LEAP 2025 Announces $14.9B AI Investment

LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia’s premier tech event, kicks off with a groundbreaking announcement of $14.9 billion in AI investments, further establishing the Kingdom as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The announcement, made on the first day at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, pushes Saudi Arabia’s technology-related infrastructure investments beyond $42.4 billion since LEAP’s launch in 2022.

Massive AI and Cloud Investments Fuel Saudi Digital Transformation
Among the major investments are a $1.5 billion collaboration between Groq and Aramco Digital to enhance AI and cloud computing infrastructure and a $2 billion pledge by ALAT and Lenovo to build an AI and robotics-integrated manufacturing hub.

Key announcements include:

• Google launching new AI-driven infrastructure and a high-powered computing cluster.
• Qualcomm unveiling its ALLAM language model on Qualcomm AI Cloud.
• Alibaba Cloud launching the AI Enablement Programme in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy and STC Academy to train local talent.
• Databricks investing $300 million in AI-powered PaaS solutions.
• SambaNova committing $140 million to advanced AI infrastructure.
• KKR, with Gulf Data Hub, investing in data centers with 300 MW capacity.
• Salesforce Saudi Arabia investing $500 million to enhance cloud capabilities through Hyperforce.
• Tencent Cloud investing $150 million in the Middle East’s first AI-powered cloud region.

AI Supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng Abdullah Alswaha, highlighted the alignment of these investments with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030. He stressed the importance of technology in advancing youth and female empowerment in the Kingdom.

Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, emphasized that Saudi Arabia continues to be the MENA region’s digital accelerator.

IBM’s CEO Discusses Quantum Computing’s Potential
Arvind Krishna, IBM Chairman & CEO, took the stage to discuss future industry trends. He predicted that quantum computing could revolutionize industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas within three to five years.

Tech Arena Showcases Cutting-Edge Innovations
The debut of the Tech Arena at LEAP 2025 highlighted futuristic advancements, including:

• Engine VR’s Golden Gloves VR, a virtual reality boxing experience.
• Adobe’s Project Primrose, unveiling a wearable display dress blending fashion with digital designs.

LEAP 2025: A Global Tech Platform
With 1,800+ tech brands, 680+ startups, and 1,000+ speakers across 15 stages, LEAP 2025 is set to redefine the tech landscape and solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global AI powerhouse.