Saudi Data Center Hexagon: Riyadh’s 480 MW Tier IV Government Facility

The foundation stone has been laid for the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) "Hexagon" Data Center in Riyadh, described as the world’s largest government data centre by megawatt capacity. The Tier IV facility aims to support Saudi Arabia’s digital government services and strengthen the Kingdom’s role in the global digital economy.

The project is designed to help government entities manage growing data volumes and increased dependence on electronic platforms. By providing a secure and resilient technical base, the "Hexagon" Data Center is expected to improve service reliability, support economic diversification, and align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals for a knowledge-based and technology-focused economy.

The SDAIA "Hexagon" Data Center will have a total planned power capacity of 480 megawatts, making it one of the largest facilities of its type worldwide. Classified as Tier IV by the global Uptime Institute, it targets the highest standards of availability, fault tolerance, and operational resilience required for critical government workloads.

The complex will be built on a site exceeding 30 million square feet in Riyadh, allowing room for phased development and future expansion. Its engineering and security design aims to deliver maximum uptime for government systems, protect sensitive information, and offer high levels of operational readiness for national digital infrastructure.

SDAIA views the "Hexagon" Data Center as a core element in building an integrated digital ecosystem for Saudi Arabia. The authority’s mandate covers data, including big data, and artificial intelligence, and the centre is intended to support these activities through advanced infrastructure that can host large-scale platforms and analytical tools for government use.

According to SDAIA, the project is expected to increase the competitiveness of the national economy and attract technology investments. By supporting data and AI-driven services, the facility aims to help Saudi Arabia strengthen its standing among leading digital economies and expand its presence in advanced technologies over the coming years.

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority Hexagon Data Center ceremony and leadership support

A formal ceremony marked the start of construction, attended by senior officials from multiple government bodies. President of SDAIA Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi and SDAIA officials received the guests, who viewed project displays before joining the foundation stone laying and posing for a commemorative photograph at the construction site.

During the event, Director of the National Information Center at SDAIA Dr. Issam bin Abdullah Alwagait delivered an introductory presentation. Dr. Issam bin Abdullah Alwagait detailed the project’s layout, technical configuration, and operational architecture designed to achieve high readiness. The presentation also covered the international certifications granted for the centre’s solutions and engineering design.

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority Hexagon Data Center alignment with Vision 2030

In a press statement, SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi said the national project forms part of the continued support provided by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of SDAIA’s Board of Directors. Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi linked this support to the authority’s ability to fulfil its responsibilities.

Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi noted that the backing from His Royal Highness allows SDAIA, as the national reference for data and artificial intelligence regulation, development and use, to advance the Kingdom’s ambition for leadership among data- and AI-driven economies. Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi added that the Kingdom will continue to strengthen its presence in advanced technologies with the ongoing support of HRH the Crown Prince.

SDAIA stated that it will continue to develop major initiatives that support an integrated digital environment, enhance national capabilities in data and artificial intelligence, and build technical infrastructure to international standards. The "Hexagon" Data Center is therefore positioned as one of the key projects connecting digital transformation efforts with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for sustainable, knowledge-based growth and wider global technology engagement.

With inputs from SPA