logo
LEAP25 Continues Groundbreaking Announcements on Day Two with Over $7.5 Bn in Investments

LEAP25 Continues Groundbreaking Announcements on Day Two with Over $7.5 Bn in Investments

Asharq Al-Awsat10-02-2025
LEAP 2025, the global tech event held in Riyadh, witnessed a series of groundbreaking investments on Day 2, exceeding $7.5 billion, in data centers, submarine and fiber-optic cable networks.
These investments are focused on enhancing digital infrastructure and promoting innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), further establishing Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for technology and innovation.
DataVolt, in collaboration with NEOM, announced a significant investment of $5 billion to establish the first fully sustainable AI data center in OXAGON, with a capacity of 1.5 GW. This cutting-edge facility aims to become a global hub for advanced computing and innovation.
Alfanar revealed a $1.4 billion investment to develop four data centers, with a total capacity of 88 MW. This initiative will support the growth of the digital economy and the development of business solutions in Saudi Arabia.
In a strategic initiative to improve the Kingdom's digital infrastructure, Mobily committed $911 million to develop key projects, including submarine cable networks and advanced data centers.
In addition, Zoom has pledged $75 million to drive AI innovation and establish new data centers, strengthening support for tech enterprises and government entities, which will further fuel digital expansion in the region.
Saudi Arabia Railways announced a $51 million investment in a private fiber-optic network aimed at boosting digital connectivity and expanding the country's communications infrastructure.
In addition, SkyFive has highlighted Saudi Arabia's growing role as a regional hub for technological innovation by unveiling a $100 million investment in non-terrestrial network services. This will focus on pioneering Advanced Air Mobility solutions and driving innovation in this field.
HPE announced the expansion of 'Made in KSA' in the region, and the localization of HPE Aruba solutions to enhance infrastructure with security-first and AI-powered networking.
LEAP 2025 is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SFCPD), and Tahaluf, an alliance between SFCPD and Informa PLC, and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). The event brings together global tech leaders to exchange insights, foster connections between investors and startups, and highlight innovative technologies.
LEAP features educational experiences, workshops, and thought leadership sessions, including the 'LEAP Into Innovation' by the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA). Discussions will explore future-focused topics such as green hydrogen, carbon-neutral cities, sustainable mining, and space exploration.
LEAP 2025 continues to solidify Saudi Arabia's leadership in the global technology landscape, driving forward a future of innovation and sustainable digital transformation.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi Bank Lending Hits Record $850bn on Corporate, Real Estate Demand
Saudi Bank Lending Hits Record $850bn on Corporate, Real Estate Demand

Leaders

time3 days ago

  • Leaders

Saudi Bank Lending Hits Record $850bn on Corporate, Real Estate Demand

Saudi banks' outstanding loans reached SR 3.2 trillion ($849.7 billion) in June 2025, representing a 15.8 percent increase compared to the same month of 2024, according to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Corporate borrowing was the main driver of expansion, accounting for 76 percent of total growth. Business loans stood at SR 1.8 trillion, while loans to individuals reached SR 1.4 trillion. The retail share, however, slipped from nearly 50 percent in 2024 to about 44 percent this year. Real Estate Leads Business lending surged 22.5 percent year-on-year, with several sectors showing remarkable growth: Real estate: SR 384 billion, nearly 22 percent of corporate loans, up 39 percent YoY. Wholesale and retail trade: SR 213.1 billion (11.9 percent share), rising 8.4 percent YoY. Electricity, gas, and water supply: SR 199.3 billion (11.15 percent share). Manufacturing: SR 192.25 billion (10.8 percent share). Fastest-growing sectors included real estate and transportation/storage (39.9 percent each), health and social work (35.4 percent, SR 26.9 billion), and financial and insurance activities (34 percent, SR 167.5 billion). Vision 2030, Lending Demand The surge in credit highlights banks' central role in funding Vision 2030 projects, including: Giga-projects such as NEOM Infrastructure and transport networks Housing initiatives Healthcare and social services Real estate financing, in particular, reflects rising homeownership goals, urban expansion, and regulatory reforms improving transparency and efficiency. Digital Transformation, Fintech Growth SAMA's digitalization push has accelerated fintech adoption: Electronic payments accounted for 79 percent of retail transactions in 2024, up from 70 percent in 2023. The number of licensed fintech firms rose from 224 in mid-2024 to 261 by year-end, and further to 317 by mid-2025. Of these, 86 companies secured funding worth $4.66 billion in venture capital, according to Tracxn. The government's Financial Sector Development Program aims to expand the fintech base to 525 firms and 18,000 jobs by 2030, cementing Saudi Arabia's position as a regional hub for financial innovation. Record-Breaking Bank Profits The lending boom translated into the strongest earnings in Saudi banking history, with combined Q2 2025 profits exceeding SR 23 billion. Notable results included: Saudi National Bank: SR 6.1 billion profit (+17.3%). Al Rajhi Bank: SR 6.15 billion profit (+31%). Saudi Awwal Bank: SR 2.13 billion profit (+9.5%). Banque Saudi Fransi: SR 1.30 billion profit (+21%). Related Topics : Saudi Banks' Credit Card Loans Reach Record High of $8.07 Billion Lebanese President Aoun to Make Historic Saudi Visit to Rebuild Bilateral Ties Founding Day 2025: How Saudi Currency Developed over Time? Saudi Arabia Fuels 2025 Growth with Economic Diversification: Report Short link : Post Views: 6

