The Saudi digital economy grew 75% over eight years to reach a value of $139 billion, according to a report by جريدة البلاد. This development was highlighted by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, during the opening of the LEAP East 2026 conference in Hong Kong.
The minister stated that the Kingdom is building a highly prepared infrastructure for artificial intelligence. Consequently, this infrastructure positions the country as a reliable partner to connect the East and the West.
Growth of the Saudi digital economy
The expansion of the **Saudi digital economy** aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Specifically, the non-oil sector contribution to the gross domestic product increased to 16% during this period. Meanwhile, the operational capacity of data centers in the Kingdom grew to 467 megawatts, representing 47% of the total capacity in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Alswaha also discussed the broader regional context, noting that the East represents a $34 trillion economy. This regional market accounts for approximately 30% of the global gross domestic product and includes a digital market valued at $10 trillion. Furthermore, the region holds 82% of global artificial intelligence patents and 60% of the global semiconductor market.
Infrastructure and Data Centers
To support this growth, the Kingdom is actively expanding its technical infrastructure. For instance, several major global companies have started building operations in Saudi Arabia, including بايت دانس (ByteDance), لينوفو (Lenovo), and تينسنت (Tencent). These companies utilize the local availability of computing power, customers, and capital.
Women in the Tech Workforce
The minister highlighted the participation of women in the local technology sector as a notable success. Specifically, the participation of Saudi women in the tech workforce rose from 7% to 35% over the analyzed period. As a result, this percentage exceeds the average rates found in both the European Union and Silicon Valley.
Future Energy and Computing Plans
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia plans to build 6.9 gigawatts of data center capacity by the year 2034. The first phase of this plan aims to establish 3 gigawatts of capacity by 2030. Currently, the Kingdom has 12.8 gigawatts of power available, which makes it one of the fastest nations globally to provide energy for computing projects.
In conclusion, the rapid expansion of the **Saudi digital economy** demonstrates the country’s commitment to digital transformation. By combining computing resources, capital, and a growing workforce, the Kingdom continues to establish itself as a central hub for global technology and artificial intelligence development.
