In a move reflecting the significant technological acceleration the Kingdom is experiencing, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Engineer Abdullah Al-Sawaha announced during the LEAP East 2026 conference in Hong Kong that Saudi Arabia is building one of the world’s most advanced digital infrastructures for artificial intelligence, thereby connecting the East with the West in an integrated technological system.
What Did Saudi Arabia Announce at LEAP East?
The LEAP East 2026 conference launched in Hong Kong on July 8, 2026, bringing together over 25,000 participants, 340 speakers, and 450 exhibitors, in addition to 600 investors representing assets exceeding $6.5 trillion. During his keynote speech, Al-Sawaha emphasized that the Kingdom is advancing toward building an advanced digital infrastructure that will make it a trusted partner in enabling the digital economy and connecting the East with the West.
This step is part of the targets of the 2026 AI Year, announced by the Kingdom, which includes massive investments exceeding $9.1 billion in AI technologies, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Digital Economy: Record-Breaking Figures
The Minister revealed that Saudi Arabia’s digital economy has grown by 75% over the past eight years, reaching $139 billion. Today, the non-oil digital economy contributes 16% to the GDP, a figure that continues to rise.
The Kingdom plans to develop 6.9 gigawatts of data center capacity by 2034, including 3 gigawatts by 2030, supported by 12.8 gigawatts of available electricity. This makes Saudi Arabia one of the largest data center markets in the region.
Why Is Saudi Arabia Focusing on AI Now?
The East Asian region today represents an economy worth $34 trillion, equivalent to 30% of the global GDP. More importantly, the region produces 82% of the world’s AI patents and 90% of advanced electronic chip manufacturing. This makes connecting the East with the West through Saudi Arabia a strategically significant move with enormous economic returns.
Major tech companies such as ByteDance (owner of TikTok), Lenovo, and Its expansion in Saudi Arabia, which enhances the Kingdom’s position as a global technology investment destination.
What does this mean for Saudi citizens?
These massive investments will positively impact citizens in several ways:
- New jobs: Thousands of jobs in fields such as artificial intelligence, data centers, and technology.
- Faster services: Advanced digital infrastructure means faster internet and better government services.
- Investment opportunities: An attractive environment for startups and local investors.
- Advanced education: Training and qualification programs in technology and artificial intelligence.
- Digital transformation: Accelerating the pace of digital transformation across all government and private sectors.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who benefits from the AI infrastructure project?
All segments of Saudi society benefit: the average citizen (faster services), students (educational and training opportunities), entrepreneurs (an encouraging investment environment), and foreign investors (partners in technical growth).
Where will the new data centers be located?
Data centers will be spread across several Saudi cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, in addition to major projects in NEOM and special economic zones, covering all regions of the Kingdom.
What is the cost of these technical investments?
The announced investments exceed $9.1 billion as part of the 2026 AI Year strategy, with additional plans exceeding $20 billion for data centers and infrastructure in the coming years.
How long will it take to achieve this vision?
The plan is implemented in phases: 3 gigawatts of data centers by 2030, and 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 and beyond.
How can I start in the field of artificial intelligence in Saudi Arabia?
You can start by registering on the SUBL platform affiliated with the Ministry of Communications, or follow the free training programs of the SDAIA (Saudi Data and AI Authority), and subscribe to learning paths such as Tuwaiq for technical training.
Saudi Arabia is moving steadily towards becoming a global center for artificial intelligence, and the opportunity is available for everyone to be part of this major technical transformation.