Saudi Arabia taps AI and immersive tech to drive tourism growth
Saudi Arabia taps AI and immersive tech to drive tourism growth

Arab News

time5 days ago

  • Arab News

Saudi Arabia taps AI and immersive tech to drive tourism growth

Saudi Arabia is ramping up the adoption of smart technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality across its tourism sector, aiming to redefine the visitor experience and support its broader economic diversification agenda. Experts say the integration of these technologies across flagship projects like Neom and the Red Sea Project is positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism hub at a time when the industry is recovering from the pandemic and projected to reach $11.7 trillion in economic contribution by 2025. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is positioning tourism as a key non-oil growth engine. Its National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030 and aims to raise the sector's contribution to gross domestic product from 3 percent to 10 percent. Speaking to Arab News, Nicholas Nahas, partner and tourism & hospitality global competence center lead at Arthur D. Little, said Saudi Arabia is intelligently integrating smart technologies into its tourist destinations, helping the Kingdom emerge as one of the most sought-after tourism hubs. 'In Saudi Arabia, smart tourism, while not always explicitly referenced or promoted as such across its portfolio of tourism developments, is subtly being integrated as a strategic enabler of the country's broader economic shift to diversifying its economy,' said Nahas. He added: 'It includes artificial intelligence for personalized trip planning, biometric systems to streamline travel and immigration, IoT-enabled controls in accommodations, and AR/VR to create immersive storytelling at cultural and entertainment sites.' Nahas further said that smart technologies are being planned as enablers to manage growth, enhance quality, and differentiate the visitor experience. Smart tourism refers to the use of advanced digital technologies across the tourism value chain to enhance visitor experiences, improve operations, and support sustainable destination management. The concept also aligns with the idea of a Smart Destination — a location that leverages technology and innovation to create more immersive and sustainable experiences. Julio De Salvo, Globant's chief solution officer for the Middle East and North Africa and the Asia Pacific region, echoed similar views. He said Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a global tourism hub, and this journey could be further accelerated by adopting smart technologies across the sector. Salvo added that some of the key drivers of smart tourism in the Kingdom include massive investments in smart infrastructure — such as AI-enhanced airports and digital visa platforms — a young, tech-savvy population, and a strong commitment to sustainability through regenerative models that prioritize environmental and cultural preservation. The Globant executive also commented on the global post-pandemic recovery of the tourism sector and said the industry is accelerating toward a projected $11.7 trillion in economic contribution by the end of 2025. 'Saudi Arabia isn't riding the wave of global tourism recovery; it's creating its own momentum, using smart tourism as a catalyst for economic diversification, innovation leadership, and long-term global relevance,' said Salvo. Creating personalized experience Salvo told Arab News that the tourism industry is witnessing a rapid shift, where digital tourism is slowly giving way to cognitive tourism — with advanced technologies used to deliver personalized services to travelers. 'In Saudi Arabia, it's no longer just about online bookings or mobile apps — it's about intelligent systems that understand, anticipate, and adapt to travelers' behavior in real-time,' said Salvo. A recent study by global consumer insights provider Toluna echoed this trend, noting that Saudi travelers are increasingly relying on smart technologies, with 87 percent using generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to plan and manage their vacations. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is positioning tourism as a key non-oil growth engine. Its National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030 and aims to raise the sector's contribution to gross domestic product from 3 percent to 10 percent. The report further found that 46 percent of Saudi travelers use AI assistants to discover activities, while 31 percent rely on these tools to optimize their itineraries. Nahas said destinations powered by smart technologies are delivering more personalized, seamless, and immersive experiences — supporting higher satisfaction levels and encouraging repeat visitation. The Arthur D. Little official added that these technologies will also enable more sustainable operations, from energy use in hotels to mobility and waste systems in major destinations. 'Importantly, the Kingdom's flagship tourism projects — such as Neom, the Red Sea Project, Diriyah, Qiddiya, and New Murabba — are integrating smart systems as a core component of how tourism experiences are crafted, delivered, and continuously improved,' said Nahas. Neom aims to elevate the visitor experience through AI-led personalization and immersive digital engagement. The Red Sea Project similarly integrates smart infrastructure to enable seamless and sustainable guest experiences. The destination is deploying IoT sensors to monitor environmental indicators, utilities, and operational systems across its resorts and natural assets. Diriyah, while rooted in heritage, is incorporating digital heritage documentation and exploring interactive technologies to enhance cultural storytelling — aligning with broader trends in cultural tourism that use immersive tools to enrich historical engagement and visitor education. Nahas added: 'These systems could be equally used to monitor visitor needs, respond to requests, and elevate the visitor experience.' 'Plans also include autonomous electric vehicles, smart utility management, and a centralized digital platform that will allow guests to access accommodation, transportation, and experience bookings.' Salvo also emphasized the transformative role of data and AI. 'By integrating real-time data — from IoT sensors to traveler preferences and even biometric signals — we can deliver experiences that are not just personalized, but truly responsive,' said the Globant official. He added: 'This is how data becomes experience — and how destinations become intelligent, dynamic environments that adapt in real time. It's a win-win: travelers feel seen, and operators gain the insight and agility to manage resources, reduce friction, and elevate every journey.' Nahas said AI is also becoming increasingly prominent in trip planning and customer service, with chatbots offering timely support and tools generating personalized itineraries. According to the Arthur D. Little executive, service robots using AI could be deployed in budget accommodations to handle routine tasks such as cleaning and food delivery, boosting both efficiency and consistency. 'On the infrastructure side, IoT, cloud, and AI systems are being integrated into facilities to monitor and control environmental conditions in real time. This supports sustainability goals by optimizing resource use and maintaining comfort standards, particularly in large-scale developments,' said Nahas. Potential challenges Amid these promising developments, experts also highlighted challenges facing Saudi Arabia in implementing advanced technologies in its tourism sector — including localization gaps. 'Many of the most advanced solutions in areas such as AI, AR/VR, and IoT are currently developed outside the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia integrates these tools into its tourism offering, collaboration with international partners will be important, alongside efforts to build local capabilities over time,' said Nahas. Highlighting the importance of regulation, the Arthur D. Little executive added that clear guidelines around data governance, cybersecurity, and system standards will be essential to support consistent implementation and long-term alignment with national priorities. Salvo shared similar concerns, emphasizing the need for talent development to support the growing smart tourism ecosystem. He said this requires upskilling programs and international partnerships to close expertise gaps. 'Major tech infrastructure, including nationwide 5G networks, smart airports, and cloud systems, is still rolling out, with delays in full deployment potentially hindering real-time applications like personalized AI tours and immersive experiences in mega-projects like The Red Sea and Neom,' added the Globant official. Despite these challenges, experts told Arab News that smart tourism can grow into a well-integrated part of Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy — provided there is the right coordination and policy framework. 'The pieces are steadily coming into place — with emerging tech adoption readiness jumping to nearly 75 percent in 2025 — and paint a bright future where smart tourism not only overcomes these obstacles but propels Saudi Arabia to lead in innovative, regenerative travel,' concluded Salvo.

