In a strategic move that reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global digital powerhouse, 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 with unprecedented standards, reflecting the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to leading the future of the digital economy.
A quantum leap in digital infrastructure
The Hexagon data center boasts cutting-edge technology, placing it at the forefront of global data centers. With a total 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 ensures 99.995% uptime and complete resistance to technical errors, guaranteeing uninterrupted service.
Strategic context and ambitious vision
This project is not a product of chance; rather, it represents a cornerstone of the digital infrastructure outlined in the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Since the launch of the Vision, the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has strived to diversify its economy and transition from dependence on oil to a knowledge-based and data-driven economy. Hexagon supports this direction by providing an infrastructure capable of accommodating generative artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things, thereby enhancing the efficiency of government operations and e-services.
Sustainable economic and environmental impact
The Hexagon project is expected to have a significant economic impact, with its contribution to the cumulative GDP estimated at over SAR 10 billion. SDAIA’s data center strategy also aims to achieve annual savings of up to SAR 1.8 billion through data centralization and increased operational efficiency. Furthermore, the project will enhance the Kingdom’s attractiveness to foreign direct investment in the technology sector, solidifying its position as a regional data hub connecting East and West.
Leadership in sustainability and green technologies
The center adopts a pioneering model of environmental sustainability, designed to be one of the world's largest green data centers. The project utilizes advanced cooling technologies, including direct liquid cooling and hybrid systems, to minimize energy consumption, in addition to relying on renewable energy sources. These efforts culminated in the center's design receiving LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council, confirming the Kingdom's commitment to global environmental standards and reducing carbon emissions by 30,000 tons annually.
In conclusion, the Hexagon data center represents a civilizational and technological leap that confirms the Kingdom’s readiness for the future, and embodies the harmony between tremendous technological development and environmental responsibility, thus becoming a model to be emulated in the data and artificial intelligence sector worldwide.
