Riyadh: Saudi Arabia will host the fifth edition of the global technology event LEAP 2026 from August 31 to September 3, 2026, under the theme 'Into New Worlds,' at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, north of Riyadh. The event will bring together technology and innovation leaders, investors, experts, and startups from around the world.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the event is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and Tahaluf, which is backed by global events company Informa and the Events Investment Fund.
The fifth edition builds on the support and empowerment extended to the Kingdom's digital economy, technology, and space ecosystem by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. His commitment to building a competitive digital economy, empowering people, and reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and create future growth opportunities.
Saudi Arabia's hosting of the fifth edition of LEAP 2026 reflects the progress achieved in recent years in building an integrated technology ecosystem that attracts investment, talent, and global companies. It also reflects LEAP's evolution since its inaugural edition in Riyadh in 2022 into a global technology movement, expanding its international presence with the launch of LEAP East in Hong Kong and connecting technology and AI ecosystems across East and West from the Kingdom.
The fifth edition is expected to bring together more than 1,000 global speakers and experts, over 1,800 technology companies, more than 600 startups, and over 1,900 investors and venture capital representatives, strengthening LEAP's role in forging partnerships, attracting investment, and opening new opportunities for technology companies and entrepreneurs to grow.
LEAP 2026 will feature a program showcasing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, and the digital economy. It includes DeepFest, the dedicated AI program, alongside tracks covering fintech, healthtech, smart cities, edtech, sports tech, space, gaming, and digital infrastructure.
The fifth edition will also feature dedicated zones and experiences, including LEAP Connect for building connections and partnerships, Sports Tech Hub for exploring the future of sports technology, World Tech Zone for showcasing global innovations, and LEAP Studios for live content creation and impact. Alongside these, there are programs for startups and investors and platforms for announcing agreements and technology initiatives.
The LEAP event will focus on maximizing the economic and social impact of technology, empowering national talent, and providing students in technology disciplines and male and female entrepreneurs with opportunities to explore global innovations, benefit from international expertise, and discover promising career and entrepreneurial pathways.
LEAP 2026 represents a milestone in Saudi Arabia's journey to reinforce its leadership in the digital economy and artificial intelligence. It serves as a global platform where ideas become opportunities and ambitions translate into investments and impactful partnerships, launching from Riyadh "Into New Worlds."
