Key Insights
The Saudi Arabia data center market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes digital transformation and diversification of the economy. A 21.06% CAGR from 2019 to 2024 indicates a significant expansion, and this momentum is projected to continue throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). Key drivers include the burgeoning e-commerce sector, increasing adoption of cloud computing services, and the government's substantial investments in digital infrastructure. The rising demand for data storage and processing capacity, coupled with the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, further fuels market growth. Segmentation reveals a strong preference for utilized absorption in data centers, with Riyadh being the leading hotspot, reflecting the concentration of businesses and government entities. Larger data centers (Mega and Massive) dominate the market, suggesting a preference for scalability and high capacity. Tier 1 and Tier data centers are the preferred types, prioritizing reliability and resilience. While market restraints may include high initial investment costs and potential cybersecurity challenges, the overall market outlook remains positive, driven by sustained government support and private sector investment. The presence of significant players like Saudi Telecom Company and Mobily highlights the competitive landscape and the market's maturity. Future growth will likely be influenced by advancements in technology, the expansion of 5G networks, and the continued development of specialized data center infrastructure catering to specific industry needs, such as the healthcare and finance sectors.
The competitive landscape is dynamic, with both international and domestic players vying for market share. The presence of established telecommunication companies alongside specialized data center providers indicates a mix of established infrastructure and emerging innovative solutions. The government’s focus on attracting foreign investment and fostering innovation will further shape the market’s trajectory. Understanding the regional distribution (Central, Eastern, Western, Southern) is vital for strategic planning. The concentration of data centers in certain regions reflects existing infrastructure and demand. Future expansion will likely focus on connecting underserved areas and ensuring national coverage to support Vision 2030's broader digital goals. Ongoing investments in renewable energy sources might also play a significant role in influencing the sustainability aspects of data center operations within the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Report: 2019-2033
This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the Saudi Arabia data center market, offering valuable insights for investors, industry stakeholders, and strategic decision-makers. Covering the period 2019-2033, with a base year of 2025 and a forecast period of 2025-2033, this report unveils the market's dynamics, trends, and future potential. The report leverages data from the historical period (2019-2024) to provide a robust forecast for the coming years. Expect detailed analysis across key segments including data center size (Small, Medium, Mega, Massive, Large), tier type (Tier 1 and Tier), absorption (Utilized, Non-Utilized, Other End User), and geographical hotspots (Riyadh, Rest of Saudi Arabia). Leading players such as Saudi Telecom Company, Mobily, and Sahara Net are meticulously examined. The report projects a market value of xx Million by 2033.
Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Market Dynamics & Concentration
The Saudi Arabia data center market exhibits a dynamic interplay of factors shaping its concentration and growth trajectory. Market concentration is currently moderate, with a few major players holding significant market share, but a growing number of smaller players actively competing. The market is driven by technological innovation, particularly in cloud computing and edge computing, which are fueling demand for advanced data center infrastructure. The government's Vision 2030 initiative, focused on digital transformation, significantly influences the regulatory framework, encouraging investment and fostering a supportive environment. While there are currently no direct product substitutes for data center services, alternative cloud models could influence future market dynamics. End-user trends lean towards increased cloud adoption and reliance on data-driven decision-making. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity remains moderate, with a recorded xx M&A deals in the last five years, indicating a consolidating market. The market share of the top three players is estimated at xx%.
- Market Share: Saudi Telecom Company holds the largest market share at approximately xx%, followed by Mobily at xx% and Sahara Net at xx%.
- M&A Activity: xx M&A deals were recorded between 2019 and 2024, indicating strategic consolidation within the sector.
- Innovation Drivers: Cloud computing, edge computing, and AI are driving the demand for sophisticated data center solutions.
- Regulatory Framework: Vision 2030 provides a supportive regulatory environment for data center development.
Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Industry Trends & Analysis
The Saudi Arabia data center market is experiencing robust growth, projected to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of xx% during the forecast period (2025-2033). This growth is primarily propelled by the Kingdom's ambitious digital transformation initiatives under Vision 2030, which necessitates substantial investment in data center infrastructure. Technological advancements like 5G deployment and the increasing adoption of cloud computing are further accelerating market expansion. Consumer preferences are shifting towards higher bandwidth, enhanced security, and reliable data center services. Competitive dynamics are characterized by intense competition among established players and the emergence of new entrants, leading to service innovation and price optimization. Market penetration of cloud services is growing rapidly, with an estimated xx% penetration rate in 2025, expected to reach xx% by 2033. The increasing adoption of hyperscale data centers contributes to this trend.

Leading Markets & Segments in Saudi Arabia Data Center Market
Riyadh dominates the Saudi Arabia data center market, accounting for approximately xx% of the total market share in 2025. This dominance is attributed to its concentration of businesses, government agencies, and a well-established IT infrastructure. The "Utilized" absorption segment holds the largest share, driven by the growing demand for cloud services and digital transformation initiatives. Large and Mega data centers constitute the majority of the market, reflecting the increasing need for large-scale data storage and processing capabilities. Tier 1 and Tier III data centers represent a significant portion of the market share.
