Saudi Arabia Secures $14.9 Billion in Tech Investments at LEAP 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has unveiled $14.9 billion in new investments at the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference, reinforcing its ambition to become a global tech powerhouse. The investments span artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, and startup funding, with over $10.9 billion allocated to supporting emerging businesses.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Abdullah Al-Swaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted the Kingdom’s technological surge, noting that Saudi’s tech workforce has expanded from 150,000 in 2021 to 381,000 in 2024.

“Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and in collaboration with global innovators, Saudi Arabia continues to shape the future of technology,” Al-Swaha said. “These $14.9 billion investments are a testament to our commitment to a digital-first economy aligned with Vision 2030.”

Key Investment Announcements at LEAP 2025

AI and Cloud Computing Developments:

• Groq, a U.S.-based AI firm, is investing $1.5 billion in collaboration with Saudi Aramco to launch the world’s largest AI inferencing data center, further advancing Aramco Digital’s vision.

• Google Cloud announced a Global AI Hub in Saudi Arabia to support both regional and international AI infrastructure needs.

• Alibaba’s AI empowerment program, in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, aims to strengthen AI talent in the Kingdom.

Tech Infrastructure and Startup Ecosystem Growth:

• Lenovo is establishing its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia while partnering with Alat (a PIF-owned company) to develop an advanced AI and robotics manufacturing center.

• Gulf Data Hub and KKR are jointly investing in data centers with a 300MW capacity, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s AI and cloud leadership.

• Databricks, a U.S.-based tech company, pledged $300 million to develop local talent and enhance its presence in the Saudi market.

• Tencent Cloud has allocated $150 million toward Saudi tech infrastructure and digital partnerships.

• Salesforce will invest $500 million in the region, further boosting Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation initiatives.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in the Global Tech Landscape

Al-Swaha emphasized Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global technology, stating that the MENA digital economy grew by 73% between 2021 and 2024, reaching $260 billion, with Saudi Arabia contributing 50% of that growth.

“If Saudi Arabia were part of the EU tech landscape, it would rank as the fifth-largest tech hub in Europe,” he added. “The region now has 15 unicorns, with Saudi Arabia alone increasing from two to seven.”

Google’s Regional Commitment:

• Tara Brady, President of Google EMEA, revealed that Google aims to contribute $70 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy over the next 10 years.

• Google also pledged to train 1 million Saudi professionals in AI and tech-related skills by 2035.

Bridging the Digital Divide and Avoiding Tech Polarization

Saudi Arabia aims to eliminate global digital inequalities, ensuring that the benefits of AI and technology reach all nations, not just a select few.

“The world cannot afford polarization in the intelligent age,” Al-Swaha noted. “For AI to succeed, we need collaborative innovation rather than division. Saudi Arabia is leading this shift by creating opportunities and fostering inclusivity in technology.”

The minister also underscored the significant rise in female participation in Saudi Arabia’s tech industry, surpassing the EU, G20, and even Silicon Valley.

The Road Ahead: LEAP 2025’s Impact on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

LEAP 2025 stands as a landmark event in Saudi Arabia’s mission to position itself as a global innovation hub. The Kingdom’s leadership in AI, cloud computing, and startup funding reflects its commitment to technological self-reliance and economic transformation.

As the event unfolds, industry experts anticipate more strategic partnerships, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in the global tech revolution.


News Sources  Arab News