LEAP 2026 brings billions in Saudi tech investment across AI, infrastructure and gaming

Saudi Arabia’s technology sector attracted billions of riyals in new investment commitments on the third day of LEAP 2026, with announcements spanning digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, mobility, gaming and startups.

NHC Innovation announced a SAR 3.3 billion ($880 million) investment in Khuzam Digital Valley, a data center project that will be developed in multiple phases. NAVER Innovation and BytePlus will serve as its first anchor customers.

“LEAP brings together the global technology ecosystem at a time when Saudi Arabia is accelerating its ambitions across artificial intelligence, cloud and digital infrastructure,” said Eng. Rayan Alaql, CEO of NHC Innovation.

The company said the project will support growing demand for advanced technologies while bringing global technology companies, businesses and innovators together in the Kingdom.

The announcement comes as Amazon Web Services (AWS) prepares to launch its first cloud region in Saudi Arabia in December. The company has committed more than $5.3 billion to the initiative.

New funding initiatives also underscored growing investor interest in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Foras AI, a MENA-focused AI investment platform, announced a $20 million investment and M&A initiative to back and acquire AI companies across the region.

Meanwhile, the Digital Government Authority (DGA) and STV announced a strategic partnership to accelerate innovation in government digital services and AI.

Under the agreement, STV will provide technical expertise, identify and support startups, and assess investment opportunities through its AI and emerging technologies fund. DGA will provide participating companies with access to government use cases, an innovation sandbox, procurement opportunities, and regulatory and funding pathways.

The growing flow of capital is also extending into mobility. A panel at LEAP titled Investing in the Future of Mobility, featuring Mercedes Cebrian, CEO and founder of Parkron; Dong-su Kim, CEO of LG Technology Ventures; and Ahmed Mhiri, CEO of Free2Move, examined investment opportunities beyond electric vehicles.

The discussion focused on autonomous technologies, connected infrastructure and smarter logistics, with speakers highlighting investor demand for technologies that address operational challenges and offer clear paths to commercial growth.

Saudi Arabia’s broader push to develop its technology ecosystem was also reflected in gaming, where industry leaders emphasized the need to invest in talent and local capabilities alongside capital.

At The Saudi Studio Playbook: Building a Global Games Industry from Scratch, Yannick Theler, CEO of Steer Studios, highlighted workforce development and local talent as key to building a sustainable gaming industry. He also stressed the need to adapt international industry lessons to Saudi Arabia’s market.

International companies are also expanding their presence in the kingdom.

estaie, a Dubai-based hospitality platform, announced a $5.2 million seed round to accelerate its expansion into Saudi Arabia. The company uses AI for pricing, inventory management and the booking experience across hotels, serviced apartments and residential leasing.

“LEAP has always been where ambition turns into commitment,” said Annabelle Mander, executive vice president and co-creator of LEAP at Tahaluf. “What we have seen across Day Three is investment taking shape at every level of Saudi Arabia’s technology ecosystem, from major digital infrastructure and AI investment to startup growth and new global partnerships.”

She said the announcements reflected confidence in the opportunities being created across the Kingdom and LEAP’s role in connecting technology companies, investors and innovators.