In what industry watchers are describing as one of the most strategic moves in recent years, global technology giant NTT DATA has officially acquired Zero&One, a leading regional cloud services company headquartered in Dubai. The deal, announced on 10 February 2026, positions NTT DATA to play a far greater role in the rapidly expanding cloud computing landscape across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The acquisition is a clear signal of how important digital infrastructure and cloud services have become to businesses and governments in the region. For NTT DATA, a company that serves three of every four Fortune Global 100 firms, this step opens up new horizons in cloud adoption, generative AI, data analytics and digital transformation services across Africa, the Gulf and wider MENA markets.
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Rising Demand for Cloud Services in the Region
Cloud technology is now at the heart of digital transformation strategies for organisations across the Middle East. From banking and healthcare to government and media, enterprises are shifting toward cloud-first approaches to boost efficiency, improve data reliability and enable innovation. According to industry reports, the regional cloud services sector is set to ride a double-digit growth trajectory in the next decade, fuelled by strong economic diversification plans and major investments in digital infrastructure. Analysts estimate that Saudi Arabia’s cloud services market alone was valued at around $4.77 billion in 2025, with expectations to grow significantly in the coming years under initiatives such as Vision 2030.
This boom is driven by a blend of fast-growing public cloud adoption, government cloud policies and increasing demand for AI and analytics at scale. PwC research shows that as many as three-quarters of businesses in the region were expected to adopt cloud solutions by 2025.
For NTT DATA, entering this market with a strong local partner not only expands its service portfolio but also deepens its regional footprint in key Middle Eastern hubs such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and North Africa.
The Strategic Value of Zero&One
Zero&One stands out in the MENA cloud ecosystem as the first homegrown Amazon Web Services (AWS) Premier Tier Services Partner. Founded in 2017 in Dubai, the company has built a solid reputation in cloud migration, application modernisation, data analytics and generative AI services, all powered by AWS technologies. In 2025, it was recognised as AWS’s MENA Consulting Partner of the Year and earned additional awards such as Rising Star Partner of the Year and Design Partner of the Year at the EMEA level.
Under the terms of the acquisition, NTT DATA will integrate Zero&One’s specialised capabilities into its own global cloud and digital services portfolio. This offers clients in the region enhanced access to cloud migration strategies, scalable infrastructure solutions, and high-value AI-enabled services that support modern business operations.
Industry insiders note that Zero&One’s achievements in securing nine AWS competencies, including recognition for generative AI expertise, make it uniquely positioned to help organisations not just adopt cloud technologies but harness them for competitive advantage.
The acquisition also strengthens the regional consulting talent pool, giving NTT DATA a deeper bench of cloud architects, engineers and solution designers who understand the specific regulatory and commercial nuances of doing business in the Middle East.
What This Means for Businesses and the Broader Tech Ecosystem
For companies across the Middle East, the entry of NTT DATA with Zero&One’s expertise offers a compelling proposition. It means access to a more comprehensive suite of cloud solutions backed by global scale, advanced engineering practices and cutting-edge tools for digital transformation. From cloud migration strategies and cost optimisation to AI-driven analytics and infrastructure modernisation, businesses now have a partner capable of supporting them through every stage of their digital journey.
The deal comes at a time when regional governments are intensifying their focus on digital economies. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are investing heavily in cloud computing and AI as part of broader diversification plans beyond oil-based revenue. These investments include public cloud policies, digital skills training programmes and infrastructure expansion that encourage enterprise cloud adoption. Estimates suggest the Saudi cloud market could grow from billions today to well above $10 billion within the next decade, reflecting a surge in demand for secure, scalable and intelligent cloud offerings.
NTT DATA’s move also highlights how global cloud players are reshaping their strategies to address regional demand patterns. While AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud continue to invest in data centres and cloud infrastructure, partnerships and acquisitions such as this give local enterprises access to tailored services that align with regulatory requirements and local market dynamics.
Analysts expect the transaction to benefit not only large corporations but also small and medium enterprises that have previously struggled to access advanced cloud services due to cost or complexity. With NTT DATA’s broader service ecosystem and Zero&One’s deep understanding of the regional landscape, smaller firms may now find it easier to modernise their IT environments, adopt AI applications and scale their businesses.
Looking Ahead
This acquisition is more than a business expansion story. It reflects a broader shift in how technology services are evolving to meet the demands of a digital-first world. As cloud technologies become integral to business success, global players are increasingly looking toward emerging markets with robust growth potential, such as the Middle East.
For NTT DATA, the integration of Zero&One is likely to accelerate its market penetration in the region and enhance its ability to deliver high-impact solutions across industries. Whether it is in finance, healthcare, telecommunications or government services, cloud adoption is now a strategic priority. With this acquisition, NTT DATA is better placed to help organisations meet their digital goals while navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of the Middle Eastern market.
The deal also underscores how the cloud is transforming from a back-end infrastructure choice into a driver of innovation, competitiveness and economic growth in the region. With cloud adoption rates rising and governments supporting digital transformation, the stage is set for a new era of technology-enabled growth that benefits businesses and communities alike.
As the region’s digital economy matures, all eyes will be on how this acquisition influences competition, skills development and the pace of innovation. For now, NTT DATA’s move to acquire Zero&One marks a significant step in aligning global expertise with local ambition in one of the world’s most dynamic tech markets.
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