RIYADH: Riyadh is becoming a leading destination for tech startups in the Middle East, fueled by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms, an advanced infrastructure, and robust government-backed incentives.

The Saudi information and communication technology market is projected to reach $54.90 billion in 2025 and $82.51 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.49 percent, according to an analysis by Mordor Intelligence.

This growth highlights the Kingdom’s increasing prominence as a regional innovation hub.

At the heart of this transformation is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, which has placed technology at the forefront of its strategy. Major initiatives, such as NEOM, a $500-billion smart city powered by artificial intelligence and renewable energy, and Riyadh Tech Valley, a dedicated hub for AI, the Internet of Things, and robotics startups, are driving this momentum.

Government programs such as the Saudi Unicorns Program and Tech Growth Financing provide critical support for scaling businesses, further cementing Riyadh’s appeal.