DeepFest kicked off on Monday alongside LEAP 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, bringing together more than 100 global speakers. DeepFest is a platform dedicated to artificial intelligence and deep technologies. In his opening remarks, Director of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) Dr. Esam Alwagait said DeepFest explores the future of AI and its applications in the business sector. The platform addresses the potential of agentic AI, rapid advances in robotics, and the integration of AI into the core of enterprise systems, Alwagait noted. It also examines global shifts reshaping approaches to building trust, promoting responsible AI governance, and deploying large models. Alwagait confirmed that the coming days of DeepFest will feature high-level sessions, discussions, and dialogues. He said the event is more than just a gathering; it is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and progress that drive impactful steps toward a smarter and more interconnected world. With SDAIA as a key partner, DeepFest features more than 50 sessions this year, bringing together over 100 speakers from 17 countries and 100 global brands. Alwagait stressed that Saudi Arabia continues to play a leading role in AI advancement, supported by national talent, global partnerships, and strategic initiatives that help build a promising, more interconnected future. He emphasized that AI is no longer merely a technological capability to be deployed, but has become a force shaping how people think, make decisions, and work.
