LEAP 2025 wraps up in Riyadh with $25 billion in tech investments

LEAP 2025 concluded in Riyadh with the announcement of $25 billion in tech investments. The four-day conference highlighted major deals in AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure, further establishing Saudi Arabia as a global leader in technology and innovation.

The LEAP 2025 Technology Conference, held from February 9 to 12 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, gathered industry leaders, innovators, and investors from around the world.

With its theme “Into New Worlds,” LEAP 2025 highlighted the Kingdom’s growing influence in AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure. The event has solidified Saudi Arabia’s position as a tech powerhouse, further accelerating the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.

LEAP 2025 Key Facts

Investments: Totaling $25 billion, including major deals such as $1.5 billion between Groq and Aramco Digital for AI-powered cloud computing and $2 billion partnership between Saudi’s Alat and China’s Lenovo to create an AI and robotics hub.

Speakers: Over 1,000 global experts, including top leaders in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.

Attendees: Over 200,000 participants from around the world.

Startups and brands: More than 1,800 tech brands and 680 startups exhibited at LEAP 2025.

The tech event was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones and Tahaluf Company.

We’re midway through at Malham. Drones are soaring, the Sports Tech Network is launching, and the Rocket Fuel Semi-Finals are heating up. 🔥

Day 2 has been nothing short of extraordinary but there’s still so much more to come. See you for what’s next.#LEAP25 #IntoNewWorlds pic.twitter.com/6l6TtbF151

— LEAP (@LEAPandInnovate) February 11, 2025

Riyadh — hub for Global Innovation

The four-day conference was not just a showcase of cutting-edge technology but also a platform for fostering global partnerships. Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, described LEAP 2025 as “the largest and most impactful edition to date.” He added that the event “connected startups with investors, drove innovation, and unlocked new opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

The Kingdom’s digital transformation is directly tied to the visionary leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, whose strategic support is driving Saudi Arabia toward becoming a leader in AI, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.

“LEAP has evolved from a movement to a multiplier effect – but now is our defining moment,” Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Eng Abdullah Alswaha said. “Technology has catalyzed Saudi Arabia as the biggest success story in youth and female empowerment in the 21^st Century, and we are laser-focused on continuing that success story. The intelligence age is here and, in partnership with you, we are going to take that leap together.”

Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, said this year’s tech event “reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s undisputed status as the primary digital accelerator in the Middle East and North Africa.”

LEAP 2025 Day 1 investments

The first day of LEAP 25 in Riyadh saw nearly $15 billion in investment deals, signaling a strong push for technological growth in Saudi Arabia. Key agreements included a $2 billion partnership between Lenovo and Saudi-based Alat, which will establish a manufacturing plant in Riyadh to produce Saudi-made laptops and desktops, creating thousands of jobs. Lenovo also announced plans to set up a regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Saudi Aramco Digital and the U.S. AI company Groq signed a $1.5 billion deal to expand AI-powered cloud computing, with plans for the world’s largest AI inferencing data center.

Other significant investments included Tencent Cloud’s $150 million project to establish a data center in Saudi Arabia and Databricks’ $300 million infrastructure investment aimed at building payment systems in the kingdom. These announcements underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for AI, digital infrastructure, and innovation, attracting top-tier global companies and further supporting the kingdom’s tech-driven future.

• Alat & Lenovo: $2 billion to establish an advanced AI and robotics manufacturing center and open Lenovo’s regional headquarters in Riyadh.
• Groq & Aramco Digital: $1.5 billion to expand AI-powered cloud computing, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in AI.
• Google: Launch of a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia as part of its AI infrastructure investment to meet growing regional and international demand.
• Databricks: $300 million in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, bolstering app developers and AI expertise to support Saudi Arabia’s digital economy.
• Qualcomm: Introduction of the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud and the ALLaM AI PC, enabling cloud-based AI solutions for developers.
• Salesforce: $500 million investment to expand its Hyperforce platform and serve regional customers from Saudi Arabia.
• Tencent Cloud: $150 million investment to launch its first cloud region in the Middle East from Saudi Arabia, integrating AI capabilities.
• Alibaba Cloud: AI empowerment program in collaboration with Tuwaiq Academy and STC to train local talent and build a sustainable digital future.
• SambaNova: $140 million investment in advanced AI infrastructure, further establishing Saudi Arabia as a regional innovation hub.
• KKR & Gulf Data Hub: Major investment in a data center development project with up to 300 megawatts of capacity to enhance cloud computing and AI capabilities.

LEAP 2025 Day 2 investments

Day 2 of LEAP 2025 witnessed a wave of transformative investments totaling over $7.5 billion, focused on enhancing Saudi Arabia‘s digital infrastructure and fostering innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). These investments, primarily directed towards data centers, submarine and fiber-optic cable networks, are designed to establish the Kingdom as a major regional hub for technology and innovation.

