The Hexagon Data Center has entered operation in Riyadh, marking Saudi Arabia’s largest move yet into large-scale digital infrastructure. The facility delivers 480 megawatts of capacity and now stands as the world’s largest government-backed data center. With this launch, Saudi Arabia strengthens its position in the global race to host computing power for cloud services, artificial intelligence, and digital government platforms.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, developers built the Hexagon Data Center to support national economic and social priorities as data plays a growing role in long-term growth. The project aligns with the strategy of the Saudi Data and AI Authority, known as SDAIA, and directly supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Hexagon Data Center Supports Saudi Arabia’s Digital Strategy
Saudi officials see the Hexagon Data Center as a key asset in the country’s push for greater control over national data. Large-scale digital infrastructure now plays a central role in reducing reliance on oil revenue while protecting sensitive information.
Saudi Arabia currently ranks first worldwide on several measures tied to government AI strategy, including benchmarks tracked by the Global AI Index. That standing reflects sustained investment in data policy, infrastructure, and AI governance since the launch of SDAIA in 2019.
Over the past six years, Saudi Arabia has also become a leading destination for international technology companies in the Middle East. The Saudi Press Agency attributes this shift to a clear national strategy backed by regulation and infrastructure investment.
Regulatory Framework Encourages Data Center Expansion
Alongside new facilities, SDAIA has rolled out a national policy framework to guide data and AI development. Key measures include the Personal Data Protection Law, generative AI standards, the AI Adoption Framework, and rules for the National Register of Controllers.
These policies aim to increase trust in Saudi Arabia’s digital ecosystem while giving operators clear guidelines. As a result, investors now face fewer regulatory uncertainties when entering the Saudi data center market.
Hexagon Data Center Built for Scale and Reliability
SDAIA designed the Hexagon Data Center to anchor a nationwide network of future facilities. This strategy focuses on meeting rising demand for computing power while maintaining strict reliability targets.
The site spans more than 30 million square feet and meets Tier IV requirements under the TIA 942 standard. That certification supports an operational availability rate of 99.995 percent. The facility also holds ISO IEC 22237 certification, which addresses infrastructure resilience and environmental risk management.
Energy Efficiency Central to Hexagon Data Center Design
Energy performance played a major role in the project’s design. The Hexagon Data Center meets US Green Building Council LEED Gold standards and uses advanced cooling systems, including direct liquid cooling and hybrid technologies. These systems help reduce power usage while supporting continuous operations.
The project also integrates renewable energy sources, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s largest green data centers. This design reflects Saudi Arabia’s effort to balance digital growth with sustainability targets.
SDAIA estimates that the national data center strategy anchored by the Hexagon Data Center will generate more than SAR10 billion, or about $2.67 billion, in cumulative local economic impact. Annual savings of over SAR1.8 billion are also expected, driven by efficiency gains and improved digital services.