- Key Drivers for Riyadh's Dominance:
- Concentrated business activity
- Government agencies and IT infrastructure
- Superior connectivity and power infrastructure
- Key Drivers for Utilized Absorption Segment:
- Cloud adoption
- Digital transformation initiatives
- Growing data volumes
- Key Drivers for Large and Mega Data Center Segments:
- Need for large-scale storage
- Growing demand for high computing power
- Requirements of cloud providers
Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Product Developments
Recent product innovations focus on enhancing energy efficiency, improving security measures, and incorporating advanced technologies like AI and machine learning into data center operations. These developments are aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing operational costs, and providing advanced security features to attract customers in an increasingly competitive market. The integration of sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy sources, is also gaining traction to meet environmental concerns.
Key Drivers of Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Growth
The Saudi Arabia data center market's growth is driven by several key factors: the government's Vision 2030 digital transformation strategy, the rising adoption of cloud computing and other digital services, the increasing need for data storage and processing power, and improvements in telecommunication infrastructure. The substantial investments in ICT infrastructure are driving the market's expansion. Furthermore, favorable government policies and regulations are creating a conducive environment for market growth.
Challenges in the Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Market
The Saudi Arabia data center market faces challenges such as high energy costs, regulatory hurdles regarding data localization and security, and competition from international players. Supply chain disruptions can also affect the availability of necessary equipment, leading to project delays and increased costs. The limited skilled workforce represents another significant constraint. The estimated impact of these challenges on market growth is approximately xx% reduction in CAGR.
Emerging Opportunities in Saudi Arabia Data Center Market
Long-term growth opportunities lie in leveraging technological advancements like edge computing and AI, forging strategic partnerships with global players, and expanding into new geographic regions. The focus on developing sustainable and environmentally friendly data centers presents significant opportunities for growth. The government's continued investment in digital infrastructure and supportive regulatory framework ensures a robust growth outlook.
Leading Players in the Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Sector
- Sahara Net
- Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily)
- Nournet
- SHABAKAH INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY
- Saudi Telecom Company
- CLOUD LAYERS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO (Nashirnet)
- Gulf Data Hub
- Systems Of Strategic Business Solutions
- Electronia
- ETIHAD ATHEEB TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY
- Detecon Al Saudia DETASAD Co Ltd
- HostGee Cloud Hosting Inc
Key Milestones in Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Industry
- April 2022: Saudi Telecom Company (STC) announces plans to deliver 16 data center facilities with 17,000 storage units across six cities, with a maximum capacity of 125MW. This project signifies a significant expansion in the country's data center infrastructure.
- February 2022: Saudi Telecom Company (STC) separates its data center business into a new wholly-owned subsidiary, indicating a strategic focus on this growing sector.
- November 2018: Detecon Al Saudia DETASAD Co. Ltd. wins a contract to manage and operate SEC data centers in four cities for four years, highlighting the outsourcing trend in the market.
Strategic Outlook for Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Market
The Saudi Arabia data center market is poised for significant growth, driven by Vision 2030, technological advancements, and increasing digitalization across various sectors. Strategic opportunities exist in developing specialized data center solutions, focusing on sustainability, and expanding into underserved regions. The market’s robust growth trajectory is expected to continue throughout the forecast period, attracting both domestic and international investment.
Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Segmentation
-
1. Hotspot
- 1.1. Riyadh
- 1.2. Rest of Saudi Arabia
-
2. Data Center Size
- 2.1. Large
- 2.2. Massive
- 2.3. Medium
- 2.4. Mega
- 2.5. Small
-
3. Tier Type
- 3.1. Tier 1 and 2
- 3.2. Tier 3
- 3.3. Tier 4
-
4. Absorption
- 4.1. Non-Utilized
-
5. Colocation Type
- 5.1. Hyperscale
- 5.2. Retail
- 5.3. Wholesale
-
6. End User
- 6.1. BFSI
- 6.2. Cloud
- 6.3. E-Commerce
- 6.4. Government
- 6.5. Manufacturing
- 6.6. Media & Entertainment
- 6.7. Telecom
- 6.8. Other End User
Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Data Center Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Aspects | Details |
---|---|
Study Period | 2019-2033 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 21.06% from 2019-2033 |
Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Rise of E-Commerce; Flourishing Startup Culture
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Slow Penetration Rate in Developing Countries
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Hotspot
- 5.1.1. Riyadh
- 5.1.2. Rest of Saudi Arabia
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Data Center Size
- 5.2.1. Large
- 5.2.2. Massive
- 5.2.3. Medium
- 5.2.4. Mega
- 5.2.5. Small
- 5.3. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Tier Type
- 5.3.1. Tier 1 and 2
- 5.3.2. Tier 3
- 5.3.3. Tier 4
- 5.4. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Absorption
- 5.4.1. Non-Utilized
- 5.5. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Colocation Type
- 5.5.1. Hyperscale
- 5.5.2. Retail
- 5.5.3. Wholesale
- 5.6. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by End User
- 5.6.1. BFSI
- 5.6.2. Cloud
- 5.6.3. E-Commerce
- 5.6.4. Government
- 5.6.5. Manufacturing
- 5.6.6. Media & Entertainment
- 5.6.7. Telecom
- 5.6.8. Other End User
- 5.7. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.7.1. Saudi Arabia
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Hotspot
- 6. Central Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 7. Eastern Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 8. Western Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 9. Southern Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2031
- 10. Competitive Analysis
- 10.1. Market Share Analysis 2024
- 10.2. Company Profiles
- 10.2.1 Sahara Net
- 10.2.1.1. Overview
- 10.2.1.2. Products
- 10.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.2 Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily)
- 10.2.2.1. Overview
- 10.2.2.2. Products
- 10.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.3 Nournet
- 10.2.3.1. Overview
- 10.2.3.2. Products
- 10.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.4 SHABAKAH INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY
- 10.2.4.1. Overview
- 10.2.4.2. Products
- 10.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.5 Saudi Telecom Company
- 10.2.5.1. Overview
- 10.2.5.2. Products
- 10.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.6 CLOUD LAYERS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO (Nashirnet)
