Saudi Arabia has launched a $2.7 billion digital infrastructure initiative that includes the Hexagon Data Centre, set to become the world’s largest government data centre. Classified as Tier IV—the highest reliability standard—the facility will support the Kingdom’s expanding digital services and accelerate its transition toward a data-driven economy under Vision 2030. Located in Riyadh with a footprint exceeding 30 million square feet and a capacity of 480 megawatts, Hexagon aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced digital infrastructure.
The project is led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 goals of achieving technical sovereignty and diversifying beyond oil. Hexagon will form the backbone of a nationwide network of interconnected data centres, designed to ensure maximum availability and security for government and critical sector operations. SDAIA expects the network to generate a cumulative economic impact exceeding 10 billion Saudi riyals and annual savings of more than 1.8 billion riyals.
Built to world-class specifications, Hexagon incorporates advanced energy efficiency technologies such as direct liquid cooling and hybrid cooling systems, aiming for a low power usage effectiveness (PUE) ratio. It will also integrate renewable energy sources and is designed to meet LEED Gold certification, making it one of the world’s largest green data centres. This focus on sustainability aligns with Saudi Arabia’s environmental and climate objectives.
The initiative is backed by a robust legislative and regulatory framework, including the Personal Data Protection Law and standards for generative AI adoption. By investing in sovereign, high-capacity digital infrastructure, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance digital maturity across government services, stimulate non-oil economic growth, and strengthen its position as a leader in data and artificial intelligence on the global stage.