Riyadh's Global Rise: Can Saudi Arabia Become a Business Powerhouse?
Riyadh's Global Rise: Can Saudi Arabia Become a Business Powerhouse?

Leaders

time13-08-2025

  • Leaders

Riyadh's Global Rise: Can Saudi Arabia Become a Business Powerhouse?

By: Ranim Elgabakhngi Long defined by oil wealth, Saudi Arabia is rapidly reshaping its economic identity. In 2025, the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 reform program is positioning it as an emerging global business hub, with data pointing to deepening international integration and a shift toward sustainable, diversified growth. Pivoting Beyond Oil The latest GDP figures highlight the shift: non-oil economic activity powered a 4.2% growth in the first quarter of 2025, signaling tangible progress in reducing the Kingdom's long-standing reliance on hydrocarbons. At the heart of this transformation is the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund now managing over $700 billion in assets. Its investments span technology, infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and green energy—aligning with Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and innovation-led development. Business-Friendly Reforms Reforms are playing a key role. Saudi Arabia has introduced sweeping changes to attract investors, including allowing 100% foreign ownership in most sectors through licenses issued by the Ministry of Investment (MISA), and drastically reducing business setup times. The result: improved rankings. The Kingdom climbed in the 2025 Global Intellectual Property Index, reflecting enhanced protections for investors and innovators. Strategic Growth Zones Flagship projects like NEOM and the creation of five Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are central to Vision 2030. These SEZs are tailored to high-growth industries—including FinTech, healthcare, e-commerce, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure—offering tax incentives and regulatory advantages to global investors. Construction, logistics, and the digital economy are also seeing heightened activity, as Saudi Arabia aims to become a regional—and eventually global—hub for supply chains and innovation. Rising Global Engagement Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to grow. In Q1 2025, net FDI inflows reached SAR 22.2 billion ($5.9 billion), up 44% year-on-year, as investor confidence in the Kingdom's long-term strategy strengthens. Saudi Arabia also rose to 17th place in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, outperforming several larger economies and reflecting the country's growing business appeal on the global stage. Outlook: Regional Dominance, Global Reach With non-oil GDP expanding, investment flows accelerating, and reforms deepening, Saudi Arabia is fast approaching its goal of becoming a major global business hub. Its growing dominance in logistics and ease of doing business are expected to further solidify its position as both a regional powerhouse and a serious global contender. The transformation, once viewed with skepticism, is now beginning to yield measurable results—with Riyadh emerging as a city to watch in the global economy. Short link :

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store