SAUDI Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has laid the foundation stone for the Hexagon Data Centre in Riyadh, marking the formal start of construction on what is set to become the world’s largest government data centre by megawatt capacity.

Spanning more than 30 million sq ft, the state-of-the-art facility will boast a total capacity of 480 MW upon completion. 

Designed to Tier IV specifications – the highest classification awarded by the global Uptime Institute – the Hexagon Data Centre will deliver maximum availability, security, and operational readiness for Saudi Arabia’s government data infrastructure.

SDAIA said the project will play a pivotal role in meeting the growing digital demands of government entities and advancing the kingdom’s transition toward a data-driven and AI-powered economy. 

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, who were welcomed by SDAIA President Dr Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi and other authority executives. 

AlBawani, a leading Saudi industrial conglomerate, has been appointed main contractor for the landmark development. The company said the Hexagon Data Centre will set new standards in scale, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability, being built to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Engineered with advanced energy-efficiency and smart cooling solutions, including direct liquid and hybrid cooling systems, the facility aims to maintain one of the lowest power usage effectiveness (PUE) ratings globally. It will also integrate renewable energy sources to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable operations.