Latest news with #SAFCSP
Bahrain News Gazette
11-02-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Transportation Minister Participates in LEAP 2025 Tech Conference
Riyadh: Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, participated in the fourth edition of the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference. The conference was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf company, a joint venture between SAFCSP and the global company Informa, along with the Events Investment Fund, under the theme 'Into New Worlds'. The event is being held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Conference Centre and will continue until Wednesday, February 12. According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister commended the historic and strategic partnership between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the domains of telecommunications, information technology, and digital transformation. He highlighted the ongoing support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed expressed pride in the continuous tech initiatives supported by the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, co-chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. He noted the positive impact these initiatives have had on enhancing investment cooperation and exchanging expertise in telecom infrastructure and digital innovation. He commended Saudi Arabia's efforts in organizing the global event, which addresses the future of the telecom and IT sector and showcases the latest innovations. The event involves 18 countries, over 1,000 speakers and experts, 1,800 exhibitors, and around 680 startups. The minister emphasized the importance of the event as a key platform for attracting investments and tech companies, accelerating digital transformation locally, regionally, and globally, with a focus on AI, digital economy, smart cities, and clean technology. The minister opened Bahrain's pavilion, highlighting the participation of 22 Bahraini startups in telecom and IT. He highlighted Bahrain's commitment to providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and startups through modern policies and initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and the quality of services. Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed held meetings with several ministers, officials, investors, innovators, and representatives from both the public and private sectors. He also visited various exhibition booths to discuss developments in digital transformation and explore global technological innovations related to healthcare, education, sustainable energy, and the digital economy.
Arabian Business
10-02-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
LEAP 2025: Saudi technology event sees $15bn of AI deals in one day
A major Saudi technology event witnessed almost $15bn of AI deals in just one day, as the Kingdom continues to establish itself as a hub for the rapidly growing industry. LEAP 2025 officially launched in Riyadh, bringing together global technology and innovation leaders to reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a primary hub for digital transformation and an attractive destination for tech investments. On the first day of the event, investments and projects worth over $14.9bn ($bn) in the artificial intelligence sector were announced, solidifying the Kingdom's role as a key global player in shaping the digital future. AI in Saudi Arabia These investments are designed to empower digital skills development, foster the growth of tech startups, and enhance innovation in Saudi Arabia. They further establish the Kingdom as a hub for technology and innovation, positioning it as an attractive environment for leading global technology companies and reinforcing its status as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement was made during the keynote address by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha, as the conference, which runs until Wednesday, commenced under the theme 'Into New Worlds.' Minister Alswaha emphasised that these significant investments and initiatives were made possible through the support and empowerment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These initiatives aim to enable the technology sector and accelerate Saudi Arabia's transition toward an innovative and sustainable AI-driven economy, in line with Vision 2030 objectives. LEAP 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf Company—a joint venture between SAFCSP and Informa PLC, supported by the Events Investment Fund. The first day of the event witnessed the announcement of several major investments and projects in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation, including; Groq and Aramco Digital announced a $1.5bn investment to expand AI-powered cloud computing, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Alat and Lenovo confirmed a $2bn investment to establish an advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology centre in Saudi Arabia and to open Lenovo's regional headquarters in Riyadh. Google unveiled plans for an AI infrastructure investment, launching a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand. Qualcomm introduced the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, alongside the launch of the ALLaM AI PC, enabling cloud-based AI solutions for developers and accelerating technological innovation. Alibaba Cloud launched an AI empowerment program in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Tuwaiq Academy and STC, to train local talent in advanced technologies and contribute to building a sustainable digital future. Databricks committed $300m in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, supporting app developers and fostering data engineering and AI expertise to boost Saudi Arabia's digital economy. SambaNova pledged $140m to develop advanced AI infrastructure in the Kingdom, reinforcing its role as a regional innovation hub. KKR and Gulf Data Hub announced a major investment in Saudi Arabia's data centre development, with a total capacity of up to 300 megawatts, enhancing cloud computing and AI capabilities. Salesforce committed $500m to expand its Hyperforce platform, serving its regional customers from KSA. Tencent Cloud pledged a $150m investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching from Saudi Arabia with integrated AI capabilities.
