LEAP 2025: Over $7.5 Billion in Tech and AI Investments Unveiled
Deal News | Feb 12, 2025 | Zawya
The LEAP 2025 technology event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, witnessed groundbreaking investments exceeding $7.5 billion in the technology and AI sectors. These investments are part of Saudi Arabia's effort to boost digital infrastructure and establish the country as a regional technology hub. Notable investments include DataVolt's $5 billion project for the first fully sustainable AI data center in OXAGON and Alfanar's $1.4 billion initiative to develop four data centers. Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) committed $911 million towards submarine cable networks, Zoom pledged $75 million to AI innovation, and Saudi Arabia Railways announced a $51 million investment in fiber-optic infrastructure. SkyFive revealed a $100 million venture in non-terrestrial network services, and HPE expanded its localization efforts. Investment funds are also set to channel $695 million into tech and AI channels.
Sectors
- Technology
- Telecommunications
- Artificial Intelligence
Geography
- Saudi Arabia – The article is centered around the LEAP 2025 event in Riyadh, discussing investments and plans to establish Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for technology and innovation.
Industry
- Technology – This article focuses on investments in technology infrastructure, such as AI data centers, IoT connectivity, and network services, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's push to enhance its tech sector.
- Telecommunications – Several investments were made in telecommunications infrastructure, including Mobily's submarine cable networks and developed data centers, showcasing efforts to improve digital connectivity in Saudi Arabia.
- Artificial Intelligence – Significant investments were made to promote AI innovation through the development of AI-driven data centers and services, highlighting the growing importance of AI in Saudi Arabia's digital strategy.
Financials
- 7.5 billion – Total investments announced at LEAP 2025 for tech and AI development.
- 5 billion – DataVolt's investment in an AI data center in OXAGON.
- 1.4 billion – Alfanar's investment in developing four data centers.
- 911 million – Investment by Mobily in submarine cable networks and data centers.
- 75 million – Zoom's investment in AI innovation and new data centres.
- 51 million – Saudi Arabia Railways' investment in a fiber-optic network.
- 100 million – SkyFive's investment in non-terrestrial network services for Advanced Air Mobility.
- 695 million – Investments by various funds in different tech and AI channels.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DataVolt | Investor | Company | DataVolt is making a significant $5 billion investment in an AI data center in collaboration with NEOM. |
| NEOM | Collaborator | Company | NEOM is collaborating with DataVolt on the establishment of the AI data center in OXAGON. |
| Alfanar | Investor | Company | Alfanar is investing $1.4 billion in developing data centers in Saudi Arabia. |
| Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) | Investor | Company | Mobily is a telecom company in Saudi Arabia investing $911 million in digital infrastructure projects. |
| Ericsson | Partner | Company | Ericsson has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Mobily to boost connectivity services. |
| Vodafone Business IoT | Partner | Company | A subsidiary of Vodafone Group, collaborating with Mobily on IoT services in Saudi Arabia. |
| Zoom | Investor | Company | Zoom is establishing data centres and investing $75 million in AI innovation in Saudi Arabia. |
| Saudi Arabia Railways | Investor | Company | Saudi Arabia Railways is enhancing digital connectivity through a $51 million fiber-optic network investment. |
| SkyFive | Investor | Company | $100 million investment in non-terrestrial network services to drive Advanced Air Mobility solutions in Saudi Arabia. |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) | Developer | Company | HPE is expanding Made in KSA solutions, focusing on AI-powered networking and infrastructure enhancements. |