Saudi Arabia has begun construction of the Hexagon Data Centre, a government facility that is set to become the world’s largest by capacity. The foundation stone for the project was laid in Riyadh by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in a ceremony attended by senior government officials, marking a major step in the kingdom’s digital transformation strategy.
Hexagon will be built on a site covering more than 30 million square feet in the capital. It is designed with a total electrical capacity of 480 megawatts, placing it at the top among government-owned data centres globally under Tier IV standards. Tier IV is the highest level of certification for data centre reliability and availability, reflecting the project’s emphasis on uninterrupted operation for critical systems.
The data centre is estimated to cost around $2.7 billion and is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to expand its digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on oil revenues. The project supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the national reform plan aimed at economic diversification and strengthening the technology sector.
Officials said the Hexagon facility will support more than 290 government systems while ensuring secure, high-availability digital services. By hosting critical government data and applications, the centre will help improve public service delivery and enhance national data sovereignty.
In addition to its large capacity, the Hexagon Data Centre incorporates features designed to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. It uses advanced cooling systems, including direct liquid and hybrid cooling technologies, which reduce energy consumption. The facility also integrates renewable energy sources and is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The project aligns with SDAIA’s mandate to build national capacity in data management and artificial intelligence. Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has led Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global leader in data and AI. The authority oversees digital platforms and regulatory frameworks that support data governance and the development of AI technologies.
SDAIA President Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi said the Hexagon Data Centre represents a strategic boost for the kingdom. He noted that it will form the foundation of a nationwide network of data facilities to meet rising demand for digital infrastructure. The facility will support innovation, protect national information, and strengthen the digital economy.
Economic analysts say the investment in large-scale data infrastructure could generate significant economic benefits. Official estimates suggest the national data centre network could bring cumulative economic gains exceeding 10 billion Saudi riyals (more than $2.6 billion) and reduce government operating costs by nearly 1.8 billion riyals annually. These benefits are expected to support non-oil revenue growth and improve digital services across the public sector.
Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on digital infrastructure reflects global trends in the data and AI economy. Demand for digital services, cloud computing, and AI applications has risen sharply in recent years, making robust data centres a strategic priority for countries seeking to maintain competitiveness.
Construction of the Hexagon Data Centre is now underway, with AlBawani, a Saudi industrial firm, appointed as the main contractor. The facility is expected to become a key node in the kingdom’s digital ecosystem as it continues to expand its technological capabilities.
