Since its launch in 2024, the Riyadh IXP has become a vital component of the country’s digital infrastructure. The upgrades, driven by growing customer demand, include increased availability of 100GE ports and the introduction of 400GE connectivity services. These improvements enable high-capacity, low-latency interconnections for global networks, content providers, and enterprises.
“Demand for high-speed, resilient connectivity in the Kingdom continues to grow, and these upgrades ensure that the Riyadh IXP remains at the forefront of regional interconnection,” said Halil Kama, LINX’s Director for the Middle East. “By enabling 400GE capabilities and expanding 100GE availability, we’re empowering networks to scale efficiently and deliver superior performance to end users.”
The enhancements support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes digital transformation through innovations like smart cities, artificial intelligence, and cloud services. Riyadh’s emergence as a global digital hub, fueled by increasing AI investments, benefits from this advanced infrastructure, attracting technology companies developing applications for the Middle Eastern market.
center3, a key digital enabler, is expanding its data center network, targeting 1 gigawatt of capacity by 2030 to support Saudi Arabia’s digital growth. With over $3 billion already invested and $10 billion more planned, center3 aims to create a scalable, sustainable, and reliable carrier-neutral data center ecosystem for businesses, hyperscalers, and government operations.
“This upgraded infrastructure positions Riyadh as a leading digital hub, ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving tech landscape,” said a center3 spokesperson. The partnership with LINX, established with the Jeddah IXP in 2019, continues to shape Saudi Arabia’s interconnection landscape, enhancing connectivity and performance.
LINX’s ongoing efforts to expand its IXPs globally, including recent developments in West Africa with LINX Accra alongside Digital Realty, demonstrate its commitment to supporting digital growth. The Riyadh upgrades ensure the IXP meets current demands while preparing for future technological advancements, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global leader in digital innovation.
