In a strategic move reflecting the accelerating pace of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) today laid the foundation stone for the Hexagon Data Center in Riyadh. This project is the largest of its kind globally as a government data center, designed to be a technological icon that will enhance the Kingdom's position as a regional and international data hub, in line with the goals of Vision 2030 aimed at building a strong and sustainable digital economy.
A quantum leap in digital infrastructure
The Hexagon data center boasts world-class specifications, placing it at the forefront of global data centers. With a capacity of 480 megawatts and a vast area exceeding 30 million square feet, the center has achieved Tier IV certification from the Uptime Institute, the highest rating awarded to data centers. This certification guarantees uptime of up to 99.995% and exceptional reliability, ensuring business continuity even under the most challenging operating conditions. This development comes in response to the growing demand from government entities for cloud services and the increasing reliance on digital solutions for business operations and customer service.
Sustainability and green technologies
Hexagon's distinction extends beyond size and performance to include environmental standards; it serves as a model for green data centers. The project utilizes smart and innovative cooling technologies, including direct liquid cooling and hybrid systems, significantly reducing energy consumption. The center has achieved LEED Gold certification for sustainability and energy efficiency, and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 30,000 tons annually by leveraging renewable energy sources, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative and the Kingdom's international environmental commitments.
Economic impact and digital sovereignty
Economically, the project represents a significant boost to the national economy, with its impact on GDP estimated at approximately 10.8 billion riyals. The establishment of this center aligns with the Kingdom's drive to enhance "digital sovereignty" and ensure the security of national data within its geographical borders, thereby strengthening the independence of its technological and security decisions. The center also contributes to attracting foreign investment in the technology sector and provides a fertile environment for adopting cutting-edge artificial intelligence and big data applications, supporting the Kingdom's transformation into a logistics and digital hub connecting three continents.
First of strategic projects
SDAIA confirmed that Hexagon is just the beginning of a series of strategic data centers that will be built successively. This integrated system aims to provide a high-performance computing infrastructure that enables vital and developmental sectors to innovate and develop, and solidifies the Kingdom's position among the world's leading data and artificial intelligence economies.
