Google is in talks with Saudi state oil giant Saudi Aramco about jointly building a technology hub in Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The two companies are exploring building data centers around the kingdom, according to the report, which cites people familiar with the talks. The Journal said it is unclear who would operate the centers or what data would be stored there.
Alphabet CEO Larry Page has been involved in the talks, which have been going on for months and are being pushed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
An agreement has still not been finalized and the timeline for the talks and the potential size of the deal are still unclear.
The Journal reported that Amazon is also closing in on a $1 billion deal with Saudi Arabia to build three data centers there.
Establishing a foothold in the Middle East would give tech giants the opportunity to house data for oil corporations’ massive operations, which largely lack speedy options in the region.