Gulf Business
09-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
LEAP 2025 launches in Riyadh, unveiling $14.9bn in AI investments
Image: Saudi Press Agency LEAP 2025, a flagship event bringing together global technology and innovation leaders, officially launched in Riyadh on Sunday, February 9. On the first day of the conference, investments and projects totaling over $14.9bn in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector were announced, the Saudi Press Agency reported. These major investments solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global player in shaping the digital future. The investments aim to foster digital skills development, support the growth of tech startups, and encourage innovation within the kingdom. They further solidify Saudi Arabia's standing as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, creating a thriving environment for global tech companies. The announcement was made during the keynote address by Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. LEAP 2025 positions Saudi Arabia as a tech leader As 'Into New Worlds', Minister Alswaha highlighted that these investments and initiatives were made possible through the support of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. 'These initiatives are integral to empowering the technology sector and accelerating Saudi Arabia's transition towards an innovative, AI-driven economy,' said Alswaha. 'They are also aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030.' LEAP 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf Company — a joint venture between SAFCSP and Informa, with support from the Events Investment Fund. Several high-profile investments were unveiled on the event's first day, including: Groq & Aramco Digital : A $1.5bn investment to expand AI-powered cloud computing, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI. Alat and Lenovo : A $2bn investment to create an advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology centre in Saudi Arabia and establish Lenovo's regional headquarters in Riyadh. Google : Plans to launch a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand through an AI infrastructure investment. Qualcomm : Introduction of the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, alongside the ALLaM AI PC, advancing cloud-based AI solutions. Alibaba Cloud : An AI empowerment program in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy and STC to train local talent and support a sustainable digital future. Databricks : A commitment of $300m in platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solutions to foster data engineering and AI expertise. SambaNova : A $140m pledge to enhance advanced AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. KKR and Gulf Data Hub : A major investment in Saudi Arabia's data centre development with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts. Salesforce : A $500m commitment to expand its Hyperforce platform in Saudi Arabia. Tencent Cloud : A $150m investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching integrated AI capabilities from Saudi Arabia. Read:
Asharq Al-Awsat
09-02-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Solidifies Position as Regional, Global Hub for AI with $14.9B in Investment at LEAP25
LEAP 2025 officially launched in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together global technology and innovation leaders to reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a primary hub for digital transformation and an attractive destination for tech investments. On the first day of the event, investments and projects worth over $14.9 billion in the artificial intelligence sector were announced, solidifying the Kingdom's role as a key global player in shaping the digital future. These investments are designed to empower digital skills development, foster the growth of tech startups, and enhance innovation in Saudi Arabia. They further establish the Kingdom as a hub for technology and innovation, positioning it as an attractive environment for leading global technology companies and reinforcing its status as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The announcement was made during the keynote address by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha, as the conference, which runs until Wednesday, commenced under the theme "Into New Worlds." Alswaha emphasized that these significant investments and initiatives were made possible through the support and empowerment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These initiatives aim to enable the technology sector and accelerate Saudi Arabia's transition toward an innovative and sustainable AI-driven economy, in line with Vision 2030 objectives. LEAP 2025 is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf Company—a joint venture between SAFCSP and Informa PLC, supported by the Events Investment Fund. The first day of the event witnessed the announcement of several major investments and projects in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation, including; Groq & Aramco Digital announced a $1.5 billion investment to expand AI-powered cloud computing, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Alat & Lenovo confirmed a $2 billion investment to establish an advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology center in Saudi Arabia and to open Lenovo's regional headquarters in Riyadh. Google unveiled plans for an AI infrastructure investment, launching a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand. Qualcomm introduced the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, alongside the launch of the ALLaM AI PC, enabling cloud-based AI solutions for developers and accelerating technological innovation. Alibaba Cloud launched an AI empowerment program in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Tuwaiq Academy and STC, to train local talent in advanced technologies and contribute to building a sustainable digital future. Databricks committed $300 million in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions, supporting app developers and fostering data engineering and AI expertise to boost Saudi Arabia's digital economy. SambaNova pledged $140 million to develop advanced AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a regional innovation hub. KKR & Gulf Data Hub announced a major investment in Saudi Arabia's data center development, with a total capacity of up to 300 megawatts, enhancing cloud computing and AI capabilities. Salesforce committed $500 million to expand its Hyperforce platform, serving its regional customers from Saudi Arabia. Tencent Cloud pledged a $150 million investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching from Saudi Arabia with integrated AI capabilities. LEAP 2025 underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to leading the global AI sector, attracting top-tier technology investments, and cementing its position as a hub for digital transformation and technological innovation.
