Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – February 11, 2025 – Saudi Arabia’s technology sector received another major boost on the third day of the Leap 2025 summit in Riyadh, with global tech leaders announcing billions in investments aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s AI, cloud computing, and start-up ecosystem.
Among the biggest announcements was US-based Equinix, which unveiled plans to invest over $1 billion in a state-of-the-art data centre to meet growing demand for AI, cloud, and enterprise workloads.
Saudi Arabia’s Push for a Digital Future
Equinix’s new 100-megawatt facility will not only support businesses in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle Eastbut will also attract global companies looking to expand their digital footprint in the region.
"This data centre will bring our customers to the Middle East while also serving hyperscale and retail companies in Saudi Arabia and beyond," said Judith Gardiner, Vice President for Emerging Markets at Equinix, during the announcement.
In addition to Equinix, Microsoft is stepping up its efforts by launching a Data Centre Academy in Saudi Arabia, partnering with the Dammam-based National Information Technology Academy. This initiative aims to train the next generation of IT professionals, equipping them with essential skills to power the country’s growing digital economy.
Tech Start-ups Secure Nearly $500 Million in Funding
Saudi Arabia’s booming start-up sector also received a massive $494 million in funding pledges, marking one of the biggest investments into AI, deep technology, and logistics.
The funding, backed by leading venture capital firms including STV, Rua Ventures, Beco Capital, and Waed Capital, aims to fuel innovation and accelerate the Kingdom’s transformation into a global tech powerhouse. New accelerators and incubators have also been launched to support budding entrepreneurs.
Training the Next Generation of Tech Experts
Beyond funding, Huawei Technologies is investing in Saudi talent by launching its Future Skills Centre, with a goal to train 25,000 individuals in AI, cloud computing, and big data over the next five years.
Accenture is also stepping in to bridge the gap between AI theory and real-world impact, by opening an AI Academy in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
"Saudi Arabia is becoming a hub for AI talent, and we are committed to helping individuals develop the skills they need to thrive in the new digital economy," said Mohammed Bamaga, Accenture Academy Lead for the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s Billion-Dollar Tech Drive
The Kingdom’s shift towards technology is part of a broader strategy to reduce its reliance on oil and position itself as a leader in AI, cloud computing, and innovation.
Just a day before these announcements, Saudi Arabia secured $7.4 billion in AI and data centre investments, adding to the $14.9 billion committed on the first day of Leap 2025.
With over 1,800 global tech brands and 680 start-ups exhibiting at the summit, Saudi Arabia is proving to the world that it is serious about building a future powered by technology.
Gaming and Entertainment Also Get a Boost
In another major move, HandsOn Global Investment, a California-based venture capital firm, announced a $300 million investment to bring and launch games from top developers in Saudi Arabia, signaling growth in the Kingdom’s digital entertainment sector.
As Saudi Arabia continues to attract global tech giants and billions in investment, Leap 2025 is setting the stage for the country to become a regional and global technology hub—one that is not just investing in infrastructure, but also in people, innovation, and the future of digital transformation.