I am building a SaaS platform that leverages Google Cloud Storage, Vertex AI Search, LLM deployments, and managed databases. The application processes and stores business documents and related data through these Google Cloud services.
Data Residency Challenge: My target customers include organizations in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have strict data residency laws requiring that all data processed and stored by their organizations must remain within their respective national borders. This applies to:
- Files uploaded to Google Cloud Storage
- Processed documents and indexes in Vertex AI Search
- Database records and metadata
- Any temporary or cached data generated during processing
Currently, I understand Google Cloud operates in the Saudi Arabia (Dammam) region, which addresses compliance for Saudi customers but does not satisfy UAE’s data residency requirements as there is no Google Cloud region in the UAE.
Questions:
- What is Google Cloud’s recommended architecture for serving UAE customers while ensuring all data processing and storage occurs within UAE borders, given the current absence of a Google Cloud region there?
- How are other Google Cloud customers handling similar multi-country data residency requirements when serving markets without local Google Cloud presence?
- Are there any plans to establish a Google Cloud region in the UAE, and if so, can you provide a timeline?
- Are there any interim solutions, such as Google Distributed Cloud or partner arrangements, that could address these data residency requirements for UAE customers?