LEAP 2025: Saudi scores big with over $20bn in AI investments 

Global technology event, LEAP, hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, locked in over $20 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) related investments over the course of two days. 

On the first day of the event, investments and projects in AI worth over $14.9 billion were announced, to empower digital skills development, foster tech startups growth, and enhance innovation in the kingdom, state-run news agency Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Investments and projects in AI, cloud computing and digital transformation on day one included a $1.5 billion investment announced by Groq & Aramco Digital to expand AI-powered cloud computing.

Alat & Lenovo confirmed a $2 billion investment to establish an advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology center in the kingdom and to open Lenovo's regional headquarters in Riyadh.

Google also unveiled plans for an AI infrastructure investment, launching a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia, while Qualcomm introduced the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, alongside the launch of the ALLaM AI PC, enabling cloud-based AI solutions for developers. 

Alibaba Cloud launched an AI empowerment program in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Tuwaiq Academy and STC, to train local talent. Databricks committed $300 million PaaS solutions, supporting app developers and fostering data engineering and AI expertise. SambaNova pledged $140 million to develop advanced AI infrastructure in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, KKR & Gulf Data Hub announced an investment in Saudi Arabia’s data center development, with a total capacity of up to 300 megawatts. Salesforce committed $500 million to expand its Hyperforce platform, while Tencent Cloud pledged a $150 million investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching from Saudi Arabia. 

Day Two
Day two of LEAP 2025 witnessed a string of investments in data centers, submarine and fiber-optic cable networks, topping $7.5 billion. 

DataVolt, in collaboration with NEOM, announced a $5 billion investment to establish the first fully sustainable AI data center in OXAGON. Alfanar revealed a $1.4 billion investment to develop four data centers, while Mobily committed $905 million to develop submarine cable networks and advanced data center projects.

Zoom has also pledged $75 million to drive AI innovation and establish new data centers, strengthening support for tech enterprises and government entities. 

Saudi Arabia Railways has announced a $51 million investment in a private fiber-optic network aimed at enhancing digital connectivity and expanding the country's communications infrastructure.