- 10.2.6.1. Overview
- 10.2.6.2. Products
- 10.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.7 Gulf Data Hub
- 10.2.7.1. Overview
- 10.2.7.2. Products
- 10.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.8 Systems Of Strategic Business Solutions5 4 LIST OF COMPANIES STUDIE
- 10.2.8.1. Overview
- 10.2.8.2. Products
- 10.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.9 Electronia
- 10.2.9.1. Overview
- 10.2.9.2. Products
- 10.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.10 ETIHAD ATHEEB TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY
- 10.2.10.1. Overview
- 10.2.10.2. Products
- 10.2.10.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.10.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.10.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.11 Detecon Al Saudia DETASAD Co Ltd
- 10.2.11.1. Overview
- 10.2.11.2. Products
- 10.2.11.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.11.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.11.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.12 HostGee Cloud Hosting Inc
- 10.2.12.1. Overview
- 10.2.12.2. Products
- 10.2.12.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.12.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.12.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.1 Sahara Net
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Product 2024 & 2032
- Figure 2: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Share (%) by Company 2024
List of Tables
- Table 1: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 2: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 3: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Hotspot 2019 & 2032
- Table 4: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Hotspot 2019 & 2032
- Table 5: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Data Center Size 2019 & 2032
- Table 6: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Data Center Size 2019 & 2032
- Table 7: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Tier Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 8: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Tier Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 9: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Absorption 2019 & 2032
- Table 10: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Absorption 2019 & 2032
- Table 11: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Colocation Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 12: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Colocation Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 13: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 14: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 15: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 16: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Region 2019 & 2032
- Table 17: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 18: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 19: Central Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 20: Central Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 21: Eastern Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 22: Eastern Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 23: Western Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 24: Western Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 25: Southern Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue (Million) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 26: Southern Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume (K Unit) Forecast, by Application 2019 & 2032
- Table 27: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Hotspot 2019 & 2032
- Table 28: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Hotspot 2019 & 2032
- Table 29: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Data Center Size 2019 & 2032
- Table 30: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Data Center Size 2019 & 2032
- Table 31: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Tier Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 32: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Tier Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 33: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Absorption 2019 & 2032
- Table 34: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Absorption 2019 & 2032
- Table 35: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Colocation Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 36: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Colocation Type 2019 & 2032
- Table 37: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 38: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by End User 2019 & 2032
- Table 39: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
- Table 40: Saudi Arabia Data Center Market Volume K Unit Forecast, by Country 2019 & 2032
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Saudi Arabia Data Center Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 21.06%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Saudi Arabia Data Center Market?
Key companies in the market include Sahara Net, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), Nournet, SHABAKAH INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, Saudi Telecom Company, CLOUD LAYERS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO (Nashirnet), Gulf Data Hub, Systems Of Strategic Business Solutions5 4 LIST OF COMPANIES STUDIE, Electronia, ETIHAD ATHEEB TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY, Detecon Al Saudia DETASAD Co Ltd, HostGee Cloud Hosting Inc.
3. What are the main segments of the Saudi Arabia Data Center Market?
The market segments include Hotspot, Data Center Size, Tier Type, Absorption, Colocation Type, End User.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD XX Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Rise of E-Commerce; Flourishing Startup Culture.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Slow Penetration Rate in Developing Countries.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
April 2022: Saudi Telecom Company (STC) to deliver 16 facilities with 17,000 storing units serving eight parallel sites across six cities. The maximum capacity is expected to reach 125MW. The project will be completed in three phases: in phase 1: three data centres in Riyadh, Jeddah and Medina; four in the second phase; and the remaining nine in the third phase.February 2022: Saudi Telecom Company (STC) to separate its data center business into a new wholly-owned subsidiary.November 2018: Detecon Al Saudia DETASAD Co. Ltd. Awarded and signed a contract to manage and operate SEC (Saudi Electricity Company) Data Centers in 4 cities (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Abha) for 4 years.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 3800, USD 4500, and USD 5800 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million and volume, measured in K Unit.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Saudi Arabia Data Center Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Saudi Arabia Data Center Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Saudi Arabia Data Center Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Saudi Arabia Data Center Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database



Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)

Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations

Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence