The foundation stone of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) “Hexagon” data center, the world’s largest government data center in terms of megawatt capacity, has been laid in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Al Gamdi, SDAIA officials, as well as senior officials from various government agencies. Dr. Issam Alwagaite, Director of SDAIA’s National Data Center, delivered a welcoming speech highlighting the importance of the center at the event.
He outlined the project details, technical and engineering features, and the architecture that will be implemented to ensure the highest level of readiness and availability. Alwagaite also reviewed the center’s solutions and international accreditations for engineering design, which are in line with recognized global standards. Participants then reviewed the center’s design phase and its future technological environment, and toured the accompanying exhibition.
Classified as Tier IV and receiving the highest data center rating by the Global Uptime Institute, the facility will have a total capacity of 480 megawatts and will be built over an area of 30 million square feet.
The center, which is of the highest international standards, will provide maximum availability, security and operational readiness for government data centers. It will meet the growing needs of government institutions and support the growing reliance on electronic services. The project will contribute to strengthening the national economy and strengthening 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 that this groundbreaking national project comes as part of the continued support of His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SDAIA. He noted that this support enables the authority, as the appropriate body for the Kingdom’s data - including big data - and artificial intelligence and the national reference for their regulation, development and use - to contribute to advancing the Kingdom towards leadership in the data- and AI-driven economy.
Dr. Al Madi said that with the continued support of the Saudi Crown Prince, it will continue to strengthen its presence in advanced technology. SDAIA will pursue pioneering projects that reflect its ambitious path towards creating an integrated digital ecosystem, strengthening national enablers in data and artificial intelligence, and developing world-class technological infrastructure that enhances the competitiveness of the national economy and attracts investment.
This is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of building a sustainable knowledge-based economy and achieving global leadership in advanced technology. Dr. Al Ghamdi said that SDAIA’s data center strategy contributes to reducing carbon emissions by approximately 30,000 tons annually and has an economic impact of approximately 10.8 billion riyals in GDP. These centers are critical infrastructure and the lifeblood of a modern digital economy, which will enhance the Kingdom’s global position in data and artificial intelligence.
