Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step in broadening its global technology alliances by launching the first international edition of its prominent LEAP technology conference in Hong Kong. This event, named LEAP East, represents a strategic expansion aimed at bolstering cooperation between the technology ecosystems of the East and West. Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized this growth during his opening remarks at the conference.
Al-Swaha pointed out that LEAP has evolved from an event rooted in Riyadh into a comprehensive global platform. He underscored the Kingdom’s impressive digital transformation, revealing that its digital economy has surged by 75% over the past eight years, reaching a valuation of $139 billion. The non-oil digital economy now contributes 16% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP. Furthermore, he disclosed ambitious plans to expand the country’s data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, a move poised to support the burgeoning development of artificial intelligence.
The minister also highlighted the influx of investments from leading technology firms such as ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent into Saudi Arabia. These investments signal a growing international interest in the Kingdom’s technology sector. Al-Swaha proudly noted the significant increase in women’s participation within this sector, which has risen dramatically from 7% to 35%, surpassing the participation rates seen in both the European Union and Silicon Valley. This progress underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive digital economy.
The three-day LEAP East conference serves as a showcase for technological innovations, bringing together Saudi and international companies to exhibit advancements in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions. This event not only highlights Saudi Arabia’s dedication to expanding its technological horizons but also strengthens its position as a key player in the global technology landscape.