NTT DATA’s Acquisition of Zero&One: A Catalyst for Cloud Growth in the Middle East
NTT DATA has significantly bolstered its cloud capabilities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with the acquisition of Zero&One, a leading AWS Premier Tier Services Partner. This strategic move positions NTT DATA to capitalize on the rapidly expanding cloud services market, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the market is projected to more than double by the early 2030s.
The Rise of Cloud Adoption in MENA
The MENA region is experiencing a surge in cloud adoption, driven by digital transformation initiatives and a growing need for scalable, cost-effective IT solutions. Saudi Arabia, in particular, represents a substantial opportunity, with its cloud services market valued at $4.77 billion last year. The anticipated launch of AWS’s first data center in Saudi Arabia in 2026 will further accelerate this growth.
Zero&One: A Regional Cloud Powerhouse
Founded in 2017 and based in Dubai, Zero&One has quickly established itself as a premier cloud consultancy in the MENA region. The company’s impressive track record includes achieving nine AWS competencies and being the first in the region to attain AWS Generative AI Competency. Recognition from AWS, including being named MENA Consulting Partner of the Year in 2025, underscores its expertise.
Synergies and Expanded Service Offerings
The acquisition creates a powerful synergy between NTT DATA’s global reach and Zero&One’s regional expertise. This allows NTT DATA to offer a comprehensive suite of cloud services to clients across the Middle East and Africa, encompassing cloud migration, application modernization, cloud-native development, data analytics, and AI solutions.
According to Burcak Soydan, Managing Director for the Middle East at NTT DATA, the acquisition will “deliver high-impact solutions and enhance the value we bring to organizations in the Middle East.” Ali El Kontar, CEO of Zero&One, echoed this sentiment, stating the partnership will combine regional knowledge with global resources and expanded service offerings.
The Impact of Generative AI
Zero&One’s early adoption of AWS Generative AI Competency is particularly noteworthy. Generative AI is poised to revolutionize various industries, and the combination of NTT DATA’s AI capabilities with Zero&One’s specialization will enable businesses in the MENA region to leverage this transformative technology.
Looking Ahead: Cloud Trends to Watch
Several key trends are shaping the future of cloud computing in the MENA region:
- Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Cloud Strategies: Organizations are increasingly adopting multi-cloud and hybrid cloud approaches to avoid vendor lock-in and optimize performance.
- Edge Computing: The demand for low-latency applications is driving the adoption of edge computing, bringing cloud resources closer to end-users.
- Serverless Computing: Serverless architectures are gaining traction, allowing developers to focus on code without managing infrastructure.
- Cloud Security: As cloud adoption grows, security remains a top priority, with a focus on data protection, compliance, and threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does this acquisition mean for existing Zero&One clients?
Existing Zero&One clients can expect continued high-quality service, now backed by the global resources and expertise of NTT DATA.
What industries will benefit most from this partnership?
Financial services, retail, media and entertainment, healthcare, and government are among the industries that will benefit from the expanded cloud services offered by NTT DATA and Zero&One.
Where is Zero&One headquartered?
Zero&One is headquartered in Dubai.
This acquisition marks a significant step forward in NTT DATA’s commitment to the MENA region and its ambition to become a leading provider of cloud services. The combined strengths of NTT DATA and Zero&One will empower organizations across the region to accelerate their digital transformation journeys.