Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step in expanding its global technology influence with the launch of the first international edition of its prominent LEAP technology conference in Hong Kong. This event represents a strategic move to cultivate technology partnerships and enhance collaboration with Asia. During the opening of LEAP East, Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the evolution of the conference from a local event in Riyadh to a global platform that bridges AI and technology ecosystems between the East and the West.
Al-Swaha underscored the Kingdom’s swift progress in digital transformation, noting a remarkable 75% growth in Saudi Arabia’s digital economy over the past eight years, reaching a value of $139 billion. The non-oil digital sector now accounts for 16% of the country’s GDP. Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia aims to increase its data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, a move designed to bolster future advancements in artificial intelligence.
The minister also pointed to significant investments from leading technology companies such as ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent in Saudi Arabia. This influx of investment is coupled with a notable rise in women’s participation in the technology sector within the Kingdom, which has surged from 7% to 35%, surpassing both European Union and Silicon Valley averages.
Over the course of three days, the LEAP East conference will highlight innovations from Saudi and international technology firms. Participants will showcase advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a cutting-edge tech landscape.