Techitup ME, in conversation with Fahad AlShiddi, COO at JACO, as he shares insights on the internet media and Live Streaming industry in MENA, their partnership with Huawei Cloud and the future of the industry
Please tell us about the growth of the internet media and entertainment industry in the Middle East and how JACO is enabling it?
The internet media and entertainment industry in the Middle East is experiencing significant and rapid growth. In less than a year, we have seen global-first projects come to life, reinforcing this upward trajectory. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has made substantial investments in digital infrastructure, opening up new opportunities for younger generations, especially in content creation and social media, where they can express themselves.
Initiatives like IMPAQ Makers by the Ministry of Media and events such as LEAP 25 in Riyadh are clear indicators of the region’s vision for a more expansive, scalable, and dynamic digital future. These initiatives, along with the growing ecosystem, are helping shape the Middle East into a global hub for innovation. At JACO, we are honored to play a role in this transformation, providing a platform where the community can create, discover, and stream content in an increasingly vibrant digital landscape.
Can you tell us about your partnership with Huawei Cloud. What value does it bring to JACO?
Our partnership with Huawei Cloud has been instrumental from the early stages of JACO’s growth. As we expanded, we needed a localized, stable Content Delivery Network (CDN) solution to manage live-streaming traffic efficiently. Huawei Cloud’s technical expertise and reliability were the perfect match for our needs, providing the solid foundation we needed to scale. We prioritized building a stable and scalable infrastructure to support our rapid growth. In this context, we collaborate with multiple cloud service providers, including Huawei Cloud, to support our infrastructure strategies and optimize content delivery.
Looking ahead, we aim to enhance our multi-cloud strategy, allowing us to leverage diverse global cloud resources to increase the flexibility and reliability of our systems. Our primary focus remains improving user experience through key performance factors such as transcoding quality, first-screen load times, and reduced network latency, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.
Can you share specific examples of how cloud technologies have enabled JACO to innovate or improve efficiency?
Huawei Cloud has enabled us to focus on innovation and business growth, rather than worry about infrastructure management. Their localized data centers and deep understanding of the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, have helped us address significant challenges in live streaming, including cultural adaptability, network resilience, and regulatory compliance.
Their “Three-Engine Strategy” has been key in our success—offering elastic scalability, strong local teams, and adherence to regional data certification requirements. In addition, trends in live streaming, such as AI-powered content creation, interactivity, and live-streaming e-commerce, have been significantly enhanced by Huawei Cloud’s solutions, which include low-latency streaming, AI content management, and smart marketing. As the industry evolves, their technology will continue to be a core driver of our innovation and growth.
By adopting AI-powered content management and real-time data analysis, we have been able to optimize the live streaming experience with greater efficiency. As the industry evolves, we will continue to adopt cutting-edge innovations to elevate the quality of live streaming.
What key trends are you seeing in the internet media and streaming industry across the Middle East?
The media and entertainment industry in the Middle East is evolving at a remarkable pace, creating a dynamic ecosystem where innovation both drives and responds to consumer demand.
For example, short-form content has gained widespread popularity since 2017 and has become a dominant format. Following that, we have witnessed the rise of user-generated content (UGC), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and, most notably, live streaming.
Live streaming has become a key trend, enabling creators to engage directly with their communities in real-time, offering more authentic and interactive experiences. At JACO, we provide over 30 different categories of live-streaming content, including stock analytics, family consultations, and a variety of interactive sessions. As creators and audiences continue to embrace this shift, we remain committed to developing and enhancing the live-streaming experience.
How do you see emerging technologies like AI and Cloud reshaping the future of the industry?
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing are transforming the digital media industry, and their impact is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. As companies strive to improve data privacy, scalability, and operational efficiency, these technologies have become essential for driving continuous improvements in user experience.
For content creators, AI and cloud tools empower them to produce more engaging content, with powerful tools that support the creative process from start to finish. For JACO, Huawei Cloud has been a pivotal partner, enabling us to remain at the forefront of the live-streaming industry. We’re excited to continue strengthening our partnership with Huawei Cloud as we embrace new opportunities and innovations in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
As the industry continues to evolve, we are committed to adopting the latest technologies and exploring new strategic partnerships to ensure the best possible experience for the JACO community.
