LEAP 2026, the fifth edition of the world's largest tech event, kicked off in Riyadh on Monday under the theme "Into New Worlds," bringing together leading technology and artificial intelligence (AI) figures, investors, and innovators from around the world. The conference saw the announcement of major launches, investments, and partnerships worth more than $15 billion in AI and advanced technologies, strengthening Saudi Arabia's leadership in digital infrastructure and advanced computing and reinforcing its position as a global destination for technology investment in the intelligent era. Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha said in his opening speech that the launches and investments were made possible through the support and empowerment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Saudi Arabia is steadily advancing toward leading the AI era in partnership with major companies, innovators, and investors from around the world, he added. Alswaha stressed that Saudi Arabia has established a global model for turning technological ambitions and commitments into tangible achievements, underpinned by agility, reliability, and speed of execution. Technology and national talent, particularly young people, are driving the Kingdom's progress, he went on to say. The launches and investments are contributing to the development of an integrated AI ecosystem spanning energy, connectivity, semiconductors, data centers, accelerated computing, AI models, cloud services, and sector-specific applications, supporting the growth of the digital economy and enhancing its global competitiveness. The conference is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf, a joint venture between SAFCSP, global events company Informa, and the Events Investment Fund. LEAP 2026 will run until September 3 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, featuring more than 1,000 speakers, 1,900 investors, 1,800 global technology brands, and 600 startups across 16 stages and more than 20 tracks exploring the future of AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, smart cities, fintech, healthcare, space, gaming, and mobility.
