The opening day of LEAP 2025 saw the announcement of a record-breaking US$14.9 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) investments, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for AI development. The investments bring total technology-related infrastructure commitments in the Kingdom to more than US$42.4 billion since LEAP’s debut in 2022.
Among the key deals announced, Groq and Aramco Digital confirmed a US$1.5 billion plan to expand AI-powered inference infrastructure and cloud computing, while ALAT and Lenovo committed US$2 billion to establish an advanced manufacturing and technology centre integrating AI and robotics. Google unveiled plans for new AI-driven digital infrastructure, including a high-performance computing cluster, while Qualcomm announced the availability of its ALLAM language model on its AI Cloud. Alibaba Cloud also introduced an AI Enablement Programme, collaborating with Tuwaiq Academy and STC Academy to develop national talent.
Other significant investments included Databricks’ US$300 million initiative in AI-powered Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions, a US$140 million commitment from SambaNova to build advanced AI infrastructure, and KKR’s strategic partnership with Gulf Data Hub to develop data centres with up to 300 megawatts of capacity. Additionally, Salesforce pledged US$500 million towards Hyperforce, aimed at enhancing regional cloud capabilities, while Tencent Cloud allocated US$150 million to establish the Middle East’s first AI-powered cloud region.
His Excellency Eng Abdullah Alswaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, described the announcements as a step towards realising the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a leader in technological innovation. “LEAP 2025 is a defining moment because when the Kingdom works, the region works, and the whole world works,” he said. “Technology has catalysed Saudi Arabia as the biggest success story in youth and female empowerment in the 21st century, and we are laser-focused on continuing that success story.”
Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, the event’s co-organiser, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing digital influence. “The scale of new investments builds on the momentum from previous years, cementing the Kingdom’s status as the region’s primary digital accelerator.”
Quantum Computing and Emerging Trends
IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna used the event to discuss the transformative potential of quantum computing, predicting a breakthrough within three to five years. “Quantum computing will open up areas critical to the Kingdom, including materials science, energy, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals,” he said.
Tech Arena Showcases Cutting-Edge Innovations
LEAP 2025 also introduced the Tech Arena, an interactive space displaying emerging technologies. Highlights included Engine VR’s Golden Gloves VR, a gamified boxing experience, and Adobe’s Project Primrose, a wearable technology that allows garments to dynamically change patterns and colours.
With over 1,800 tech brands, 680 start-ups, and more than 1,000 speakers, LEAP 2025 continues to be a platform for global innovation and collaboration.
