Google parent Alphabet, Aramco may build tech hub in Saudi Arabia: Report

Google parent Alphabet Inc is in talks with Saudi state oil company Saudi Aramco about jointly building a technology hub in Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

It is not clear specifically whose data the centres would house or who would control them, the WSJ said.

Reuters could not immediately reach Aramco and Alphabet for comment.

Alphabet rivals Apple Inc and Amazon Inc are in licensing discussions with Riyadh on investing in Saudi Arabia as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's push to give the conservative kingdom a high-tech look, according to a Reuters report in December.