Sdaia launches the world’s largest gov’t data center

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (Sdaia) launched Hexagon, a 480 MW data center, in Riyadh, state news agency SPA reports. Spanning 30 mn sq ft, the Tier IV facility — touted as the world’s largest government-owned data center — signals Riyadh’s intent to own critical, physical AI infrastructure rather than relying solely on the private hyperscalers currently entering the market.

The facility is built to handle high-density AI computing in the desert climate, utilizing direct liquid cooling and renewable energy sources to meet LEED Gold sustainability standards. Sdaia projects the centralised infrastructure will generate SAR 10.8 bn in local economic impact and cut government operating costs by SAR 1.8 bn annually.

Royal Air Maroc adds Dakar to its all-cargo network-

Royal Air Maroc Cargo opens Dakar lane: Royal Air Maroc’s (Ram) freight arm has launched a dedicated weekly all-cargo link between Casablanca and Dakar, connecting Mohammed V Airport to Blaise Diagne International with a 45-ton capacity flight.

Why it matters: The Dakar lane slots will expand the Moroccan flag carrier’s West Africa cargo map –– as the carrier already runs twice-weekly freighters to Bamako (Mali) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). It will also support its wider Africa-bound network, in which Casablanca does the heavy lifting with 200k tons of annual cargo capacity for pharma, perishables, and high-value goods delivered across 30 African countries.

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