A standout announcement came from DataVolt, in collaboration with NEOM, which revealed a $5 billion investment to build the first fully sustainable AI data center in Oxagon. This state-of-the-art facility, with a capacity of 1.5 GW, is set to become a global leader in advanced computing and innovation. Alfanar also made significant strides, unveiling a $1.4 billion investment to develop four new data centers with a combined capacity of 88 MW, further bolstering the country’s digital economy.

• DataVolt & NEOM: $5 billion investment to build the first sustainable AI data center in Oxagon with a 1.5 GW capacity, driving advanced computing and AI innovation.
• Alfanar: $1.4 billion to develop four data centers with a total capacity of 88 MW, supporting Saudi Arabia’s digital economy and business solutions development.
• Mobily: $905 million to enhance the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure, including submarine cable networks and advanced data centers.
• Zoom: $75 million investment to drive AI innovation and establish new data centers, strengthening support for tech enterprises and government entities.
• Saudi Arabia Railways: $51 million to develop a private fiber-optic network, improving digital connectivity across the Kingdom.
• SkyFive: $100 million investment in non-terrestrial network services, pioneering advanced air mobility solutions and expanding innovation in this field.
• HPE: Expansion of “Made in KSA” initiatives and localization of HPE Aruba solutions to enhance infrastructure with AI-powered networking and security-first designs.

LEAP 2025 Day 3 investments

The third day of the LEAP25 conference, held on February 11, 2025, continued to build momentum with significant investments and announcements from top global technology players. The total value of investments reached $1.79 billion. These investments focus on critical areas such as digital talent development, AI, and cloud computing.

One of the key highlights was the launch of the Emerging Technology Regulatory Sandbox by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST). This initiative will allow innovators and startups to test new technologies in a secure and flexible regulatory environment, helping them enter the market with ease. Equinix also made a major announcement, revealing plans to launch the region’s largest cloud-computing data center with an investment exceeding $1 billion, cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in cloud services and technological innovation.

• Equinix: Launch of the region’s largest cloud-computing data center with an investment exceeding $1 billion, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a global tech hub.
• White Helmets: Introduction of the “Asif” AI agent designed to improve efficiency and accuracy in construction projects.
• Hands On Global Management: Launch of a $300 million fund aimed at developing and distributing games locally and internationally, alongside plans to establish a new headquarters in Saudi Arabia.
• National Technology Development Program (NTDP): Launch of accelerators and a $150 million fund to support IT innovation and the growth of tech startups in the Kingdom.
• Joa Capital & Buildnow Trading: Introduction of an $80 million infrastructure fund to meet the needs of Saudi Arabia’s expanding construction sector.
• Ula Capital: Launch of a $75 million fund dedicated to applied AI and deep tech projects, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s leadership in these fields.
• Sharaka Financial: Introduction of a $30 million fund to support startup growth across the MENA region.
• Orbit Startups & Sanabil Investments: Launch of a $60 million accelerator program to invest in 200 early-stage tech startups.
• Merit: Successful completion of its Series B investment round, raising $28 million to expand its global market presence.
• UltiAcademy: Secured $28 million in Series B funding to launch a generative AI-powered digital learning platform in the region.
• BRKZ: Closed the second phase of its Series A funding round, raising $22.5 million to support smart construction technologies and smart-city projects in Saudi Arabia.
• Buildnow: Secured $9.76 million in funding to enhance its digital solutions for the construction supply chain across MENA.
• Hydratac Inc: Invested $3 million in Hands On Global Management’s fund to drive innovation in military simulation games for the regional gaming industry.
• Microsoft: Collaborating with the National Academy of Information Technology to launch the region’s first data center academy, focusing on AI and technological infrastructure.
• Huawei: Launched the AI Knowledge Hub to promote lifelong learning, with a target of training 25,000 individuals.
• Accenture: Announced the opening of its first academy in the region, focusing on cybersecurity, AI, and emerging technologies, with plans to train 15,000 people.
• Atomcamp: Launched a regional academy focused on data science and AI, aiming to train 20,000 individuals in the Kingdom and beyond.
• Torod: Closed its Series A funding round with $11.3 million, led by Waed Company, to develop the first AI-powered logistics agent.

These investments and initiatives demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking approach to nurturing a thriving digital ecosystem and driving innovation in technology, AI, and digital infrastructure.

The conference organizers have announced the expansion of LEAP with two editions planned for 2026 — one in Riyadh and another in Hong Kong. This international expansion signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to extend its leadership in the digital economy and AI-driven innovation on a global scale.