Saudi Arabia has taken a significant leap in broadening its global technology influence by launching the first international edition of its prominent LEAP technology conference in Hong Kong. This strategic move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international technology partnerships and enhancing collaborations across Asia. Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized this shift at the LEAP East conference’s inauguration, noting the event’s evolution from a local gathering in Riyadh to a global platform uniting artificial intelligence and technology sectors between East and West.
Al-Swaha highlighted the transformative growth of Saudi Arabia’s digital economy, which has expanded by 75% over the past eight years, reaching a valuation of $139 billion. This growth reflects the substantial contribution of the non-oil digital sector, which now accounts for 16% of the nation’s GDP. Looking ahead, the Kingdom is set to enhance its data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, a move aimed at bolstering future developments in artificial intelligence.
The minister also pointed out the influx of investments from major global technology players such as ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent into Saudi Arabia, showcasing the nation’s growing appeal as a tech hub. Additionally, he remarked on the significant rise in women’s participation within the Kingdom’s tech industry, which has surged from 7% to an impressive 35%, surpassing participation rates in both the European Union and Silicon Valley.
The three-day LEAP East conference is a showcase for both Saudi and international technology enterprises, focusing on cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions. The event serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to digital transformation and its ambition to position itself as a leader in the global tech landscape.