RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, September 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ —
On the third day of LEAP 2026, new commitments were made across Saudi Arabia’s technology landscape, ranging from multi-billion-riyal digital infrastructure projects to fresh AI-focused funds and startup growth plans, reinforcing ongoing faith in the Kingdom’s digital economy.
A flagship announcement came from NHC Innovation, which introduced the SAR 3.3 billion Khuzam Digital Valley data centre project, set to be rolled out in several phases, and named NAVER Innovation and BytePlus as its first anchor tenants.
Eng. Rayan Alaql, Chief Executive Officer of NHC Innovation, commented: “LEAP brings together the global technology ecosystem at a time when Saudi Arabia is accelerating its ambitions across artificial intelligence, cloud and digital infrastructure. At LEAP 2026, we announced the Khuzam Digital Valley data center project, with total investments of SAR 3.3 billion to be deployed across multiple phases, and welcomed NAVER Innovation and BytePlus as its first anchor customers. This milestone reflects NHC Innovation's contribution to the Kingdom's next phase of digital growth. Through Khuzam Digital Valley, we are building the digital foundations needed to support growing demand for advanced technologies, while creating an environment that brings together global technology partners, businesses and innovators. Announcing this progress at LEAP reflects both our ambition and our commitment to supporting the Kingdom's digital economy.”
The magnitude of global tech investment in the Kingdom was also underscored by AWS, which is gearing up to launch its inaugural AWS Region in Saudi Arabia this December, supported by over $5.3 billion in investment.
Beyond large-scale infrastructure commitments, discussions at LEAP also examined where the next wave of technology investment is emerging. During the panel Investing in the Future of Mobility, featuring Mercedes Cebrian, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Parkron; Dong-su Kim, Chief Executive Officer of LG Technology Ventures; and Ahmed Mhiri, Chief Executive Officer of Free2Move, the conversation shifted to how investment is expanding beyond electric vehicles into autonomous technologies, connected infrastructure, and smarter logistics. The session highlighted growing investor appetite for technologies that address real operational challenges with a clear path to commercial growth, while stressing the need for collaboration among investors, technology firms, operators, and the public sector to bring these solutions to scale.
That enthusiasm for emerging technology was also evident in new capital unveiled during the day. Foras AI, the MENA-focused artificial intelligence investment platform, disclosed a $20 million investment and M&A initiative to fund and acquire AI companies throughout the region, adding a fresh funding source for startups building in the Kingdom.
The Digital Government Authority (DGA) and STV also revealed a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating innovation in government digital services and AI. Under the agreement, STV will contribute technical know-how, identify and support startups, and evaluate investment opportunities through its AI and emerging technologies fund, while DGA will assist participating companies with government use cases, an innovation sandbox, procurement opportunities, and regulatory and funding pathways.
Investment in the Kingdom’s technology ecosystem was also discussed in terms beyond pure capital. In gaming, conversations centered on the long-term foundations needed to build a globally competitive industry. At The Saudi Studio Playbook: Building a Global Games Industry from Scratch, Yannick Theler, Chief Executive Officer of Steer Studios, emphasized that investment in talent, skills development, and local capabilities is critical for sustainable growth, arguing that international lessons must be tailored to local market realities.
The day also provided additional proof of international companies leveraging investment to expand their footprint in the Kingdom. estaie, the Dubai-based hospitality platform, announced a $5.2 million seed round to speed up its expansion into Saudi Arabia. The company employs AI across pricing, inventory, and the booking experience to serve the flexible accommodation market, covering hotels, serviced apartments, and residential leasing.
Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President and Co-Creator of LEAP at Tahaluf, said: “LEAP has always been where ambition turns into commitment. 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. These commitments demonstrate the confidence in the opportunities being created across the Kingdom, and LEAP continues to provide the platform where global technology leaders, investors and innovators come together to turn that ambition into action.”
For more information, please visit onegiantleap.com.
ENDS
About LEAP:
Saudi Arabia’s desire to shoot for something beyond the realms of the possible presents the ultimate backdrop for LEAP.
LEAP showcases the Kingdom’s technology ambition on a global stage as it continues to grow as a hub connecting three continents. The figures speak for themselves as LEAP 2025 had an attendance of over 200,000, making it the most attended tech event in the world. LEAP features the inspiring tech of tomorrow across all major sectors including health, finance, energy, education, digital entertainment, transport, smart cities and more. The event is also led by a speaker faculty of globally celebrated technology innovators, focusing on the most innovative tech case studies from around the world.
LEAP is not like any other tech event, from the ground up the community, stakeholders and project team are challenged every day to do something wildly creative and bold, something that reflects the seismic advances in tech adoption being seen in Saudi Arabia.
About Tahaluf:
Headquartered in Riyadh, Tahaluf brings together strategically important commercial communities from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the wider Gulf region, and from around the world to a portfolio of world-class exhibitions and digital platforms.
Tahaluf is a joint venture partnership between Informa PLC, the world’s largest trade show organiser, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Events Investment Fund (EIF). Sela, the Saudi-owned event production company renowned for its creation of spectacular event experiences, intends to join the joint venture in the near future.
Tahaluf is responsible for the award-winning tech events LEAP, DeepFest and LEAP East, as well as Money 20/20 Middle East, the Global Health Exhibition, Cityscape Global, Black Hat MEA and CPHI Middle East.
For more information about Tahaluf, visit https://tahaluf.com
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Tahaluf
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