Saudi Arabia has taken a significant leap in broadening its global reach by introducing the first international edition of its prestigious LEAP technology conference in Hong Kong. This move is seen as a strategic effort to enhance its technological partnerships and strengthen ties across Asia. Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, addressed attendees at the opening of LEAP East, emphasizing the conference’s evolution from a local event in Riyadh to a worldwide platform that bridges AI and technology ecosystems between the East and West.
Al-Swaha highlighted the Kingdom’s swift digital transformation, revealing that Saudi Arabia’s digital economy has surged by 75% over the past eight years, now valued at $139 billion. This growth reflects the non-oil digital sector’s contribution of 16% to the nation’s GDP. In line with its digital ambitions, Saudi Arabia plans to boost its data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, a move aimed at bolstering future advancements in artificial intelligence.
The minister also pointed out the influx of investments from major technology firms such as ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent into Saudi Arabia, underscoring the Kingdom’s emerging role as a hub for technological innovation. Additionally, Al-Swaha celebrated the increased involvement of women in the tech sector, noting that their participation has risen dramatically from 7% to 35%, surpassing participation rates in both the European Union and Silicon Valley.
The three-day LEAP East conference serves as a showcase for both Saudi and international tech companies, highlighting breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions. This event not only reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a robust digital ecosystem but also signals its intent to play a pivotal role in the global technology landscape.