LEAP 2025 AI Investments Reach $14.9 Billion, Driving Saudi Arabia’s Tech Growth
LEAP 2025, the leading global technology and innovation event, officially commenced in Riyadh on February 9, unveiling a $14.9 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. The major announcements made during the event reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global hub for AI innovation, supporting the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
The substantial investments span multiple sectors, including cloud computing, AI-powered infrastructure, robotics, and advanced digital solutions. They aim to foster local AI talent, support emerging tech startups, and attract global technology firms to the Kingdom. With these investments, Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as the largest digital economy in the MENA region, creating an ecosystem conducive to technological advancement and innovation.
Strategic Vision Behind LEAP 2025 Investments
The announcement was made by Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, who emphasized that these landmark investments are a critical step toward Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven future. He credited the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for championing initiatives that accelerate technological transformation and enhance the country’s role as a global AI leader.
“These initiatives are essential for empowering the technology sector and ensuring Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of AI development and digital transformation,” said Alswaha.
The LEAP 2025 conference, running until February 12, is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf Company, a joint venture between SAFCSP and Informa. The Events Investment Fund also supports the initiative, ensuring a platform for major technology collaborations and investments.
Key AI Investment Announcements at LEAP 2025
Several major investments and partnerships were unveiled on Day 1 of LEAP 2025, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in AI and cloud computing. Notable commitments include:
- Groq & Aramco Digital: A $1.5 billion investment to enhance AI-powered cloud computing capabilities, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in AI infrastructure.
- Alat & Lenovo: A $2 billion investment in an AI and robotics-based technology hub within Saudi Arabia, which will also serve as Lenovo’s regional headquarters.
- Google: Plans to establish a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia, expanding regional and international AI capabilities.
- Qualcomm: Launching the ALLaM AI model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, focusing on cloud-based AI computing solutions.
- Alibaba Cloud: Partnering with Tuwaiq Academy and STC to introduce an AI empowerment program, aimed at training and developing local AI expertise.
- Databricks: Investing $300 million to advance Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, driving AI-based data analytics.
- SambaNova: Pledging $140 million to enhance Saudi Arabia’s AI infrastructure.
- KKR & Gulf Data Hub: Announcing a major investment in data center development, with a planned capacity of 300 megawatts.
- Salesforce: Committing $500 million to expand its Hyperforce cloud platform in Saudi Arabia.
- Tencent Cloud: Investing $150 million to launch Saudi Arabia’s first AI-powered cloud region, facilitating AI-driven digital solutions.
Saudi Arabia’s AI-Driven Future
The massive LEAP 2025 AI investments reflect Saudi Arabia’s ambition to drive AI-powered economic growth, fostering innovation across industries such as finance, healthcare, smart cities, and robotics. These initiatives pave the way for groundbreaking technological advancements, helping the Kingdom attract global investments and strengthen its AI ecosystem.
By securing partnerships with top global tech firms, Saudi Arabia is building a strong foundation for AI research, workforce development, and responsible AI governance. The integration of AI within key industries will increase efficiency, enhance business growth, and establish Saudi Arabia as a leading technology powerhouse.
As LEAP 2025 continues, Saudi Arabia’s focus remains on sustaining long-term AI innovation and technological excellence. These investments will accelerate the nation’s transition into a digital-first economy, making it a global destination for AI-driven enterprises and emerging tech startups.
With a bold vision for the future, Saudi Arabia is shaping the next era of AI transformation, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in the global technology sector.
