LEAP Returns to Riyadh as Global Technology Leaders Explore the Next Frontiers of Innovation
Riyadh became a meeting point for the global technology industry as LEAP returned for its fifth edition from 31 August to 3 September 2026. The event brought together technology leaders, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators to examine how emerging technologies were reshaping economies, industries and society.
Co-organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP) and Tahaluf, LEAP had grown into a major fixture on the global technology calendar as Saudi Arabia continued to advance its digital ambitions under Vision 2030.
The 2026 edition featured an expanded programme, new platforms and an international speaker line-up covering areas ranging from artificial intelligence and advanced computing to fintech, health technology, space and smart cities. LEAP 5 brought together executives and innovators from some of the world’s largest technology companies, including Google, Amazon Web Services, Luma AI, AMD, Qualcomm, Cisco, Lenovo, HP, HPE, Huawei, Foxconn and Cerebras Systems.
They were joined by representatives from leading Saudi organisations including stc, Aramco, Elm, Alat and HUMAIN, highlighting the growing collaboration between global technology companies and the Kingdom’s expanding digital ecosystem.
The speaker line-up included Justin Hotard, President and CEO of Nokia, and Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN, alongside technology and industry leaders including Andrew Feldman of Cerebras Systems, Hanne Jesca Bax of EY and Chandra Donelson of the US Space Force. Their participation reflected LEAP’s focus on the practical application of AI, data, connectivity and other emerging technologies across business and government.
Now in its fifth edition, LEAP had expanded significantly since its launch in 2022. Across its first four editions, the event had recorded more than 688,000 attendees, alongside 2,480 startups, 6,200 companies and more than 5,000 investors. LEAP had also established itself as a platform for technology launches, investment and commercial partnerships. The 2025 edition generated USD 14.9 billion in deals and announcements, while the event reported USD 820 million in economic impact.
The fifth edition continued this focus on investment and commercial opportunities through its Investor and Startup Programme, which connected founders with investors across 60 technology verticals. The programme featured the Investor and Founder Stage and the USD 1 million Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition, with participation from organisations and investors including PIF, SVC, 500 Global, Rakuten Capital and 20VC.
LEAP 5 featured more than 20 stages covering areas including climate technology, health tech, fintech, space technology and smart cities. DeepFest, the event’s dedicated AI and deep-tech platform, returned with a focus on applied artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Participants included EY, Snowflake, Alteryx, Agibot and Xerox, while the Tech Arena featured live demonstrations and practical examples of AI applications.
The event also expanded its focus to industries where technology was changing business models, consumer experiences and investment opportunities. GameX Creative was among the flagship zones at LEAP 5, bringing together gaming, esports and digital storytelling. The zone featured global and regional players including Savvy Games Group, ESL FACEIT Group, Hero Esports, Steer Studios, OSN+, Red Sea Film Foundation, MDLBeast and Kojima Productions.
The zone focused on the technologies, investment and creative talent driving the evolution of gaming and digital entertainment. The Sports Tech Hub also returned on a larger scale, bringing together organisations from across the global sports industry. Participants included The English FA, La Liga, Saudi Pro League, Juventus FC, Atlético Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Ferrari and Aston Martin Formula One Team.
Discussions examined how AI, data analytics and immersive technologies were being applied to athlete performance, fan engagement and commercial opportunities. A new addition to the fifth edition was LEAP Connect, a curated networking environment designed to bring together founders, investors, C-suite executives and policymakers.
The platform used structured matchmaking and targeted networking to facilitate business relationships, investment opportunities and partnerships, extending the event’s focus beyond presentations and exhibitions. Faisal Alkhamisi, Chairman of SAFCSP, said, “Over the past four years, LEAP has evolved at a rocket-fuelled pace, playing a critical role in nurturing talent, creativity and investment. Yet, this is just the beginning. LEAP will continue to reflect the ever-changing tech landscape and inspire pioneers from across the globe.”
Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, said, “LEAP has become a place where the future is not just discussed but built. The momentum in Saudi Arabia is extraordinary, and as LEAP enters its fifth edition, it will take this ambition into new worlds, unlocking investment and shaping the technologies that will define the next decade.” LEAP 5 was expected to attract more than 201,000 visitors, 600 startups, 1,000 speakers, 1,800 global technology brands and 1,900 investors, further strengthening Riyadh’s position as a hub for global technology, investment and innovation.
