The London Internet Exchange (LINX) has upgraded its network at the interconnection hub it powers in Saudi Arabia, enhancing the infrastructure at data centre and digital enabler Center3, a subsidiary of the STC Group.
Key upgrades were essential to expand the availability of 100GE ports, meeting growing customer demand, and to introduce 400GE connectivity services. Such expansions signify a pivotal development in the Internet Exchange Point (IXP) evolution in Riyadh, establishing it as a central player in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning digital infrastructure since its inception in 2024.
With its location at the Remal facility (RDC102), the exchange is on course to cater to increasing global network demands for high-capacity, low-latency interconnection services.
“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,” expressed Halil Kama, Director for the Middle East at LINX. “By enabling 400GE capabilities and expanding 100GE availability, we're empowering networks to scale efficiently and deliver superior performance to end users.”
He added that Riyadh is rapidly emerging as a global digital hub, and with these upgrades, they are not just meeting present demands but setting new standards for modern, future-ready IXPs.
This development complements Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030, focusing on the pivotal role of digital transformation in national growth. From smart city projects and AI-driven healthcare advancements to fintech innovations and cloud services, robust digital infrastructure is deemed essential to realising the Kingdom’s full potential.
In conjunction, Center3 has announced plans to accelerate data centre expansion, targeting a total capacity of 1 Gigawatt by 2030 to support the region’s digital transformation. With over $3 billion invested and an additional $10 billion planned, Center3 is constructing a next-generation, carrier-neutral data centre ecosystem, offering unmatched scalability, sustainability, and reliability.
The collaborative endeavour between LINX and Center3 since the launch of the LINX-powered IXP in Jeddah in 2019 has significantly shaped the Kingdom’s interconnection landscape, suggesting continued growth and transformation.
