Saudi Arabia advancing steadily toward AI leadership, says minister

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha said Saudi Arabia is advancing steadily toward leading the era of artificial intelligence, in partnership with major companies, innovators, and investors from around the world. He noted that the Kingdom’s digital transformation is built on robust infrastructure, computing capabilities, and national talent.

Speaking at the opening of the fifth edition of the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh, Al-Swaha highlighted that the AI and advanced technology launches, investments, and partnerships announced at the event—exceeding $15 billion (56.64 billion riyals, SAR)—are supported and enabled by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

He explained that Saudi Arabia has established a global model for turning technological ambitions and commitments into tangible achievements, relying on flexibility, reliability, and rapid execution. He emphasized that the Kingdom’s progress is driven by technology and national talent, especially its youth.

The minister stressed that leading the AI era depends on three main elements: computing power, capital, and customers, in addition to energy, chips, infrastructure, and advanced models.

Al-Swaha added that Saudi Arabia aspires to be the most trusted partner in supplying the world of AI with energy and capabilities, and to become the most enabling country for innovators and investors in artificial intelligence.

He underlined the importance of expanding the global benefits of AI, referencing the Kingdom’s declaration that artificial intelligence is a general-purpose technology that should serve humanity and leave no one behind, in cooperation with the Digital Cooperation Organization and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

LEAP 2026 highlights Saudi expansion in AI infrastructure

The fifth edition of the LEAP 2026 conference opened Monday in Riyadh under the theme "Into New Worlds," bringing together technology and AI leaders, investors, and innovators.

The conference saw the announcement of major launches, investments, and partnerships worth over $15 billion, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure and advanced computing, and reinforcing its position as a global destination for technology investment.