Saudi Arabia to build world's largest government-owned data centre
Saudi Arabia has launched a major $2.7 billion
(Dh9.9 billion) digital infrastructure programme with the announcement of the
Hexagon Data Centre, which is set to become the world’s largest
government-owned data facility and a flagship project under Vision 2030.
Designed to meet Tier IV standards—the highest
global benchmark for data centre reliability—the Hexagon Data Centre will play
a central role in expanding digital government services and accelerating the
Kingdom’s transition to a data-driven economy. The project reflects Saudi
Arabia’s drive to secure full sovereignty over national data while advancing
economic diversification beyond oil.
The facility will employ advanced technologies
to support key development sectors at a time when data has become a critical
driver of global economic and social transformation.
Located in Riyadh, the Hexagon Data Centre will
span more than 30 million square feet and deliver a total capacity of 480
megawatts. Once operational, it is expected to position Saudi Arabia as a
global leader in next-generation digital infrastructure.
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The initiative aligns with the goals of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority
(SDAIA) and the broader Vision 2030
reform programme led by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia already ranks first globally in several indicators, including
government strategy, according to the Global AI Index.
Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has led
the Kingdom’s national data and artificial intelligence agenda, overseeing data
governance, big data, and AI development and regulation. Its efforts have
helped position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global digital economy and
an increasingly attractive destination for international technology investment.
Under SDAIA’s guidance, the Kingdom has
developed the region’s most advanced integrated data ecosystem, delivering
digital solutions with wide-ranging economic and social benefits. The authority
has also introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework, including the
Personal Data Protection Law, generative AI standards, AI adoption guidelines,
and global best practices to protect privacy and data integrity.
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The Hexagon Data Centre will form the backbone
of a nationwide network of interconnected facilities, supporting SDAIA’s
long-term strategy to meet rising demand for digital infrastructure while
ensuring maximum system availability. The network is expected to generate a
cumulative economic impact exceeding SR10 billion ($2.67 billion), along with
annual savings of more than SR1.8 billion ($480 million), contributing to
non-oil growth and improved government service delivery.
Built to world-class specifications, the
facility incorporates advanced energy-efficiency and smart cooling
technologies, including direct liquid and hybrid cooling systems, to reduce
power usage. Renewable energy sources will be integrated into operations,
earning the centre LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
and placing it among the world’s largest green data centres.
The Hexagon Data Centre has also secured
international accreditations, including TIA-942 certification for resilient
engineering design, Tier IV certification guaranteeing 99.995 per cent
operational availability, and ISO/IEC 22237 certification for environmental and
technical risk protection.
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Once completed, the project is expected to cut
carbon emissions by around 30,000 tonnes annually, host more than 290
government systems, and serve as a critical platform for artificial
intelligence adoption across both public and private sectors.
Saudi
Arabia’s digital ambitions extend beyond infrastructure. Initiatives such as Humain,
a newly established AI-focused company backed by the Public Investment Fund and
Saudi Aramco, further support the Kingdom’s goal of becoming one of the world’s
top three countries in AI infrastructure, alongside the United States and
China.
Source: Gulf News
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