Riyadh has become a meeting point for global technology companies, investors and startups as LEAP 2026 gets underway.
The fifth edition of the event opened on August 31. This year’s theme is “Into New Worlds”, with artificial intelligence as one of the main topics.
More than $15 billion has also been announced in technology launches and investments, as well as partnerships. The previous, 2025 edition secured USD 14.9 billion in deals, and this year’s gathering is expected to build on that scale.
Several deals focus on AI and advanced computing. Others involve digital infrastructure and data centres. Saudi officials said ahead of the event that major deals were expected with global companies including Amazon and Nvidia. Microsoft is also launching its Azure cloud services.
Saudi Arabia has been putting more focus on technology as it works to diversify its economy. AI has become a major part of that plan.
LEAP also gives international companies a chance to explore opportunities in the Saudi market. Investors and startups are meeting alongside some of the world’s biggest technology companies.
Saudi officials have highlighted the importance of AI in the country’s future. They have also stressed the need to develop local talent and improve digital infrastructure.
This year’s event has attracted more than 1,000 speakers and around 1,900 investors. About 1,800 technology brands and 600 startups are also taking part.
LEAP 2026 will run until September 3 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham.
LEAP 2026 comes as Riyadh continues to build its reputation as a technology and investment centre. Its growing focus on AI is also putting Saudi Arabia deeper into the global technology race.
