Saudi Arabia Lays Foundation Stone for World’s Largest Government Data Center, Advancing Global AI Leadership
Riyadh – Saudi Arabia has marked a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the laying of the foundation stone for the Hexagon data center in Riyadh. The ambitious project reflects the Kingdom’s long-term vision to build a secure, advanced, and innovation-driven digital economy.
The Hexagon data center is being developed under the leadership of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. It is designed to become the largest government data center in the world by capacity, setting new international benchmarks in scale and reliability.
Spread across a vast 30 million square feet in the capital, the facility will have a total power capacity of 480 megawatts. This scale positions it among the most powerful digital infrastructures globally, capable of supporting rapidly growing data needs.
The data center has been planned as a Tier IV-rated facility, the highest international standard for data centers. This classification ensures maximum availability, resilience, and operational continuity for critical government services.
As governments increasingly rely on digital platforms, cloud systems, and data-driven decision-making, the Hexagon center will play a central role in supporting secure electronic services across the Kingdom.
The project has been designed to meet the highest standards of security and operational readiness. This ensures the protection of sensitive national data while enabling seamless access for authorized government functions.
Senior officials attended the foundation-laying ceremony, reflecting the strategic importance of the initiative. The event highlighted the project’s role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s digital future.
According to officials, the Hexagon data center is not a standalone initiative. It represents the first step in a broader network of advanced data centers planned across the Kingdom.
The facility is expected to strengthen data sovereignty by ensuring that critical government data is stored, processed, and managed within national borders. This is a key priority for modern digital governance.
By creating a centralized and highly secure data ecosystem, the project will support innovation in artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and emerging digital technologies.
The initiative aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize digital transformation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness in advanced technologies.
Environmental sustainability has also been integrated into the project’s design. Innovative energy efficiency solutions and smart cooling systems will significantly reduce power consumption.
The use of modern low-energy computing technologies reflects a commitment to balancing large-scale digital growth with responsible environmental practices.
As global demand for AI and data services continues to rise, the Hexagon center positions Saudi Arabia as a regional and international hub for advanced digital infrastructure.
The project is expected to attract talent, research collaboration, and technology partnerships, further strengthening the Kingdom’s role in the global digital economy.
Government entities will benefit from improved service delivery, faster data processing, and enhanced coordination across digital platforms.
The Hexagon data center also supports economic growth by enabling new business models, digital services, and innovation-driven sectors.
By investing in world-class infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is signaling its readiness to lead in data governance, artificial intelligence, and secure digital transformation.
The project reflects a forward-looking approach that combines scale, security, sustainability, and innovation under a unified national vision.
As construction progresses, the Hexagon data center is set to become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape and a symbol of its technological ambition.