Cloud computing adoption is accelerating across the Middle East, driven by ambitions for agility, innovation and economic diversification. Governments and businesses alike are embracing cloud services to modernize operations and meet rising consumer expectations.
Saudi Arabia exemplifies this surge, with a 40% year-on-year increase in cloud computing permits in late 2023. Major global cloud providers have rapidly expanded data center presence in the region (AWS in Bahrain and the UAE, Microsoft in the UAE and Qatar, and recent investments by Google and Oracle in Saudi Arabia). As clouds become the backbone of digital initiatives, effective cloud security implementation is vital to protect sensitive data and maintain trust in these services.
Business leaders, government officials, CISOs, CIOs and IT managers are now making cloud security a top priority to ensure that this digital leap is both transformative and secure.
Cloud Adoption Trends in the Middle East
The Middle East’s cloud journey is on an upward trajectory. Recent surveys indicate that nearly one-third of regional organizations have already begun implementing cloud solutions in at least one area of their operations, and 68% plan to migrate a majority of their operations to the cloud by mid-2025.
This momentum is supported by robust government strategies and investments. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have enacted “cloud-first” policies and data sovereignty laws, mandating certain data be stored within national borders to boost security and compliance.
These initiatives have led to a proliferation of local cloud infrastructure. For example, over 30 new data centers are coming online across the Middle East and Africa in 2024, with the UAE alone targeting 15 operational data centers by year-end. Such developments not only improve connectivity and reduce latency but also address regulatory requirements by keeping data on local soil.
Cloud Security Threat Landscape in the Middle East
With the rapid uptake of cloud services, organizations must confront a new wave of security threats and vulnerabilities. Cloud-based resources have become prime targets for cyberattacks – in one study, 32% of respondents ranked cloud-hosted applications and storage among the top attack targets, above traditional on-premises systems.
High-profile incidents of data exposure from misconfigured cloud databases have raised alarms across the region. In fact, industry analysis reveals that 65% of cloud data breaches stem from misconfigurations – such as databases left publicly accessible or improper access settings – making it the most common cloud risk factor.
Compounding the challenge, the complexity of multi-cloud and hybrid environments is straining security teams: over half (55%) of EME region organizations say securing the cloud is more complex than securing on-premises infrastructure.
The Middle East’s threat landscape features both global cyber threats and region-specific adversaries. Ransomware and advanced persistent threats (APTs) are on the rise, often exploiting cloud and remote work. Common Cloud Security Challenges faced by organizations in the Middle East include:
- Misconfigurations - As noted, misconfiguration of cloud settings (storage buckets, databases, access control lists) is a leading cause of data leaks. A lapse in configuring a single cloud storage service can inadvertently expose millions of records. Given that Gartner predicts 99% of cloud security failures through 2025 will be due to customer errors (not cloud provider faults).
- Identity & Access Management (IAM) Weaknesses - Inadequate access controls or failure to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) can allow unauthorized access to cloud accounts. Credential theft and account takeovers are a growing threat. Middle Eastern respondents reported higher concern for account compromise via phishing or stolen passwords than the global average. Without strong IAM and strict least-privilege policies, attackers or even insider threats can exploit cloud resources unchecked.
- Lack of Visibility and Monitoring - Many organizations struggle with limited visibility into their cloud environments. Traditional security tools may not translate well to cloud, leading to blind spots. Without centralized logging, cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools, and continuous monitoring of cloud workloads, suspicious activities can go undetected.
- Compliance and Data Governance Gaps - Navigating the patchwork of global and local compliance requirements is challenging. Organizations must align with international standards (ISO/IEC 27001 for ISMS, ISO/IEC 27017 for cloud security controls, etc.) and Middle East-specific regulations. For example, Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) cloud security framework and the UAE’s national cybersecurity guidelines demand strict controls for any cloud-hosted data.
Given these challenges, it’s no surprise that cloud security has become a top investment area. In the Middle East region, cloud security now accounts for roughly one-third of cybersecurity spending, making it the #1 security spending priority for many organizations. CISOs and CIOs are channeling resources into cloud-focused security solutions to keep pace with evolving threats.
Strengthening Cloud Security: Best Practices and Standards
To address today’s threat landscape, Middle Eastern organizations are adopting a multi-layered cloud security approach that blends technology, governance, and people. Key strategies include:
- Zero Trust & Identity Management - Enforcing a Zero Trust model, MFA, and strong Identity and Access Management (IAM) reduce risks from stolen credentials and limits access to only what users need.
- Encryption & Data Protection - Encrypting data in transit and at rest, applying Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and following standards like ISO/IEC 27018 are essential to safeguard sensitive financial and healthcare data.
- Continuous Monitoring - Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) and SIEM integration give visibility into misconfigurations and anomalies, while regular vulnerability testing keeps defenses up to date.
- Incident Response & Recovery - Cloud-specific playbooks, simulations, and multi-region backup strategies ensure resilience and rapid recovery in case of breaches.
- Compliance & Standards - Certifications such as ISO/IEC 27017, ISO/IEC 27018, and CSA STAR demonstrate adherence to best practices and inspire regulator and customer trust.
- Training & Continuous Improvement - Regular upskilling ensures teams stay ahead of evolving cloud threats. Explore upcoming opportunities with the SGS Academy UAE Training Schedule.
- Cybersecurity Culture - Technology alone is not enough; building a strong security-first mindset across teams is critical. Discover practical steps in our article: 5 Key Strategies to Strengthen and Sustain Your Cybersecurity Culture.
Secure Your Cloud with SGS Cloud Security Solutions
As cloud adoption accelerates across the Middle East, organizations must ensure that security keeps pace with innovation. From government services and financial systems to healthcare and oil & gas operations, the stakes are high; protecting sensitive data, ensuring compliance and maintaining trust are non-negotiable.
With SGS, cloud security becomes an enabler of growth rather than a barrier. Our integrated services from risk assessments and governance frameworks to ISO/IEC 27017, ISO/IEC 27018 and CSA STAR certification support provide a holistic shield for your cloud environment. By combining advanced technologies, global best practices and decades of digital expertise, we help organizations in the region build secure, compliant, and resilient cloud infrastructures.
Contact us today to learn how SGS can support your cloud security journey.
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