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Saudi Arabia’s technology sector continued to attract major investment commitments on the third day of LEAP 2026, with billions of riyals announced across data centres, artificial intelligence, mobility, gaming and emerging technology startups.
One of the largest announcements came from NHC Innovation, which unveiled a SAR 3.3 billion ($880 million) investment in Khuzam Digital Valley, a data centre development planned to be built in several phases. NAVER Innovation and BytePlus have been named as the project’s first anchor customers.
“LEAP brings together the global technology ecosystem at a time when Saudi Arabia is accelerating its ambitions across artificial intelligence, cloud and digital infrastructure,” said Eng. Rayan Alaql, CEO of NHC Innovation.
According to the company, Khuzam Digital Valley is designed to meet rising demand for advanced computing and digital services while creating a platform for international technology companies, businesses and innovators to expand their operations in the Kingdom.
The announcement comes as Amazon Web Services (AWS) moves closer to launching its first cloud region in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for December. AWS has committed more than $5.3 billion to the project, further highlighting the scale of investment flowing into the country’s digital infrastructure.
AI investment gathers momentum
Artificial intelligence remained a major focus at LEAP 2026, with new initiatives targeting both investment and the development of regional technology companies.
Foras AI, a MENA-focused artificial intelligence investment platform, announced a $20 million investment and mergers-and-acquisitions initiative aimed at supporting and acquiring AI companies across the region.
The initiative reflects growing investor interest in AI businesses as companies and governments across the Middle East increase spending on automation, cloud computing and advanced digital technologies.
Government digital transformation was another major theme. The Digital Government Authority (DGA) and STV announced a strategic partnership designed to accelerate innovation in government services and artificial intelligence.
Under the agreement, STV will provide technical expertise, help identify and support promising startups, and evaluate investment opportunities through its AI and emerging technologies fund.
Participating startups will gain access to government use cases, an innovation sandbox, procurement opportunities and potential regulatory and funding pathways through the DGA.
The partnership is intended to give technology companies a clearer route from development and testing to real-world deployment within Saudi Arabia’s public sector.
Mobility attracts investor attention
Investment discussions at LEAP also extended beyond conventional electric-vehicle technology, with industry executives examining the wider future of mobility.
A panel titled “Investing in the Future of Mobility” brought together Mercedes Cebrian, CEO and founder of Parkron; Dong-su Kim, CEO of LG Technology Ventures; and Ahmed Mhiri, CEO of Free2Move.
The discussion focused on areas including autonomous technology, connected infrastructure and smarter logistics. Speakers highlighted the growing interest among investors in technologies capable of solving practical operational problems while offering realistic opportunities for commercial expansion.
The shift reflects a broader evolution in mobility investment, with investors increasingly looking beyond vehicle manufacturing toward the infrastructure, software and services supporting connected and autonomous transportation.
Saudi gaming industry focuses on local talent
Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to establish a globally competitive gaming sector were also on display during the event.
At a session titled “The Saudi Studio Playbook: Building a Global Games Industry from Scratch,” Yannick Theler, CEO of Steer Studios, emphasized that developing local talent will be essential to creating a sustainable gaming ecosystem.
Theler said Saudi Arabia could benefit from international industry experience but would need to adapt those lessons to the Kingdom’s own market and workforce.
The focus on talent development comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to build local capabilities alongside attracting international investment and gaming companies.
Global startups expand into Saudi Arabia
International technology companies are also using the Kingdom’s expanding digital economy as a launchpad for regional growth.
Dubai-based hospitality technology platform estaie announced a $5.2 million seed funding round to accelerate its expansion into Saudi Arabia.
The company uses artificial intelligence to support pricing, inventory management and booking processes across hotels, serviced apartments and residential leasing.
The investment highlights the growing opportunities for technology startups seeking to enter Saudi Arabia as demand for digital services continues to increase across multiple sectors.
LEAP highlights Saudi Arabia’s technology ambitions
The series of announcements on Day Three underscored the breadth of Saudi Arabia’s technology investment strategy, which increasingly combines large-scale infrastructure projects with AI funding, startup development and local talent initiatives.
“LEAP has always been where ambition turns into commitment,” said Annabelle Mander, executive vice president and co-creator of LEAP at Tahaluf.
“What we have seen across Day Three is investment taking shape at every level of Saudi Arabia’s technology ecosystem, from major digital infrastructure and AI investment to startup growth and new global partnerships.”
Mander said the announcements demonstrated growing confidence in the opportunities emerging across the Kingdom and highlighted LEAP’s role in connecting technology companies, investors and innovators.
With major data centre projects, AI investments, government technology partnerships and international startups expanding into the market, LEAP 2026 is reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s push to establish itself as a major technology and innovation hub in the region.
