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LEAP 2024 Investments Surge To A Historic $11.9 Billion
The funding will focus on emerging technologies, cloud computing, and data centers.

LEAP 2024, recognized as one the world’s leading technology conferences, has revealed a substantial $11.9 billion in investments that will be used to advance deep and emerging technologies, foster innovation, and bolster cloud computing both within Saudi Arabia and the rest of the world.
These investments serve to boost Saudi Arabia’s standing as the largest market in the MENA region and a digital powerhouse that has attracted attention from prominent enterprises such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), IBM, DataVolt, and ServiceNow. A significant portion of the funds will be allocated towards enhancing digital competency within Saudi Arabia and supporting up-and-coming tech startups.
During the inauguration of LEAP 2024’s four-day event at the Riyadh Exhibition & Convention Centre in Malham, H.E. Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, the Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), revealed the unprecedented sum of investments. The event, which will conclude on March 7, is also anticipated by organizers to surpass its own attendance record set in 2023, with over 172,000 visitors.
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Minister Alswaha emphasized the steadfast support from HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to both the Saudi and global tech sectors, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
LEAP 2024 Investment Highlights:
- Amazon Web Services: Has announced a $5.3 billion commitment towards establishing a new cloud zone in Saudi Arabia.
- Datavolt: Has put forward a $5 billion investment earmarked for new data centers in the Kingdom, boasting a combined capacity exceeding 300 megawatts.
- IBM: Plans for a $250 million investment to establish a global software development center within Saudi Arabia.
- ServiceNow: Intends to inject $500 million into localizing its regional services in the country and enhancing the skill sets of local talent.
Dell Technologies also announced a new manufacturing and fulfillment center in Saudi Arabia, while Aramco unveiled the Saudi Accelerator Innovation Lab (SAIL), a collaborative effort with MCIT aimed at bolstering the Kingdom’s digital capabilities and further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a thriving digital epicenter.
News
Rabbit Expands Hyperlocal Delivery Service In Saudi Arabia
The e-commerce startup is aiming to tap into the Kingdom’s underdeveloped e-grocery sector with a tech-first, locally rooted strategy.

Rabbit, an Egyptian-born hyperlocal e-commerce startup, is expanding into the Saudi Arabian market, setting its sights on delivering 20 million items across major cities by 2026.
The company, founded in 2021, is already operational in the Kingdom, with its regional headquarters now open in Riyadh and an established network of strategically located fulfillment centers — commonly known as “dark stores” — across the capital.
The timing is strategic: Saudi Arabia’s online grocery transactions currently sit at 1.3%, notably behind the UAE (5.3%) and the United States (4.8%). With the Kingdom’s food and grocery market estimated at $60 billion, even a modest increase in online adoption could create a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.
Rabbit also sees a clear alignment between its business goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost retail sector innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises, attract foreign investment, and develop a robust digital economy.
The company’s e-commerce model is based on speed and efficiency. Delivery of anything from groceries and snacks to cosmetics and household staples is promised in 20 minutes or less, facilitated by a tightly optimized logistics system — a crucial component in a sector where profit margins and delivery expectations are razor-thin.
Despite the challenges, Rabbit has already found its stride in Egypt. In just over three years, the app has been used by 1.4 million customers to deliver more than 40 million items. Revenue has surged, growing more than eightfold in the past two years alone.
Also Read: Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2025
CEO and Co-Founder Ahmad Yousry commented: “We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom. We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our bleeding-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households, and delivering the best products – especially local favorites, in just 20 minutes”.
The company’s growth strategy avoids the pitfalls of over-reliance on aggressive discounting. Instead, Rabbit leans on operational efficiency, customer retention, and smart scaling. The approach is paying off, having already attracted major investment from the likes of Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital, alongside earlier investors such as Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, and Hub71.