman of the Cognite board of directors, said: “CNTXT will be an important vehicle for driving profitability and sustainability of the Kingdom’s industries through innovative use of technology. I look forward to seeing the company accelerate the digital transformation of the most important sectors in the region.”

“The untapped potential in the digital transformation of Saudi Arabia and the greater Middle East is enormous.”

— Abdullah Jarwan

“With Google Cloud and Cognite offerings in our portfolio, we can help the public and private sectors innovate faster, scale AI-driven solutions, and turn data into value,” added Jarwan.

“Businesses all around the world turn to Google Cloud to enable growth and help them solve their most business-critical challenges,” said AbdulRahman Al Thehaiban, managing director of Middle East, Turkey, and Africa Google Cloud. “With CNTXT as Google Cloud’s reseller in the Kingdom, we will be leveraging the latest technologies and decades of expertise to help businesses grow and develop safely and securely.”

— The Arabian Sun: June 20, 2022