Saudi Arabia has made a significant stride in enhancing its global technology collaborations by hosting the first international edition of its prominent LEAP technology conference in Hong Kong. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s efforts to bolster cooperation across Asia. At the opening of LEAP East, Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, underscored the event’s evolution from a local gathering in Riyadh to an influential global stage that bridges artificial intelligence and technology ecosystems between the East and the West.
Al-Swaha emphasized the Kingdom’s swift advancement in digital transformation, revealing that Saudi Arabia’s digital economy has surged by 75% over the past eight years, reaching a valuation of $139 billion. He noted that the non-oil digital economy now accounts for 16% of the nation’s GDP. In a forward-looking move, Saudi Arabia aims to expand its data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, a plan designed to support the future development of artificial intelligence.
The minister also pointed out the substantial investments from major technology firms such as ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent in Saudi Arabia. He applauded the notable increase in women’s participation within the Kingdom’s technology sector, which has risen from 7% to 35%, surpassing the averages found in both the European Union and Silicon Valley. This progress highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic tech industry.
Running over three days, the LEAP East conference serves as a showcase for both Saudi and international technology companies, presenting innovations in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions. The event is a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leader in the global technological landscape, fostering collaboration and innovation on an international scale.