Saudi Arabia’s technology sector secured billions of riyals in new investment commitments on the third day of LEAP 2026, with announcements covering artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, mobility, gaming, hospitality and startups.
NHC Innovation announced a SAR3.3 billion ($880 million) investment in Khuzam Digital Valley, a multi-phase data centre project. NAVER Innovation and BytePlus will become its first anchor customers.
Eng. Rayan Alaql, CEO of NHC Innovation, said LEAP is bringing together global technology companies as Saudi Arabia accelerates its development of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital infrastructure.
The project is expected to support rising demand for advanced technologies while creating a platform for technology companies, businesses and innovators in the Kingdom.
The announcement comes as Amazon Web Services prepares to launch its first cloud region in Saudi Arabia in December. AWS has committed more than $5.3 billion to the initiative.
Artificial intelligence also attracted fresh investment. MENA-focused AI investment platform Foras AI announced a $20 million investment and mergers and acquisitions initiative to support and acquire AI companies across the region.
The Digital Government Authority and STV also signed a strategic partnership to advance innovation in government digital services and AI.
Under the agreement, STV will provide technical support, identify promising startups and evaluate investment opportunities through its AI and emerging technologies fund. The DGA will provide access to government use cases, an innovation sandbox, procurement opportunities, and regulatory and funding channels.
Investment interest is also expanding across the mobility sector. During a LEAP panel titled “Investing in the Future of Mobility”, Parkron CEO and founder Mercedes Cebrian, LG Technology Ventures CEO Dong-su Kim and Free2Move CEO Ahmed Mhiri discussed opportunities beyond electric vehicles.
The panel examined autonomous technologies, connected infrastructure and smarter logistics, with speakers highlighting the importance of solutions that address operational challenges and demonstrate strong commercial potential.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in gaming were highlighted during “The Saudi Studio Playbook: Building a Global Games Industry from Scratch”. Yannick Theler, CEO of Steer Studios, said workforce development and local talent would be essential to creating a sustainable gaming industry. He also stressed the importance of adapting international experience to Saudi Arabia’s market.
International companies are also strengthening their presence in the Kingdom. Dubai-based hospitality platform estaie announced a $5.2 million seed funding round to support its expansion into Saudi Arabia.
The company uses AI for pricing, inventory management and booking services across hotels, serviced apartments and residential leasing.
Annabelle Mander, executive vice president and co-creator of LEAP at Tahaluf, said the event had demonstrated how technology ambitions were translating into investments across Saudi Arabia’s ecosystem.
She added that the announcements reflected growing confidence in opportunities across the Kingdom and LEAP’s role in connecting technology companies, investors and innovators.
