Source Credit: Saudi gazette
Riyadh — After an outstanding display of partnerships and investments totaling about $25 billion, the LEAP 2025 technology event came to an end, confirming Saudi Arabia's standing as a global center for innovation and technology. Global tech enthusiasts, investors, and industry executives gathered at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Centre for the four-day event.
A historic announcement of $14.9 billion in new investments in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) opened the event. Major players like Groq and Aramco Digital, who announced a $1.5 billion partnership to improve AI-powered infrastructure, and Lenovo and ALAT, who committed $2 billion to establish an advanced manufacturing and technology center integrating AI and robotics, were among those who made significant commitments in this initial wave of funding.
Another $7.5 billion in investments to strengthen data centers and improve digital connectivity throughout the Kingdom were made on the second day of LEAP 2025. Notable announcements included Mobily's $905 million pledge to build undersea cable networks and DataVolt's $5 billion investment for a sustainable AI data center in NEOM.
Additional investments totaling $1.78 billion were made on the last day of the event, with an emphasis on entrepreneurs and next-generation technologies. In Saudi Arabia, Equinix announced a $1 billion investment to build the largest data center in the area. A number of programs aimed at assisting tech entrepreneurs were also revealed.
His Excellency Eng Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's vision for the Kingdom's digital sector depends on these investments, according to Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha. "LEAP 2025 is not just an event; it is a defining moment for our nation’s technological aspirations," he said in his keynote speech.
With more than 1,500 exhibitors and over 200,000 guests, the event demonstrated Saudi Arabia's dedication to promoting creativity and cooperation in the tech sector. With talks ranging from sustainable mining to green hydrogen, LEAP 2025 has established itself as a pillar for upcoming technological developments in the area.
The disclosures made at this historic occasion are anticipated to propel substantial expansion in Saudi Arabia's digital economy as LEAP 2025 draws to a close, solidifying its position as a pioneer in technological innovation worldwide.
