Artefact strengthens Middle East presence with new Saudi office
International data science consultancy Artefact has launched a new office in Saudi Arabia, its second hub in the Middle East.
France-headquartered Artefact works with some of the world's largest brands such as Carrefour, Orange, Samsung, Sanofi and Unilever, and is now aiming to replicate its success in the region’s largest economy of Saudi Arabia.
“Thanks to its rapidly expanding economy, Saudi Arabia is a serious proposition for any growing global business, and Artefact is delighted to be firming up its foothold in the country,” explained Vincent Luciani, CEO of Artefact.
The new office in Riyadh will build on the firm’s already present footprint in the region. Artefact has been operating in Dubai since 2013, where the firm works with private and public sector clients on their data and AI-driven transformation programmes.
“Our key offerings include data vision and strategy, AI services, big data platform implementation, data governance and data marketing programmes. We also have global partnerships with big data infrastructure providers and data platforms, including Google, Microsoft and Amazon,” said Luciani.
Rahul Arya, managing partner of Artefact MENA, said the timing of the firm’s launch comes at a pivotal time in the country’s transformation journey. “As the kingdom of Saudi Arabia looks to a new and exciting phase in its growth led by economic and social transformation, this is an inspiring time for Artefact to strengthen its on-ground presence.”
According to one estimate, Saudi Arabia’s big data and artificial intelligence market will grow by over 30% per annum for the next five years, providing plentiful opportunities for specialists such as Artefact.
With data, technology, and AI at the core of many transformations, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is responsible for much of this growth. “Around 70 per cent of Vision 2030’s 96 strategic goals relate to data and AI, and we are committed to making significant investments that will bring our capabilities to our clients and partners in the Kingdom,” said Arya.
Globally, Artefact has over 800 professionals working from 16 offices in 13 countries.
Earlier this year, fellow consultancies Ankura, Argon & Co, Tracey Brunstrom and Hammond and ByrneLooby picked Riyadh as the entry point for their on the ground expansion into the Saudi market.