Saudi Arabia is on the fast track to transforming its economy and establishing itself as a leading digital hub through significant investment and strategic partnerships. A series of announcements during the recent LEAP 2025 technology event highlighted the kingdom's ambition to fulfill its Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to diversify its economy beyond oil and promote technological innovation.
One major player making waves is Mobily, Saudi Arabia's leading telecommunications provider, which recently announced it will invest $905 million (over SAR 3.4 billion) to bolster the country's digital infrastructure. This substantial funding will go toward enhancing data centers and establishing submarine cables to improve connectivity. Eng. Salman Al-Badran, CEO of Mobily, emphasized the importance of these investments: "Mobily’s investments in data centers and submarine cables are... necessary for both public and private sectors to launch digital services." This expansion not only supports local demand for advanced digital services but also aims to position Saudi Arabia as a key player on the global technological stage.
The investments will facilitate the construction of several data centers with capacities of up to 39 megawatts, ensuring the infrastructure can support growing sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics. With submarine cables connecting Saudi Arabia to Europe and Asia, Mobily is set to deliver faster and more reliable services to businesses seeking to operate on the international stage.
Another pillar of this technological advancement is Edarat, one of the largest data center providers in the Middle East. The company has recently forged a partnership with KPMG aimed at driving AI adoption across the kingdom. "Together with KPMG, we aim to pave the way for... economic growth and enhanced industry efficiency," stated Jihad Nehme, Chief Business Development Officer at Edarat. This collaboration will leverage Edarat's cloud infrastructure to facilitate efficient and compliant AI integration for businesses across various sectors.
KPMG's expertise will be instrumental, particularly through its Project Emerald AI solution, which allows organizations to adopt AI technologies with security and scalability. KPMG is committed to empowering Saudi Arabia with the latest AI tools, contributing to the region's intelligent economy.
Salesforce, the US-based tech giant, is also making headlines with its declaration of $500 million investment geared toward stimulating economic growth and digital innovation within Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made at LEAP 2025, following Salesforce’s pledge to expand its presence significantly in the kingdom, including establishing new regional headquarters. Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce, encapsulated the sentiment by stating: "We are entering a new era where autonomous AI agents working with humans... transforming workforces and businesses across the globe."
The investment will focus on workforce development, particularly through AI skilling, and aims to create limitless digital workforces under the Salesforce brand. Partnering with notable firms such as Capgemini and PwC, Salesforce plans to build capabilities to support local businesses effectively. Benioff also expressed Salesforce's commitment to equip 30,000 Saudi citizens with AI skills, underscoring efforts to promote inclusivity, especially among women.
Salesforce’s initiative includes collaboration with Princess Nourah University (PNU), the largest women’s university globally, to offer AI-focused learning opportunities and workforce development programs. Dr. Ala Alluhaidan, Dean of Development and Quality Deanship at PNU, remarked, "We are thrilled with our cooperation with Salesforce... making a lasting impact on society." This partnership aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders equipped to thrive within the digital economy.
All these efforts and investments showcase the Saudi government's serious commitment to its Vision 2030 goals, focusing on leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for its citizens and the economy's growth. By fostering innovation and ensuring compliance with local regulations, these partnerships are setting the stage for sustainable economic growth.
Saudi Arabia’s future as a digital powerhouse is not just about investment figures but also the potential for societal transformation. By bridging the gap between advanced technology and local talent, the kingdom is well on its way to becoming not just a participant but a leader on the global digital stage.