On the second day of LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia’s leading global tech event, major investments in AI, data centers, and gaming took center stage. With $6.13 billion in new investments, the event continues to fuel the Kingdom’s transformation into a global tech hub.
Announcements at LEAP 2025
1. $5B Sustainable AI Data Center in NEOM
- NEOM and DataVolt announced a $5 billion partnership to build the first fully sustainable AI data center with a 1.5-gigawatt capacity in Oxagon.
- This project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of tech-driven economic diversification.
2. Mobily’s $911M Investment in Digital Infrastructure
- Saudi telecom giant Mobily is investing $911 million in digital infrastructure, submarine cable projects, and data center expansion.
3. Zoom’s $75M AI & Innovation Investment
- Zoom will establish new AI-powered data centers to support tech companies and government agencies in Saudi Arabia.
4. Saudi Railways & SKYFive Expand Connectivity
- Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR): $51M investment in private fiber-optic networks.
- SKYFive: $100M investment in non-terrestrial communications to advance air mobility sector connectivity.
Tech Innovations: Smart Contact Lenses & AI-Driven Future
XPANCEO’s Smart Contact Lenses
- XPANCEO Co-Founder Dr. Valentyn Volkov introduced next-gen smart contact lenses with integrated AI, AR displays, biosensors, and neural interfacing.
- The company aims to launch a working prototype by 2026, revolutionizing health monitoring, AR experiences, and human-device interaction.
Saudi Arabia’s Booming Gaming Sector
- Saudi Arabia is positioning gaming and esports as key drivers of economic growth under Vision 2030.
- The Ignite Digital Content Programme and Saudi Digital Academy are training professionals and investing SAR 300M in gaming sector financing.
Accenture’s AI-Powered Business Autonomy Report
- Accenture’s Technology Vision 2025 predicts AI will drive automation across industries, with 65% of Saudi executives seeing AI as a key driver of digital reinvention.
- The report highlights trust in AI performance as crucial for long-term business success.
With record-breaking investments and cutting-edge technology announcements, LEAP 2025 cements Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in AI, digital transformation, and gaming.
