Cognizant and Upsource by Solutions forge strategic partnership to enhance BPO services in Saudi Arabia

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) has entered a strategic three-year partnership with Upsource by Solutions, a prominent Saudi Arabian business process outsourcing (BPO) firm. Announced at LEAP 2025, the collaboration aims to elevate BPO services in Saudi Arabia by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, automation frameworks, and intuitive operational solutions. The alliance is designed to support businesses in the region looking to optimise operations, improve service delivery, and achieve greater scalability. This partnership is particularly significant as Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 goals, focusing on economic diversification and digital transformation. By combining Upsource’s local expertise with Cognizant’s global technology leadership, the two companies aim to create a transformative impact on how enterprises manage critical business functions.

What Technologies Will Drive This BPO Transformation?

At the core of this partnership is the deployment of Cognizant’s Intuitive Operations & Automation (IOA) solutions, which include cutting-edge technologies such as a Generative AI-powered financial suite, sophisticated automation frameworks, and enhanced operational controls. These solutions are tailored to meet the growing demands of modern enterprises, ensuring compliance with both national and international regulatory standards. The integration of Generative AI will help businesses streamline financial processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance decision-making capabilities. Meanwhile, automation frameworks will reduce manual workloads, allowing companies to focus on strategic growth initiatives. The introduction of advanced operational controls will ensure that businesses maintain robust governance structures while adapting to dynamic market conditions.

“Cognizant’s commitment to investing in the region and supporting capability transfer was a key factor in our decision to partner with them,” said Eng. Naif AlMogbel, CEO of Upsource by Solutions. “By aligning our vision with Cognizant’s expertise, we’re reshaping what excellence in BPO means. This agreement marks the beginning of a journey to create future-ready solutions that redefine value for our clients.”

Why Is Saudi Arabia an Emerging Hub for BPO Services?

Saudi Arabia’s BPO sector is undergoing rapid transformation, fuelled by the government’s strategic push towards economic diversification. As companies increasingly outsource essential processes such as finance, human resources, and customer management, there’s a growing demand for innovative solutions that combine local market insights with global technology expertise. The partnership between Cognizant and Upsource by Solutions reflects this trend. By providing businesses with access to advanced AI tools and automation capabilities, the collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, ensure regulatory compliance, and support long-term scalability.

“We are excited to collaborate with Upsource by Solutions and continue to bring our expertise in digital transformation to the Saudi Arabian market,” said Gagan Syal, Head of Southern Europe & Middle East at Cognizant. “Saudi Arabia is buzzing with innovation and progress. With Upsource’s local experience and forward-thinking vision, combined with our leadership in advanced technologies, we are laying the foundation for the future of business operations.”

How Does This Partnership Align with Saudi Vision 2030?

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative aims to position the kingdom as a global leader in technology, innovation, and economic diversification. The strategic partnership between Cognizant and Upsource by Solutions directly supports these objectives by fostering digital transformation through the deployment of AI and automation to streamline business operations. It contributes to economic diversification by creating new opportunities in the technology and BPO sectors, while also facilitating talent development by supporting knowledge transfer and upskilling the local workforce in advanced digital technologies. This collaboration not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional technology hub but also contributes to its long-term economic resilience by enabling businesses to operate more efficiently in an increasingly digital landscape.

What Are the Broader Implications for the BPO Industry?

The global BPO industry is evolving rapidly, with businesses seeking more than just cost reduction from outsourcing partnerships. There’s a growing emphasis on process innovation, where technology is used to redesign workflows for greater efficiency, as well as customer-centric models that enhance service quality through data-driven insights. Additionally, there is a strong focus on building scalable solutions that can adapt to changing business needs.

The Cognizant-Upsource partnership exemplifies this shift. By combining global technology leadership with local market knowledge, the collaboration sets a new standard for how BPO services are delivered in the Middle East. It also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in driving digital transformation across industries. As businesses worldwide continue to embrace automation and AI-driven solutions, partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in shaping the future of work. By focusing on innovation, efficiency, and customer value, Cognizant and Upsource by Solutions are well-positioned to lead the next wave of BPO transformation in Saudi Arabia and beyond.