Saudi Arabia has embarked on a significant venture to broaden its global technology collaborations by launching the first international edition of its renowned LEAP technology conference in Hong Kong. This move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its technological ties across Asia. During the opening of LEAP East, Abdullah Al-Swaha, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that the event has evolved from a local gathering in Riyadh into an influential global platform that bridges the AI and technology ecosystems of the East and West.
Al-Swaha highlighted Saudi Arabia’s swift digital transformation, noting an impressive 75% growth in the Kingdom’s digital economy over the past eight years, which has now reached a value of $139 billion. He pointed out that the non-oil digital economy contributes a substantial 16% to the country’s GDP. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia aims to expand its data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, a move intended to bolster future developments in artificial intelligence.
Prominent technology firms such as ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent are channeling investments into Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing appeal as a tech hub. Al-Swaha also drew attention to a significant increase in women’s involvement in the technology sector. The participation of women has surged from 7% to 35%, surpassing the averages in the European Union and Silicon Valley, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to gender diversity in tech.
The LEAP East conference, spanning three days, brings together Saudi and international technology companies to present cutting-edge innovations. These include advancements in artificial intelligence, enhancements in digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions, further illustrating the Kingdom’s dedication to becoming a leader in technological innovation on the global stage.
