Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step in expanding its global technology partnerships by launching the first international edition of its LEAP technology conference in Hong Kong. This event, known as LEAP East, signifies the Kingdom’s efforts to bolster cooperation across Asia and establish a comprehensive platform that bridges technology ecosystems between the East and the West.
At the inaugural event, Abdullah Al-Swaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the remarkable growth of the LEAP conference, which has evolved from being a local event in Riyadh to a global gathering. He highlighted the Kingdom’s swift digital transformation, revealing that Saudi Arabia’s digital economy has surged by 75% in the past eight years, reaching a value of $139 billion. Moreover, the non-oil digital economy now contributes 16% to the country’s GDP, demonstrating the sector’s increasing importance.
Al-Swaha also announced ambitious plans to enhance Saudi Arabia’s data center capacity to 6.9 gigawatts by 2034, a move aimed at supporting future advancements in artificial intelligence. The minister noted the significant investments from major technology firms such as ByteDance, Lenovo, and Tencent, which are establishing their presence in Saudi Arabia, further cementing the nation’s role as a tech hub.
A notable achievement highlighted by Al-Swaha is the substantial increase in women’s participation in the Saudi tech sector. Women’s involvement has grown from a mere 7% to an impressive 35%, surpassing the participation levels seen in both the European Union and Silicon Valley, showcasing the country’s commitment to gender diversity in technology.
The LEAP East conference will run for three days, featuring both Saudi and international technology companies. Attendees can expect to see a range of innovations in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart government solutions, reinforcing the event’s role as a catalyst for technological exchange and collaboration.