Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step in broadening its technology partnerships across Asia by launching the first international edition of its prominent LEAP technology conference in Hong Kong. The event, titled LEAP East, underscores the Kingdom’s ambition to connect AI and technology ecosystems globally, bridging the gap between East and West. At the conference’s inauguration, Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the transformation of LEAP from a local event based in Riyadh to an influential global platform.
Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rapid digital advancements, Al-Swaha noted that the country’s digital economy has experienced a 75% growth over the past eight years, now valued at $139 billion. This growth is reflected in the non-oil digital economy’s contribution to 16% of the Kingdom’s GDP. Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia has plans to significantly expand its data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034 to foster future developments in artificial intelligence.
The minister also pointed out the increasing interest from major technology players in Saudi Arabia, mentioning investments from companies like ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent. Additionally, Al-Swaha celebrated the remarkable progress in women’s involvement in the tech sector within the Kingdom, which has surged from 7% to 35%, surpassing the participation rates in both the European Union and Silicon Valley.
Throughout the three days of the LEAP East conference, both Saudi and international technology firms are showcasing their latest innovations. The focus is on advancements in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions, reflecting the event’s role in fostering technological collaboration and innovation at an international level.