In a significant move to bolster its global technology partnerships, Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the first international edition of its premier LEAP technology conference, taking place in Hong Kong. This event symbolizes a crucial effort by Saudi Arabia to fortify its collaborations across Asia, expanding beyond its Riyadh origins to become a globally recognized platform. The conference, now named LEAP East, serves as a bridge connecting artificial intelligence and technology ecosystems from the East and West.
Abdullah Al-Swaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the Kingdom’s swift digital transformation during the conference’s opening. He reported that the country’s digital economy has experienced a remarkable 75% growth over the past eight years, reaching a value of $139 billion. The non-oil digital economy now accounts for 16% of the nation’s GDP. Highlighting plans for further advancement, Al-Swaha revealed the Kingdom’s intention to enhance its data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, a move poised to support forthcoming AI developments.
The minister also noted significant investments from major technology firms like ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing status as a hub for tech innovation. Furthermore, Al-Swaha pointed out the impressive rise in women’s participation in the technology sector, which has escalated from 7% to 35%. This increase positions Saudi Arabia ahead of both the European Union and Silicon Valley averages, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering gender diversity in tech.
Spanning three days, the LEAP East conference showcases a variety of technological innovations, featuring contributions from both Saudi and international companies. The event highlights advancements in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions, demonstrating the breadth of technological progress being pursued. Through this global platform, Saudi Arabia aims to cement its role as a leader in technological innovation and collaboration on the international stage.
