Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has commenced construction on the ‘Hexagon’ data centre in Riyadh. The site consists of a 30 million square foot area and is expected to be designed to the highest international standards.
The centre is expected to provide operational support, security and availability for government data centres, SDAIA said via a statement, in order to meet the growing needs of government entities. It is also expected to support increasing reliance on electronic services.
On completion, the Tier IV-classified data centre will have a total capacity of 480 megawatts and is expected to be the world’s largest government data centre by MW capacity.
SDAIA said the project will also contribute to strengthening the national economy, hoping to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role as a critical player in the future of the global digital economy.
The national project reportedly comes as part of SDAIA’s continued support of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and chairman of SDAIA’s board of directors.
“This support enables [SDAIA], 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,” said Dr Issam bin Abdullah Alwagait, director of the National Information Center at SDAIA.
According to Alwagait, SDAIA will be pursuing pioneering projects that reflect an ambitious path towards building an integrated digital ecosystem, thereby strengthening national enablers in data and AI and developing world-class and competitive technical infrastructure that attracts investment.
The announcement comes amid Saudi Arabia aiming to achieve its Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, as it seeks to be a global leader in AI and other advanced technologies.
Alwagait added: “The kingdom will continue to strengthen its presence in advanced technologies with the ongoing support of HRH the Crown Prince.”
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