Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH —The foundation stone was laid for the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) “Hexagon” Data Center, the world’s largest government data center by megawatt capacity, in Riyadh on Thursday.

President of SDAIA Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, SDAIA officials as well as senior officials from various government entities attended the foundation laying ceremony. Director of the National Information Center at SDAIA Dr. Issam Alwagait made an introductory presentation on the occasion.

He outlined the project’s details, technical and engineering specifications, and the operational architecture ensuring the highest levels of readiness and availability. Alwagait also reviewed the international accreditations obtained for the center’s solutions and engineering design in line with recognized global standards. The attendees then toured the accompanying exhibition, reviewing the center’s design phases and its future technical environment.

Classified as Tier IV and holding the highest data center rating by the global Uptime Institute, the facility will have a total capacity of 480 megawatts and will be built on an area spreading over 30 million square feet.

Designed to the highest international standards, the center will provide maximum availability, security, and operational readiness for government data centers. It will meet the growing needs of government entities and support the increasing reliance on electronic services. The project will contribute to strengthening the national economy and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a key player in the future of the global digital economy.

In a press statement, SDAIA President Dr. Alghamdi said the landmark national project comes as part of the continued support of Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of SDAIA’s Board of Directors Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He noted that this support enables the authority, as the Kingdom’s competent body for data—including big data—and artificial intelligence and the national reference for their regulation, development, and use, to contribute to advancing the Kingdom toward leadership among data- and AI-driven economies.

Dr. Alghamdi said that the Kingdom will continue to strengthen its presence in advanced technologies with the ongoing support of the Crown Prince. SDAIA will pursue pioneering projects that reflect its ambitious path toward building an integrated digital ecosystem, strengthening national enablers in data and artificial intelligence, and developing world-class technical infrastructure that enhances the competitiveness of the national economy and attracts investment. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives of building a sustainable knowledge-based economy and achieving global leadership in advanced technologies.

Dr. Alghamdi said that SDAIA's data center strategy contributes to reducing carbon emissions by approximately 30,000 tons annually and generates an economic impact on the GDP estimated at around SR10.8 billion. These centers are vital infrastructure and the lifeblood of the modern digital economy, enhancing the Kingdom's global standing in the fields of data and artificial intelligence.