Foundation stone laid for world’s largest data center in Riyadh
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The foundation stone for the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority’s (SDAIA) 'Hexagon' Data Center was laid on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The facility, classified as Tier IV and holding the highest rating from the global Uptime Institute, will have a total capacity of 480 megawatts and will be built on a site spanning more than 30 million square feet in Riyadh.
Designed to meet international standards, the center will provide high levels of availability, security, and operational readiness to support government digital services and growing demand for electronic platforms.
A ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by senior officials from various government entities. They were received by the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, along with SDAIA officials.
During the event, the Director of the National Information Center at SDAIA, Dr. Issam bin Abdullah Alwagait, delivered a presentation outlining the project’s technical and engineering specifications, operational framework and readiness standards. He also reviewed the international accreditations obtained for the center’s design and engineering in line with global benchmarks.
Attendees later toured an exhibition showcasing the project’s development phases and planned technical environment before taking part in the foundation-laying ceremony.
In a press statement, Alghamdi said the project reflects continued support from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of SDAIA’s Board of Directors. He said this support enables the authority to advance its role as the national body responsible for data and artificial intelligence.
He added that the Kingdom will continue to strengthen its capabilities in advanced technologies through projects that support the development of an integrated digital ecosystem and enhance technical infrastructure in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.