Saudi Arabia has launched a $2.7 billion digital infrastructure initiative with the announcement of the Hexagon Data Centre, set to become the world’s largest government-owned data centre. Unveiled in Riyadh, the project marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s push to build a data-driven economy under Vision 2030.
Designed as a Tier IV facility, the highest international standard for reliability, Hexagon is intended to support the rapid expansion of digital government services while securing national control over critical data. The project reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on technology as a long-term driver of economic growth beyond oil.
A cornerstone of Vision 2030
Hexagon sits at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation strategy, led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). The initiative aligns closely with Vision 2030, championed by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global technology hub.
Saudi Arabia has already climbed global rankings in digital readiness, including top positions in international indices measuring government AI strategy. Officials see large-scale, sovereign digital infrastructure as essential to maintaining that momentum and ensuring long-term competitiveness.
Why data centres have become strategic assets
Data centres have come a long way since their beginnings in the 1950s, when early computers were housed in large, climate-controlled rooms. Their importance grew with the spread of the internet in the late 1990s and accelerated after cloud computing became mainstream in the mid-2000s.
By 2020, data infrastructure had become a national priority for governments worldwide. The explosive growth of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, has further increased demand for secure, high-capacity computing facilities. In this environment, data is no longer just a technical resource but a central pillar of economic and social development.
Scale and ambition behind Hexagon
Located in Riyadh, the Hexagon Data Centre will span more than 30 million square feet and deliver a power capacity of up to 480 megawatts. This scale is expected to place Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading destinations for advanced digital infrastructure.
The facility is engineered to host more than 290 government systems, providing a secure platform for public-sector digital services while also supporting broader AI adoption across the economy. Officials say the centre will help establish the Kingdom as a global hub for next-generation digital infrastructure.
SDAIA’s expanding role in data and AI
Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has led Saudi Arabia’s national data and AI agenda, overseeing governance, regulation, and development. The authority has played a key role in positioning the Kingdom as a regional centre for international technology investment.
Under SDAIA’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has built what it describes as the region’s most advanced integrated data ecosystem, delivering digital products with measurable economic and social impact. This has been supported by a comprehensive regulatory framework, including the Personal Data Protection Law, standards for generative AI, and national AI adoption guidelines.
A nationwide network in the making
Hexagon is not a standalone project. It will serve as the foundation of a nationwide network of interconnected data centres, developed to meet growing demand for digital infrastructure while ensuring maximum system availability.
According to SDAIA, the broader strategy is expected to generate a cumulative economic impact exceeding 10 billion Saudi riyals, alongside annual financial savings of more than 1.8 billion riyals. These benefits are expected to support non-oil economic growth and improve the quality of government services delivered to citizens and residents.
Sustainability and global standards
Despite its size, Hexagon has been designed with sustainability in mind. The facility incorporates advanced energy-efficiency measures, including smart cooling systems, direct liquid cooling, and hybrid cooling technologies, aimed at reducing power consumption.
Renewable energy sources are integrated into operations, contributing to its certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Gold standard. The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by around 30,000 tonnes annually, positioning Hexagon among the world’s largest green data centres.
The facility also meets leading international benchmarks, including the TIA-942 engineering standard for infrastructure resilience. Its Tier IV certification guarantees 99.995 per cent operational availability, while ISO/IEC 22237 certification ensures protection against technical and environmental risks.
