LEAP 2025 officially opened in Riyadh, marking a key event for Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation strategy as the Kingdom announced over $14.9 billion in technology investments and projects aimed at advancing its artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
Key investments and projects unveiled include:
Groq and Aramco Digital
A $1.5 billion AI-powered cloud computing expansion to position Saudi Arabia as a global AI leader.
Alat and Lenovo
A $2 billion investment to build an advanced AI and robotics manufacturing centre and establish Lenovo’s regional headquarters in Riyadh.
AI infrastructure investments to develop a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand.
Qualcomm
The launch of the ALLaM language model on Qualcomm AI Cloud and the ALLaM AI PC, enabling cloud-based AI innovation for developers.
Alibaba Cloud
Collaboration with Tuwaiq Academy and STC on an AI training program to build local talent and foster a sustainable digital future.
Databricks
A $300 million investment in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions to boost AI expertise and app development capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
SambaNova
A $140 million investment in advanced AI infrastructure to solidify Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional technology hub.
KKR and Gulf Data Hub
A large-scale investment in data centre development with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts to enhance cloud and AI capabilities.
Salesforce
A $500 million investment to expand its Hyperforce platform, providing cloud services to regional clients from Saudi Arabia.
Tencent Cloud
A $150 million investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, based in Saudi Arabia, with integrated AI capabilities.
