GulfTech

RIYADH: Investments totaling $1.78 billion marked the third day of the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference in Riyadh, aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence and digital talent development. Industry leaders, investors, and policymakers have launched several initiatives to drive digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Vision 2030 to position the Kingdom at the forefront of the digital age. Among these, Equinix, a global leader in digital infrastructure, announced a $1 billion investment in data centers nationwide, starting with a 100-megawatt facility to serve hyperscale and retail customers in the region. “Equinix has been at the center of technological advancements for 26 years. Our global interconnection hubs allow data to move seamlessly worldwide, and now, we are expanding further into Saudi Arabia,” said Judith Gardner, vice president of growth and emerging markets at Equinix. Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission has launched Cohort 3 of its innovative regulatory sandbox program, aimed at empowering innovators and startups to test new technologies. Abdulaziz Al-Batli, general manager of technology enablement at CST, emphasized the commission’s approach, which balances ample space for innovation with necessary regulatory oversight. To further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional technology and innovation hub, DAMAC’s EDGNEX unveiled plans to expand its investments in data centers for cloud computing and AI across the Kingdom. The company aims to develop a 500-megawatt capacity by 2030, aligning with the country’s broader digital transformation goals. This initiative complements the wave of investments announced at LEAP 2025, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its digital infrastructure and fostering an AI-driven economy. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2589809/business-economy