LEAP 2025 Day Two: $7.5 Billion in Tech and AI Investments Announced

Riyadh, February 10, 2025 — LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia’s premier global technology event, announced over $7.5 billion in new investments on its second day, focusing on data centers, submarine cables, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The investments span partnerships with NEOM, major technology firms, and national carriers, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading digital hub.

Context and Background

LEAP 2025, organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SFCPD), and Tahaluf, has become a key platform for unveiling transformative tech projects. The investments announced align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, digital transformation, and positioning the Kingdom as a regional innovation leader.

Key Details

DataVolt, in partnership with NEOM, announced a $5 billion investment to build the first fully sustainable AI data center in OXAGON, with a capacity of 1.5 GW. This facility aims to become a global hub for advanced computing. Alfanar committed $1.4 billion for four data centers totaling 88 MW to support the digital economy. Mobily allocated $905 million for submarine cable networks and advanced data centers. Zoom pledged $75 million for AI innovation and new data centers. Saudi Arabia Railways invested $51 million in a private fiber-optic network. SkyFive unveiled a $100 million investment in non-terrestrial network services for Advanced Air Mobility. HPE announced expansion of its “Made in KSA” program with local manufacturing of HPE Aruba solutions.

Implications and Impact

These investments strengthen Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure and AI capabilities, attracting global tech players and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. The projects enhance connectivity, support cloud services, and enable smart city initiatives across the Kingdom, reinforcing its role as a bridge between Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Together, these announcements accelerate Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. By investing in cutting-edge digital infrastructure and AI, the Kingdom is laying the foundation for future industries, creating high-skilled jobs, and positioning itself as a global leader in innovation and technology.

20 Questions

Q1. What is LEAP 2025?

A1. LEAP 2025 is a global technology event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcasing innovations in AI, digital infrastructure, and sustainability, organized by MCIT, SFCPD, and Tahaluf.

Q2. How much was invested on Day Two of LEAP 2025?

A2. Over $7.5 billion in investments were announced on Day Two, focusing on data centers, submarine cables, AI, and advanced connectivity projects.

Q3. What is DataVolt’s investment?

A3. DataVolt, in collaboration with NEOM, invested $5 billion to build a fully sustainable AI data center in OXAGON with a capacity of 1.5 GW, aiming to be a global computing hub.

Q4. What did Alfanar announce?

A4. Alfanar announced a $1.4 billion investment to develop four data centers with a total capacity of 88 MW, supporting the digital economy in Saudi Arabia.

Q5. What is Mobily’s commitment?

A5. Mobily committed $905 million to develop submarine cable networks and advanced data centers to enhance the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure.

Q6. What did Zoom pledge?

A6. Zoom pledged $75 million to drive AI innovation and establish new data centers, supporting tech enterprises and government entities.

Q7. What is Saudi Arabia Railways’ investment?

A7. Saudi Arabia Railways invested $51 million in a private fiber-optic network to improve digital connectivity and expand communications infrastructure.

Q8. What did SkyFive unveil?

A8. SkyFive unveiled a $100 million investment in non-terrestrial network services for Advanced Air Mobility solutions, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role as a tech hub.

Q9. What is HPE’s announcement?

A9. HPE expanded its “Made in KSA” program by localizing HPE Aruba solutions, enhancing infrastructure with security-first and AI-powered networking.

Q10. Who organizes LEAP 2025?

A10. LEAP 2025 is organized by MCIT, SFCPD, Tahaluf (an alliance between SFCPD and Informa PLC), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF).

Q11. What is the goal of the DataVolt-NEOM data center?

A11. The data center aims to be a global hub for advanced computing and innovation, fully sustainable with 1.5 GW capacity, supporting AI workloads.

Q12. How does Alfanar’s investment support the digital economy?

A12. By developing four data centers, Alfanar provides critical infrastructure for cloud services, startups, and business solutions in Saudi Arabia.

Q13. What is Mobily’s role in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation?

A13. Mobily is a telecom operator investing in subsea cables and data centers to boost connectivity and support Vision 2030’s digital goals.

Q14. How will Zoom’s investment impact the region?

A14. Zoom’s investment will foster AI innovation, attract tech talent, and improve services for enterprises and government entities in Saudi Arabia.

Q15. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia Railways’ fiber-optic network?

A15. It enhances rail communications and supports wider digital connectivity, contributing to the Kingdom’s smart infrastructure development.

Q16. What are non-terrestrial network services?

A16. These include satellite-based and aerial communication systems, such as those for Advanced Air Mobility, enabling connectivity in remote areas.

Q17. How does HPE’s localization benefit Saudi Arabia?

A17. Localizing HPE Aruba solutions creates jobs, transfers technology, and strengthens cybersecurity while supporting domestic manufacturing.

Q18. What is the total investment announced at LEAP 2025 so far?

A18. On Day Two alone, over $7.5 billion was announced, adding to previous days’ totals, cumulatively exceeding tens of billions in tech investments.

Q19. How does LEAP 2025 align with Vision 2030?

A19. LEAP drives economic diversification by fostering innovation, digital infrastructure, and AI, key pillars of Vision 2030’s knowledge economy.

Q20. What future outcomes are expected from these investments?

A20. These investments will accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, create high-tech jobs, attract global partnerships, and establish the Kingdom as a leading tech hub.

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